Holidaying for New Year 2016 without the Massive Bill
New Year is such an exciting time of year, but often a very expensive one. Pubs hike their prices and airlines also like to cash in on the holiday season. We can often feel the pressure to do something really great, but it is really important to figure out the finances before making any impulsive decisions. New Year costs can often come crashing down on us in January, making the start of the year really difficult to cope with, especially if a lot of it has mounted up on credit cards.
Here’s a few tips to enjoying the time of year without spending a packet:
Plan in advance
You can get some great deals for mini breaks at New Year if you plan ahead. It’s October now, and three months until Christmas, so now is a very good time to get on the internet and seek out some good deals. Even better, book your new year break after the last new year break. This really is when prices are at all time lows, as many people aren’t thinking about booking up a year in advance.
Be flexible
Being flexible about where you want to go and what you want to do is key to getting a good deal. Perhaps you want to go to Germany to enjoy the New Year in Munich, but there may be better deals going on across the rest of Europe. Be flexible, see what us around, and don’t discount anything too soon. Also, be flexible on dates. Many people don’t want to travel back on January 1st, so the prices are cheaper. Consider flying at non-sociable hours to get cheaper fares.
Don’t book impulsively
It can be really easy to spend a lot of time late-night internet surfing with a bottle of wine, where you find what you think is a good deal and in the moment decide to book it all up. Avoid doing this! Impulse buys are very rarely good value for money. Wonga ZA, a payday loan provider for short term loans, suggests asking yourself whether you really need the purchase before you click that ‘buy’ button. They also suggest asking yourself how much the holiday would cost you overall. This doesn’t just mean the cost of the flights and accommodation, but also the interest if you’re using a credit card/loan. Then you will also have all your spending money. These costs soon add up! If you’re an impulse shopper, try reading this blog post for tips on avoiding impulse purchases online.
Stay at home
Do you really need to head abroad for new year? A nice meal, friends and a low-key affair could be just the ticket after a busy Christmas. You won’t start the new year in debt, and you’ll be able to save up more money for a different break in 2017.