The Special Offer...

THE ‘SPECIAL OFFER’ YOU CAN’T RESIST

By
Janice S Ramkissoon

You’ve dreamt of white sandy beaches, clear blue waters and the warm sunshine bouncing off your back but financial reality strikes and your dream dies…

When funds are low and you really need to take that break, whether to de-stress or visit the relatives and friends what do you do?  Do you sit and get depressed over the finance situation or start planning to achieve your goal?  If you choose to plan for your holiday the following points may help in that process of bringing your dream to reality.

·      Special Offers

You’ve seen a special offer (flight only) now that dream of yours can finally become reality.  Don't be too hasty! A special offer should never be taken at face value:

1. Calculate your accommodation cost;
2. Calculate how much it will cost for meals & entertainment;
3. Get quotes for travel insurance and add the value to the cost of the ticket;
4.  Now double that cost so that you have adequate financial resources for things you may not have planned for (i.e., local transportation; emergencies and souvenir shopping) especially if you are going as a family;
5.  Don’t forget that much anticipated contribution if you are staying with Aunt Sue & Uncle Roosevelt and also picking up the bill at the Jerk Centre.

With your grand total - Can You Really Afford That Special Offer?

If you can, then great! You can make a deposit to secure your booking and start planning your holiday.  However, if you are not in a position to secure a booking at this stage then here is a debt-free plan, in helping to bring your dream a little closer to reality.

·      Budgeting

When funds are low, planning and budgeting is necessary. Plan and budget for your next visit and you’ll be amazed at what you can afford. With the increase in low-cost airlines, holidays are getting more affordable but planning is still necessary for many people.  Even with this advantage, the average cost for a holiday can still take the average person months to save up that kind of money.  

If funds are limited for you, don't take all your month's wage to secure a flight and then start on the road to debt.  Find out from your local travel agent what the normal cost is for the period in which you are available to travel. When you get that price, set up a saving plan for your holiday and then closer to the time, start shopping around for the best travel deal.

·      Saving

Put aside a weekly or monthly amount, possibly by direct debit, into a high interest account.  Don't take the fun out of living while saving for your holiday – that will only leave you feeling down.  But do curb the unnecessary spending so you can keep to your target and keep the holiday dream alive.  Soon you'll be jetting off to that Island in the Sun.

·      Keeping the Dream Alive

While you’re waiting and saving get to know your holiday destination and start to plan what attractions you would like to visit and how to get from point A to point B.  You can get this information from the tourist board.

When you visit, don't just stay onsite the hotel or at home with relatives and friends – it defeats the purpose of going on holiday.  You’ve worked hard and saved long for this holiday so, explore the Island/Country you are visiting (take your camera and/or camcorder with you).  Make it a truly enjoyable and memorable experience. 

Visit museums and historical buildings; see cultural events (there will be a variety this year due to the bicentenary commemoration of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act so take advantage).  Explore and enjoy what the destination has to offer while soaking up the Sunshine.

When staying with friends and relatives plan your stay in a similar way as if you were staying at a hotel.  This will ensure that you and your family have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay which helps to achieve that holiday experience you desire.  You may even save up enough to stay at a hotel instead of Grandma’s, Aunt Sue’s or Uncle Roosevelt’s guest room.  Planning and saving towards your dream holiday will expand your options and you’ll have a more enjoyable holiday experience.

© J. S. Ramkissoon 2007