Whether you’re jetting off for some R&R with your family or an action-packed adventure with friends, managing your money well can be the difference between a stressful or stress-free trip.
This is where money-orientated apps can come in handy – helping you create a budget, track your spending and get the best deals.
Here we offer several top tips on using apps to help simplify your next getaway.
Create your budget beforehand
It’s wise to create a budget before you set off on holiday to avoid overspending. Setting a savings goal is another way to make sure you have the flexibility to enjoy your trip without having to worry about money.
If you have a spending limit you need to stick to while you’re away, there is a wide range of budgeting apps you can utilise during your travels.
Once you’ve found an app that works for you, try splitting your budget into separate categories such as food and drink, travel, accommodation and entertainment.
This will stop you from splurging on one category (like a snazzy hotel) and not having enough spending money left for fun activities.
Track spending in real time
To help you stick to your budget, it’s important to track your spending while you’re on the move.
Find an app that allows you to view your balance on your credit card and total spending in real time so you always know where you stand with your spending.
Taking the local currency with you can also help here. Smaller expenses might not be suitable for a card payment, so having the option of cash is helpful.
Exchange currency wisely
If you’re going abroad, make your money go further by searching for the best currency exchange rates, or spending money in the most efficient way.
Shop around for the best deals and check if certain providers charge for delivery if you order online.
Many app-based providers now offer near-perfect exchange rates and no commission so you can make your money go further. Remember, if you’re asked whether you want to pay in pounds or the local currency, the latter will always be cheaper!
Make use of discounts and rewards
We all love a good deal, so why not download apps to help you find the best travel discounts?
If you’ll be flying abroad, it’s worth downloading Skyscanner to find the best value flights.
You can either search for specific dates and destinations or “explore everywhere” to view the cheapest flights from the UK.
You could also take a look at Kayak, which searches for hotel deals across hundreds of websites to find the best prices.
View the cheapest dates, compare prices and filter deals to suit your requirements.
There are many ways that apps can enhance your travel experience, making your holiday work for you and your bank balance. How will you manage your money on your next trip?
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
