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You might consider packing your bags and traveling towards different horizons as the weather warms up. Taking a vacation is a great way to enjoy new experiences, de-stress, and spend quality time with the people you care about the most.

Of course, hitting the road or taking to the skies without a plan might turn those vacation dreams into a harsh reality once the credit card bills arrive. Therefore, it makes sense to put your finances in order before booking.

There are many ways to approach your travel plans, whether to get the best deal or save money even while on the go. Here are some of our recommendations to make your next holiday as budget-friendly (and worry-free) as possible.

Budget for a Worry-Free Vacation

No matter the time of year or occasion, planning your holiday carefully is always a good idea. Like most expenses, budgeting for your vacation is a good idea. A great starting point is to calculate how much it will cost to travel to and from your destination and the cost of your hotel or other lodgings.

Many guides cover the subject of saving money on booking, so we will focus on ways that you can save money now to cover the costs.

When you know your departure date and have settled on how much you will pay, reconfigure your current budgeting plan to cover the impending costs. Make the total booking costs for your ticket and hotel room a savings goal and update your budget accordingly. You can book your travel expenses now to lock in your rate, too, as costs tend to increase as you near the booking date.

For example, let’s say your plane ticket and hotel room cost $2,000. Your travel date is in a few months. Take the cost of your trip and divide it by the months remaining until your departure, and you will have a general idea of what you need to save in the meantime to break even.

Another avenue you can explore is your credit card's rewards program. Many credit cards have a points system weighted heavily towards travel expenses. The points you accrue from everyday purchases can also be used for cash back or credit to cover upcoming travel expenses. Visit your credit card services rewards program site for more details.

Don’t Forget About Your Security

While you’re traveling, don’t forget about protecting your money. It is much easier to fall victim to identity theft, pickpocketing, and fraud if you travel to an unfamiliar place.

Do your due diligence and take steps to guard against scams. Here’s what you can do before and after your trip to ensure you control your finances.

• Let your card issuers know where you are. First, inform your card issuers about your plans. Doing so decreases the likelihood of a declined transaction at an inopportune moment. Many cards have in-app controls that you can toggle to let your servicer know you will be traveling.

  
  

• Have multiple payment methods on hand. Depending on where you go, the locals may only accept one form of payment over another. That’s why it helps to have both the local currency and your card on hand. Be prepared to switch to one or the other, depending on the situation.

   

• Don’t keep all your money in one place. While far away from home, having your money spread across different methods and places is a good idea. This is so that you aren’t entirely without money if your wallet or pocketbook gets stolen or misplaced. Store some emergency cash in your hotel room safe, and be prepared to have a backup debit card if something happens to your primary payment method.
  

While Traveling, Remember That You Have Alternatives

When people think of traveling and vacations, thoughts of million-dollar vistas and extravagant nights out might flood their minds. The “ideal” vacation might play out differently depending on your preferences and budget.

Remember: not every aspect of your holiday has to be glamorous. Try to find lower-cost alternatives here and there to keep your travel expenses reasonable. For starters, you can consider the following:

• Use public transportation where possible
• Renting a vacation home or unit instead of a hotel room
• Getting groceries and preparing food instead of eating out every meal
• Avoiding high-traffic tourist destinations
• Learning about the local tipping culture and adjusting accordingly
• Choosing a hotel that includes breakfast with stay
  

Above all, try to remember why you went on vacation in the first place. Much like spending time with family during winter, the reason for going on vacation is more about the experiences rather than what you buy.

Whether for Spring Break or a summer getaway, traveling should be a fun and fulfilling experience. Let your financial institution help you get into the vacation spirit.

First Florida Credit Union offers financial products that make it easier to make your travel plans a reality. Try a money market savings account to get more as you save or a Diamond Rewards Visa Credit Card with travel accident insurance.