A budget is the last thing you want to think about while you’re on vacation, which is why it’s so easy to blow it. To avoid an overspending hangover when you return, make a list of stuff you want to buy before you go.


Apartment Therapy makes a solid point: when we travel, we tend to think of shopping as an activity, and that can get us into trouble. Most of us are already more prone to overspend on a vacation. Add the activity of shopping into the mix, and “it’s the worst thing you can do if you’re trying to save money while traveling,” says writer Taryn Williford.

The idea isn’t to cut shopping completely during a vacation. If you want to pick up some souvenirs or specific items, make a list of what you want before you leave. Maybe it’s a gift for a friend or just something you want from that region. Either way, a list helps ensure your shopping is a means to an end, rather than an activity. If you’re on a budget, it comes in handy. For more tips, head to Williford’s full article.


Vacationing on a Budget? Avoid This One Travel Habit that’s Bad for Your Wallet | Apartment Therapy