Easy Technique to Manage Vacation Spending

Many Americans stress about vacation spending. A new attitude, not a new bank account will solve that.

Advertising today would have you believe that all vacations are a time of rest, relaxation, and pure joy. Though we all know the real world is much different. Vacation planning, travel, and experiences may seem blissful, but they can also become super stressful... and the financing to have the experience is usually to blame.

Many of us create and experience stress about paying for a family vacation beyond life’s normal financial responsibilities. Travel choices can really drain what may already be a tight monthly budget. Even worse, vacation stress can sometimes drive people to not take a much-needed vacation, leading to burnout and more. If you are not careful, it can become a vicious cycle.

So, what is the solution? Of course, many websites, books, and articles are out there with advice, but even more important is changing how you think.

A detailed budget will not stop vacation overspending

Suppose you have anxiety over controlling your vacation spending. In that case, you will find no shortage of expert tips: set a fixed budget for travel and meals, avoid shopping, get familiar with alternative, inexpensive methods of transportation, etc.

Most of these tips provide solid advice but focus on simply not overspending rather than addressing why we feel the need to go overboard in the first place. If you genuinely wish to dial down vacation spending, you must adjust your attitude, not just your budget.

While on vacation, instead of setting boundaries around your spending, work to get a better idea of what vacation elements you enjoy the most. How can this be done? Simple… Gratitude.

The solution to vacation overspending

If stressing about vacation spending can send some to shop and spend even more, would intentionally celebrating what we have help us curve our spending?

Try this… When feeling anxiety or stressful financial thoughts before or even during a vacation, train yourself to stop and take a few minutes to think about a moment in life that you were honestly grateful for. What parts of that moment made it so special? Often you will find the most enjoyable moment of past vacations did not revolve around big moments of spending. If you give this exercise a total effort, it will make you pause and think about what you want most out of your upcoming vacation. You will escape those stressful feelings and showcase financial patience. The more grateful you are, the more patience you will possess. These fond memories of gratitude can be your best defense again stress and overspending.

Absolutely take steps to create a thorough budget before each vacation, but before you whip out the debit or credit card, remember to take one more action and count your blessings.

We will all find that the most straightforward technique to hinder stress and vacation overspending is to be thankful for what you have. Solid advice at any time of the year, but particularly helpful during the summer when taking a vacation may be upon us.