Author: Wendy Mitchellbr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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How many of us leave for vacation only to return home after days of souvenir shopping, dinners out, museum visits and cab rides to find our expenses exceeded our budget? A little advance planning can go a long way to ensure that the most memorable part of vacation was the trip and not the cost. Here are five basic tips to help plan a vacation that wont break the bank.

Make a Budget and Save

Prices for everything from airfare to hotel accommodations are higher during the peak travel months of summer and during holidays, so start planning early. Savings on flights can be found when purchasing tickets in advance. Oftentimes, a hotels own Web site will offer the best rates, especially closer to desired destinations, as rooms open up through cancellations.

Once you have an idea of the costs for your vacation, determine how much you will need to save every week so you will have allocated the money for your trip before you leave.

Budget for Spending Money

Even the best budgets can go off course when you forget to add in spending money for things like guided tours, equipment rentals, souvenirs and the occasional latte or ice cream. Make sure your savings plan accounts for spending money so you fully enjoy your trip.

Seek Advice From Fellow

Travelers

Just because youre on a budget doesnt mean you cant enjoy all your vacation destination has to offer. Take time to research online the cities youre traveling to and read what others have to say. Recommendations from the locals can help you avoid the higher-priced tourist traps while offering a more authentic experience.

Consider a Prepaid Card

One of the most effective ways to stay within budget is to use a prepaid card, such as Visa TravelMoney. Protections make these cards a safe and convenient alternative to carrying cash or travelers checks with all the convenience of a debit card, as well as access to local currency through the more than 1 million Visa/PLUS ATMs worldwide. You can load money to the prepaid card in a variety of ways, including at the point of purchase, online or by phone. Best of all, the card is accepted at millions of locations worldwide and even comes with benefits-like lost luggage reimbursement-that are designed with travelers in mind. And unlike cash, if your card is lost or stolen, it can be replaced.

Start Planning Your Next

Vacation

Take advantage of last-minute travel opportunities by maintaining a vacation nest egg that you add to regularly.

With a successful, stress-free vacation under your belt, youll be the go-to travel expert for family and friends.

Family fun on vacation may be easier and less expensive to achieve than many realize./pbr
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