The Best Ways to Stick to a Budget During a Vacation to Costa Rica
When one is planning a vacation to Costa Rica,
they definitely want to avoid stress over spending and have a more relaxing and
memorable stay that doesn't include constantly thinking about their bank
account. Many work very hard for a vacation which is a well-deserved break from
the hustle and bustle of their everyday routine.
It's much better to have a free-feeling time
where they know that once they return home from their luxury villa in Costa
Rica, they won't have a giant credit card bill to deal with.
Plan Early and Set a Budget
The key to smart vacation spending is the
dreaded planning and budgeting. However, when finished before the trip then it
will be much more relaxing. Around 8 % of the average person's total yearly
budget goes to fun, which includes travel. Anyone that loves to travel can
heighten that portion by cutting spending in other areas.
First, consider where traveling to Costa Rica, how to get there, and what experiences will
be had there. This allows one to see where they will spend the most, and where
they can save. Airfare varies, as does the cost to rent a luxury villa in Costa
Rica. The time of year plays a great deal into the pricing.
Set Up a Daily Cash Allowance
Once the initial spending on transport and the
luxury villa in Costa Rica is done, one can then set a budget for each day that
includes drinks, food and shopping. It's best to add a small percentage to the
total as a sort of "cushion" to plan for the unexpected. A great idea
is to put aside each day's daily allowance in separate envelopes, and when it's
gone it's gone! Most places have a safe where the cash can be stored. With this
method, one's credit card can be saved for emergencies - but hopefully there
won't be any.
Exchange Experts Will Benefit!
Getting the very best exchange rate in Costa
Rica is simple, and it's usually available at a bank ATM. Save the exchange for
the destination, as foreign banks typically have lower rates for exchange than
commercial counters. Base the total amount of money exchanged on the set
budget.
It's important to call banks and credit card
companies to see what foreign transaction fees are. Not all will charge but
it's definitely important to know so that fees aren't stacking up unknowingly
every time an ATM is used, or every time the card is swiped somewhere. This is
another reason to keep the cash envelopes safe in a luxury villa in Costa Rica and avoid any charges associated with using a
credit or debit card.
Not only that, if one doesn't inform the bank
and credit card companies that they're traveling abroad to Costa Rica, they
could freeze the accounts due to suspicious activity. Save embarrassment by
calling them to let them know when and where the card will be used whilst on
vacation.
Don't Overdo the Gifts
While it's fun to get souvenirs for friends
and family, keep it simple. They don't need something from every store that's
passed. Pick one meaningful item and then call it quits; it will save a
fortune! Another tip is to make a list of each individual to be gifted, and a
set spending amount for each of them. That way the list can be pulled out in
the gift store. In Costa Rica if one buys in bulk they can negotiate a great
discount, so that's another consideration.
When shopping for personal souvenirs, make
sure they match a house or lifestyle so they don't look out of place when
returning home from the luxury villa in Costa Rica. Consider if they'll
actually be used and appreciated or just collect dust. Photos are always a
smart option in regards to a memorable item from vacation.
Comments