With winter just around the corner, now is the time that many people start planning a tropical get-away for the winter. Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but under planning and overspending can lead to financial stressors. Consider the following tips to reduce travel-related anxiety and help you make the most out of your time away—whether journeying across state lines or overseas.
  1. Create a travel budget. To help you make well-informed financial decisions while away without compromising your long-term savings goals when you return.
  2. Think mini getaway. If an extended vacation far from home is not in your budget, consider taking shorter, more frequent trips. Shorter trips require less planning and may be generally less expensive. Depending on your situation, these shorter trips could offer more opportunities to unwind year-round.
  3. Plan in advance. Trip planning can be stressful. Research destinations, make reservations, prepare itineraries, and create a budget. Create a reasonable timeline and budget and ensure you have your affairs in order (impending deadlines, medication needs, and baby-sitting, dog-sitting or house-sitting arrangements).
  4. Control what you can. Unexpected surprises—flight delays, lost or stolen items, can quickly sour your vacation mindset. Travel insurance can help you recoup some of your expenses and soften the blow to help with smooth sailing. Some credit cards—especially those designed for travel—offer protections for delayed flights, lost luggage, trip cancellation, accident insurance and more.
  5. Accessing accounts abroad. Wherever you are traveling, make plans to manage your money. Mobile banking apps, mobile wallets and credit cards all have their place, depending on your destination. Consider creating a travel plan within your mobile banking app to avoid potential debit card transaction delays if your debit card is part of your travel plan. Got questions? Your personal banker at Iowa State Bank can help.
Please consider these tips and enjoy a well-deserved vacation.

This information is provided for informational purposes only courtesy of the Independent Community Bankers Association and Iowa State Bank.