Paying For Your Vacation

Estimating the cost of a vacation can be daunting, but on this page we aim to help. These are some basic guidelines I use (and pitfalls to avoid) to help plan my vacations. In addition, my trusty "vacation calculator" (below) is a useful tool to estimate the total cost of your trip. 

Charging Your Vacation
Do not put your vacation on a credit card unless you are earning miles or points.  Take vacations you can afford. If you want to use a credit card for the expenses, that's perfectly acceptable, but only put expenses that you can pay for within one billing cycle so you aren't "financing" your vacation.

Duration & Peak Season
The duration of your vacation will most likely affect the total cost. The longer you go, the more expensive it will be. What time of year you go also plays a role in the cost of your vacation.

Getting There
Deciding on air, cruise, train, bus or car will affect your vacation cost. And don't forget hidden or overlooked "fees" associated with each mode of transportation such as parking fees, attraction tickets and checked baggage. Fees will add up. 

Getting a Great Deal
Deal shopping is tricky. I suggest getting a qualified travel agent to help you determine when to book a particualr vacation. 

Booking Early
In some cases, booking a trip as far out as possible can save you big money. Also, last minute deals do exist, so be on the lookout. 

Travel Insurance
Usually, I only insure trips over $500. Larger trips should be insured. 

Call Your Bank / Credit Card Companies
Before you leave home, let your bank(s) know you are traveling to avoid hassles on the road. 

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