Thursday, March 25, 2010

How to Budget for a Vacation: NetSpend’s Prepaid Cards & Other Tips

Everybody needs a little vacation at some point. It’s hard enough to find the time to go and even then, many people are worried about the associated costs. But vacations should be relaxing, not stressful. With the right planning, you can make it just so.

When you’re thinking about going on a vacation, choosing your destination is the first step to take. Consider the time of year and where you want to go. If it is peak season for beaches, costs will typically be higher. Compare your options with different dates and do some pricing to see when the most reasonable time would be. This also applies to airfare. Different days of the week will cost more, as will holidays. Planning this far enough in advance will save you money, as prices generally rise closer to the date; this will also give you more time to save up for your trip.

When going on a trip you shouldn’t have to worry about money the whole time you are there. In order to avoid this, consider using a NetSpend prepaid card. NetSpend Prepaid cards are a great way to keep yourself on budget. Decide how much you intend to spend during your vacation and put that amount on the prepaid card. Include the amount of the costs you already know are set, such as transportation and lodging. Past that, estimate additional costs on the higher end and place that total amount on the card – then you will be set. On vacation, it’s very easy for people to overdraft from their bank account and be charged, or spend way too much on their credit card. Opting for a NetSpend prepaid card ensures that you will stay on budget throughout your entire trip. Additionally, Net Spend’s prepaid cards can be used at any ATM where Visa or MasterCards are accepted, making them a safe and secure way to travel without having to carry cash.

When the time finally arrives for your trip, you can relax knowing that you have the money for your expenditures already set aside on the Net Spend prepaid card. You can use your NetSpend prepaid card as soon as you arrive, or pay in advance online for some things like your car rental and hotel room. Another added bonus is you can leave your credit cards safely at home and you only have to carry this one card with you everywhere you go. Also, in the event that it should be lost or stolen, you can always immediately cancel it.

If you want to know how much is left on your Net Spend card, there are multiple ways to check your balance. If you have access to the internet, you check your balance 24/7 at NetSpend.com. You can also check it by text message, phone call, or at ATMs. Check your balance as much as you want, so you can alleviate your worries.

Whether your vacation is across the world, or just a few hours down the road; using a NetSpend prepaid card will give you the ease and convenience you need. Net Spend prepaid cards help you set a budget and stick to it, avoiding the regret of spending too much while you are on vacation.