Ten Top Travel Tips

I’ve heard about this competition over at Rosie Scribble which wants top tips for travelling with special consideration of the budgeting side. Although it is primarily aimed at families with children, when you are on a fixed income such as a pension, careful consideration must be given to costs.

Hopefully, the folks at Caxton FX have got a card with global currency for £500 waiting for me to collect (I hope) if I share my tips! As hubby and I are planning a trip to New Zealand, the idea of money on a card sounds so much safer than cash plus it saves the worry of different currencies so here are some of my tips:

• Start with a list of where and what you want to do, even if the budget is tight. You will be surprised what you can get for your money if you look carefully so don’t start by saying ‘We can’t afford it’.

• Taking children on holiday? Involve them in the planning. Let them begin to understand budgeting and if necessary, make choices of the places you will visit.

• Set yourselves a daily ‘spending money’ amount. We start with a certain figure for each day and have great fun counting how much is left each evening. If you haven’t spent that days allowance, there is more to add to the daily totals.

• Book as far in advance as you can. That is the time for some great deals!

• Make sure you have researched the attractions you want to visit so that the budget can cover them. There is nothing worse than getting somewhere and realizing it is too expensive.

• If you are travelling by car, make sure you include the cost of petrol in the budget. Check on costs if you are going abroad. Not all garages are like the supermarkets here.

• Again, if you are in a car, try to make the journey there and back a ‘holiday day’ and not just the trek to get to your destination. Build in interesting stops.

• Think about what you will eat and plan for meals. Don’t rely on chains but look for local, independent restaurants and build in picnics using local produce.

• Don’t always assume visiting museums etc will cost you money. Do your research and find out what is free. Cities and towns love visitors and many have wonderful sights that are free entry.

• Check that your insurance will cover all eventualities especially if you are travelling abroad or going to more of an activity-type holiday. Hopefully you won’t need it but you don’t want to be caught out!

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