Traveling together? You want to have this well organized.
You have booked the plane tickets, found a gem of a place to stay, and the summer outfits are already ready. But have you also thought about money? No, not about how much you are going to spend on an Aperol and avocado toast, but especially how you are going to arrange that together. Because traveling as a couple (or trio, or more) is fantastic, but believe us: even the best vacation friendships can falter when there are issues over money. Fortunately, there are two things that make your life so much easier.
1. The credit card: your best travel buddy
You might think: but I just have a debit card? Sure, but when you go traveling, applying for a credit card is an absolute must. You can effortlessly book hotels and rental cars with it, and in emergencies (read: your suitcase only arrives when you are already home) you are often better insured.
You probably want to know: how does a credit card work exactly? Simply put: you buy now, pay later. At the end of the month, the amount is automatically deducted from your checking account. Handy, right?
Extra nice: many credit cards offer purchase protection. So if you accidentally leave that one designer sunglasses on the beach (or you suspect a cheeky seagull), there’s a chance you’ll get reimbursed. Just check the terms and conditions.
2. Open a joint account (and avoid that awkward “who pays what” moment)
Are you sitting in an alley in Rome, staring at the bill for your fifth lunch in a row and mumbling “didn’t I pay yesterday?” Then it’s time for a better solution, namely: open a joint account.
A joint account is perfect when you go on vacation together. You both (or all together) deposit an amount, pay for the whole trip with it, and at the end everything is clear and fairly divided. No hassle, no calculator needed, and no one feels uncomfortable about the umpteenth little bill.
Bonus tip for the planners among us
Before you leave, create a Google Spreadsheet together with expected expenses: flights, hotel, food, shopping, you name it. Add an estimate and keep track of what you spend. And yes, this might sound a bit boring, but it brings peace. And peace is vacation. So try to enjoy it and leave the money worries to others.
