You’re going away to travel, you’re in a new relationship, and you’re excited to spend some quality time exploring a fun new city with your new and exciting partner. You’re still in the ‘it’s worth it, everything’s worth it’ for this person type of stage (which while everything always is worth it, later on in relationships people actually realize you can impress someone without going into debt), and I leave it to you: How much do you pack for a weekend getaway away?
My boyfriend works in the airline industry, and as a result is able to travel at next to nothing. And consequently, when I travel with him, I travel for next to nothing. Additional discounts available to employee’s for travel related expenses make it a compelling weekend plan. However, with this thrifty attitude on travel and accommodations, does it make it fair to make up the difference by eating at good restaurants, going to the trendy bars and buying souvenirs for those back home? And if not (hopefully you said no), how do you bring up the topic of money in a new relationship before being slapped with a big, awkward ‘declined’ at the dinner table as your other tries to pay for the meal.
Money in relationships can be tough. Even tougher when you’re still getting to know someone, so you want to keep them impressed until you can be together without worrying so much about the costly extras. To avoid being a super thrift, here’s some easy ways to afford travel without the headache of stressing about money:
1. Check out the weekly ‘zine.
Most cities have some alternative newspaper that completely focuses on their city as being the centre of the universe, news light and event heavy. These are perfect to scope out the scene, what’s going on, and perhaps what’s cheap or free and off the tourist scene, where you are sure to get ripped off.
2. Pre-pay your credit card.
Know you are going to travel? Terrible at saving up? Prepay your credit card 20 dollars a week and so you have a balance to use when you travel without worrying about dipping to cash expense flow or going into debt. Credit cards are good to have when you travel as well.
3. Split planning.
Have your partner plan one activity, and you another. Then you have some control over what you spend, and can have some input on what (and how much they cost) activities to do.
And lastly, nobody likes a debbie downer, but don’t be afraid to say no. There is always an alternative if you really can’t afford it! You really want that 5-star restaurant, try a local spot and go to the fancy place for a drink after. There are always options!
Happy travelling! What are some tips that you have found work when it comes to money control?
finance your life 