5 mind tricks to boost your holiday money (and happiness)

Your holiday happiness is not related to the amount of money you spend. FACT. Use these 5 mind tricks to boost your holiday money – and boost your happiness. 

Once you have worked out how much spending money you need with the setting our holiday budget guide, you can use these 5 mind tricks to boost your holiday money – and boost your happiness. This holiday money mindset allows you to bypass the money niggles that can reduce your holiday joy without you knowing.

Almost goes without saying (I say it a lot!) Be prepared . You don’t want to waste money on things you could have brought with you.  Yes I pack a couple of dishwasher tablets and loo rolls – Check out the self catering holiday guide here for the why’s and what’s.

Trick 1 – Forget the budget and spend mindfully.

You know what you want to do, you’ve worked out your budget and have decided what is included in it. Now forget it. Carefully watching your money on holiday saps the joy big time.  Spend mindfully – and remember what you have planned is not set in stone.

If you think of the amount something will cost in terms of “joy ” you can ask yourself  “is this worth it? What else could I do that will bring me the same amount of joy?” – they say the best things in life are free – some are – decide what you want to do, it’s your holiday.

Is it really worth sitting on towels on the beach for free when you’d be much happier and more comfortable with sunbeds and a parasol (and free wi-fi).

Trick 2 – Make every English penny count.

There’s a huge difference in the right way to spend money abroad and the wrong way – as much as 10%.  Definitely get an overseas spending credit card. Or a debit card with no fees for spending abroad. These cards allow you to spend in local currency at a non-loaded exchange rate.  Putting as much of your spending on this card makes the most of the best rates.

• Never use a non specialist credit card abroad, the extra charges mean you are throwing away the price of a couple of beers every time.
• Never use an ATM abroad, you are literally throwing away the price of a fab ice-cream every time.  If you are taking currency – plan ahead, the best deals are online and need a few days notice.
• Never change money at the airport, you’re throwing away the price of a wonderful cocktail or two. Depending on where you are going it may pay to take sterling.

When we go to Cyprus we change ours out there as the rates in the tourist areas are always better than at home. Whatever your spending budget is, rough guess how much you will be able to put on the card and leave that amount in your bank account, ready to cover the bill after you get home. Have a look at our cards guide

Trick 3 – Ignore the price, it does not matter

Ditch the penny watching and buy what you need when you need it. There is nothing as Joy sapping as looking at the prices of everything, and physically paying, and feeling it – feeling that little ‘pain of paying’ every time you get your cash out and hand over the money and get the change.

Some people have holiday envelopes and daily allowances. Please don’t – there is a proven relationship between handing over actual cash and the happiness of the spending. Why do you think casinos use chips? Or Amazon has 1-click pay? It stops you thinking about how much you are spending, right? Stops you thinking too much at all. At home, everyday this is something to be mindful and careful of, but on holiday – make the most of it.

Use that overseas credit card as often as you can. Pick what you want, hand over the card. Much less pain. You have the mindset, you know instinctively what is ok to spend. You’re not going to suddenly go rogue and spend willy nilly. When you get that credit card bill, it won’t be a shock. Just a surprise that things were less than you thought.

Ok I’m not saying go crazy but say you’re gasping for a bottle of water, see a shop but it’s 2 euro’s for a small cold bottle of water – buy it, don’t make the price an issue – it’s not something to moan about, it doesn’t need to ruin your holiday. You have enough. Enjoy that expensive bottle – it was exactly what you needed. Unless of course there’s a supermarket next door where they are half the price but you get my drift.

Trick 4 – Make the treats real treats.

Walking down the strip you smell the delicious aroma of grilled sweetcorn. Have some. When do you get the chance to do that at home? Embrace and enjoy these new experiences. It’s not a waste of a few quid.

Or ice cream – you pass by a parlour – you spot your favourites – (mines cherry and bounty) – but look a chocolate dipped waffle cone is an extra 2 euro’s and a flake or toppings another 1 euro. Fab. Have what you want, make it the best ice cream of your dreams, take photo’s, enjoy every lick. Make it a memory.

Spending that extra 4 euro’s can make such a huge difference to your holiday. Say you pass a café serving the most delicious looking food. Try it, just have a lighter dinner. Don’t have regrets.

Trick 5 – Avoid picking the cheapest item on the menu

You’re on holiday – make eating out special – you fancy a steak? Have a steak. You want a sticky toffee pudding? Have a sticky toffee pudding – just keep these thoughts in mind.

• Food is a need
• The amount you spend is a variable
• The Joy you get from eating is also a variable
• More spend does not always equal more joy

So have the steak – there’s your memorable meal – the one you say “oh you must go there, that’s amazing” (ONCE). You don’t need to do it every meal. You don’t eat out and have a three course meal every day at home do you?

Find other ways to eat that are fun, not expensive. You could grab a takeaway and eat on the sun loungers, watching the boats in the harbour. Find the local dishes and eat on your balcony or in your room.

Here’s a bonus mind trick 

Prebook any activities before you go – that way the pain of paying on holiday is gone. Make sure you book with free cancellation though, you never know what may come up. Viator is great for activities with free cancellation.

Think about this. Have you been on an all inclusive holiday? That’s an excellent example of removing the pain of paying. Would you have enjoyed the holiday quite as much if you’d have got your wallet out for every ice cream, meal, or activity? Would you have eaten, drunk or done so much if you had to pay every time?

Think about your last holiday, think of the moments that stood out, and use your experience to make the next holiday even better.

Let me know in the comments if you use any of these tricks, or how you spend money on holiday, what brings you the most Joy?

We had the best time in Vegas and only spent £500 which was half our budget, and that included the £200 resort fees!

Cyprus was £200 for a week, again we had a great time, didn’t feel like we were missing out on anything at all.

More holiday ideas and tips

Check out our deals and offers page for the latest travel deals, discounts and offers and ways to save money. And these posts too.

• How much holiday spending money do you need?
• Same hotel room. Same dates. How to save £700.
• Summer Hols British Airways Club Europe return to Cyprus for £50
• How to fly to Europe for £1
• Air Miles beginners guide

Find more moneysaving tips, information, competitions, deals, and offers in England.

• Head over to Enjoy England for Less – our new website dedicated to England – it’s new and we are adding content all the time.
• There’s a our Spotlight On page for all the info on fab places to go in England
• And a  deals and offers page for Competitions, deals and offers
• Plus visit the Moneysaving tips page for great ideas to Enjoy England for less.

Have you got an overseas holiday booked?

We have plenty of help and information if you have a holiday booked, a holiday cancelled or are trying to get a refund. As well as useful advice for future bookings. Have a read of of some of these articles.

• How can you book a trip where you do not risk losing money if you need to cancel?
• How can you get a refund for a cancelled holiday or flight?
• What if you have booked with LoveHolidays?
• Should you cancel your Virgin Holiday?

• Read these booking flights and hotels separately need to knows
• What if your flight is cancelled or delayed? How to be prepared.

Now you are here…

You’ll find lots of information on ways to Spend Smarter and Travel Smarter, from making the most of freebies from loyalty cards to essential travel guidance and moneysaving information. And some fun and #SmallJoy to like The perfect weekend break, without going anywhere? Silly, fun, cheap and AWESOME.

Now you can Visit Cyprus Smarter. Helping you plan a memorable trip, making the most of your time (and money). Enjoy the fabulous Island with confidence using our insider tips and reviews.

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