Holiday Travel: How to Stay Debt-Free Amidst Changing Travel Restrictions and Plans
NEW YORK, December 15, 2021 (Newswire.com) - Credello: Traveling has been challenging during 2021. Now that it's the holiday season and new travel bans are going into effect, it's getting worse. The Omicron variant is causing governments to institute new shutdowns, flights are cancelled frequently, and Covid outbreaks can cause hotels to be unavailable. How do you protect yourself from all this?
Vaccinations and wearing a mask while in public are two obvious ways to guard your health, but there are also financial risks to traveling under these conditions. In this article, we'll go over several steps you can take to avoid going into debt to travel. It's a little late in the season for long-term planning, but the following suggestions can help keep your costs under control.
1. Set a Budget and Stick to It
This is not specific to the current circumstances. It should be part of your regular routine whenever you travel for pleasure or business. Budgets are important. Using them helps you to better manage your finances and never get caught short on life's essential expenses. Before traveling this holiday season, figure out how much you can afford to spend.
2. Travel in January if You Can
January 6th is part of the Christmas holiday season too. If you're traveling abroad for the holiday, ask your loved ones overseas if they would be okay celebrating on "Three Kings Day" instead of December 25th. Your flight will be cheaper, lodging will be more available, and you'll have two extra weeks of planning time. That could take some pressure off.
3. Be Flexible on Your Flight Plans
Standby flights aren't the money-savers they used to be, but you could save some dough if you're willing to change flights or switch to economy class. If you're just booking your flight now, use a site like Expedia or Travelocity to shop for the best deals. Airlines are dealing with rising fuel costs, but they still have empty seats they want to fill.
4. Check Vaccine Mandates Where You Are Traveling
This sounds like a health issue, but it can also affect you financially. The need to quarantine and eat hotel food if you're not vaccinated can seriously disrupt that cost-effective trip to a distant relative's house. Start checking vaccine mandates now, as they are changing on a weekly basis. You may need to put together some additional documentation to get on and off the airplane.
5. Use Rewards Credit Cards
Cash back and travel awards can make you truly merry during the holiday season. If you don't have a rewards credit card, apply for one before you go. There may still be enough time to get the card in the mail prior to your departure. For those who have a few cards to choose from, evaluate which ones you'll use when you are creating your travel budget.
The Bottom Line: Proper Planning will Save You Money
Saving money during holiday traveling is easy if you properly plan for your trip. Create a budget, travel in January if you can, be flexible on your flight plans, check vaccine mandates, and use rewards credit cards. These are simple steps you can take to make your traveling this time of year more affordable. Have a happy and safe holiday season.
Sources:
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Source: Credello
