How to Plan a Romantic Getaway With Your Significant Other

As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, there seems to be a new travel trend. We used to save vacations for summertime, but we now see people traveling more at off-peak season. This is because most people now have more flexibility in their schedules, thanks in large part to the trend of working remotely that arose during COVID.

If you and your significant other are planning a trip to get away before or after family time during the holidays, here are some things to consider.

Best Times to Get Away

Seasonal deals after Labor Day and before Christmas have been increasing. This is because October is typically cooler, and fewer people tend to travel then. So, prices also tend to be lower. Additionally, there are fewer lines and crowds, which translates into more time to see and experience the things you want to do. Saving time is part of saving money. And private time with your mate is priceless.

Many couples want to go to Europe for a romantic getaway, whether it be Paris, Venice or some other romantic European destination. Thanksgiving week is a good time for these types of trips, because overseas countries don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, so most attractions are open. Plus, things are slower here in the U.S., so work may not be as hectic.

For something domestic, January and February can be great times to visit warm southern locales to knock off the winter chill. Or you could visit the ski slopes at this time, when crowds tend to be smaller.

In turn, many of these areas’ tourist attractions may not be as busy, allowing you to enjoy seeing more of the sights. With so many people working remotely now, it can be somewhat easier to take time off to travel. You could even bring your laptop with you and knock out some work projects while taking in a scenic view.

Planning for Your Long-Awaited Travel

Although many people use travel to relax and recharge, vacations can be costly — especially when factoring in transportation, lodging and meals. So how can you swing the cost of a four- or even five-figure trip? Planning is a must. Here are the key items to consider:

• Determine the maximum amount of money you want to spend. Your travel budget will depend largely on where you go and what you plan to do. For instance, going to an international destination will likely cost more than heading to a beach or campground here in the U.S. Likewise, lodging in larger cities tends to be higher-priced than in rural areas. The timing of your trip can also be a motivator in terms of expenses. In this case, travel at off-peak times could land you discounts on lodging and attractions.
• Start saving now, even if the trip won’t take place for some time. After you have an approximate dollar amount in mind for the cost of your trip, you can break that down and save monthly until you reach your goal. You could also beef up your travel account if you receive a bonus at work and/or an income tax refund. You can cut unnecessary expenses, such as subscriptions you don’t use, to help accelerate your savings.
• Find alternative ways to pay for your travel-related expenses. You may be able to pay for parts of your trip without using cash or credit. For example, if you have a credit card that offers airline miles or hotel points, you could put these toward your expenses and, in turn, reduce the amount of your out-of-pocket costs.
• Don’t overdo it. It is easy to overspend when you are having fun on vacation. So, track your spending. Otherwise, your trip could end up costing more than you anticipated.

 

Are You Financially Prepared to See the World?

Working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional can be extremely beneficial when it comes to planning a travel budget. No one wants to scrimp, struggle or be saddled with significant credit card balances after returning home from a vacation. Find a CFP® professional near you to help you plan for not only your future travel, but also your long-term financial success.