Top 5 places to visit in December for Australians

After a year-worth of hardwork, it is time to treat yourself to that long-overdue vacation. You might consider spending the holiday season with your family in another place, so here’s a rundown of the top 5 places you might want to check out.

Sydney

Okay. The city has probably the same weather as Perth’s but if you’re on a budget and just looking to travel within Australia, Sydney is a perfect choice. If you have kids, they will surely enjoy the Lights of Christmas light projections and singing choirs at St. Mary’s Cathedral. The Rocks Christmas Village also offers wonderful lights, decorations, and seasonal shopping. If you decide to extend your stay until New Year, be on the lookout for the fireworks display in and around the Sydney Harbour.

Phuket

If you want to celebrate a tropical Christmas, the magnificent beaches of Phuket are waiting for you. It’s an appealing destination, especially for people who want to relax and get away from the Christmas rush.

New York City

It’s always worth-visiting New York at any time of the year but December is extra special because of the skating rink and Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center. There’s also that famous ball drop on New Year’s eve at Times Square.

Poland

Twinkling Christmas trees surrounding the city and lavish feasts on Christmas Eve called Wigilia, Christmas in Poland is definitely one for the books. The city of Krakow looks its best when its draped in Christmas festivities and cheer, sprinkled with a fresh blanket of snow to add a fairytale touch!

Banff, Canada

If you want to experience the winter season like no other, Banff is the place where you should be. You can enjoy all the fun activities like skiing, dog sledding, and ice skating.

Plan your getaway as early as now to make the most out of your travel budget. Short of funds? Ask me today on how I can help you secure the additional finance for your dream Christmas family (or even solo!) vacation.

Disclaimer:

Credit Representative Number 486927 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

This article provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Subject to lenders terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

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5 Finance tips on planning your next trip

Based from experience, and I reckon a lot of people can relate, the most effective way of travelling cheap is planning your trip early. It means you have to do everything in advance—book flights, reserve accommodation, set your itinerary, etc…This had been a practice of seasoned travelers, couples, and/or families who desire to escape their busy lives every once in a while.

However, planning a trip can be a long process. You don’t want to risk missing too much and it’s always a good thing having something to look forward to! So as someone in the Finance industry and a self-confessed wanderlust myself, I am giving you 5 finance tips to make the most out of your getaway.

 Set a budget.

This budget can help you determine how much money you need for your entire trip and you can anticipate how much you need to save. This will all depend on your itinerary, the length of your trip, the activities you’re going to do, and you could also include here your accommodation and air fare. You can start a spreadsheet if you want to go the extra mile and be organised.

Create your itinerary.

After determining how much you are willing to spend for this trip, map out your activities and the places you’re going to visit in your stay. This will help you save money, time, and effort (hint: sore legs because of too much walking). It’s also a good way to excite yourself about your travel destination, the more reason to do Tip No. 5!

Research about your destination.

Check at the country or city you are traveling to and find out an average daily allowance for it. There are several helpful blogs online which you can use at your disposal. For instance, you may find out that the cost of living is relatively cheaper in countries in Asia compared to destinations like Europe or America.

Buy travel insurance.

Travel insurance is more than just a medical protection. It covers when your camera is stolen, your luggage is missing, your flight is cancelled, or a family member dies and you have to come home. you should always compare travel insurance policies and find one that suits your unique needs. The following link may assist you to learn more.

Save, save, save.

When the destination is determined, the budget is set, and the itinerary is created, you have one thing left to do—SAVE. Write down all your current expenses so you can determine where the majority of your money is going and you can decide how to cut back. Your small purchases, sometimes, add up which create a huge portion in your budget. Do you have a cut down on your morning coffee? Do you really need that pillow? Review your finances and rethink your priorities if you really are serious in saving the budget you set in the first step. Commit to setting aside a percentage of your allowance or income and label it as your Travel Fund. However, if you don’t have much time to save and you’ve exhausted all possible cutbacks on your budget, consider securing a travel finance. Consult your local broker today and see what deals are available for your situation.

Have a fun getaway!

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product.

Corporate Credit Representative (486927) is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

The post 5 Finance Tips on Planning your Next Trip appeared first on Soul Finance Group.