Set
a Budget - Step 1
Set a realistic
budget as to what you want or can spend for a dive vacation
Setting a budget
is the most important thing to start with in planning a vacation
of any sort. Depending on what you want to spend and what you
can spend will make a big difference. Dreaming about those dream
vacations are always things we must do, but, how we go about
getting there and the cost, is very important.
If you have only
so much to spend, don't get caught up in dreaming the un-attainable.
For budgets under $1000.00, there are plenty of dive adventures
that you can consider. Don't confuse the cost of a trip with
getting there and having a good time.
There are many things
to consider. Am I ready to go? (Pre-Planning) 1. Do I have all
my own gear? (Will I have to rent?) 2. Is my gear ready to go?
(Repairs) 3. What spending money will I need? 4. Are the any
hidden costs that are not included in my package? (Departure
taxes, transfers, food, drinks, tips, etc.) 5. And more
So what is the cost
of the trip? All the above and more, you need to decide what
the total cost of your vacation and then plan from there. This
way there are fewer surprises than you had planned for. There's
a simple way to plan out your cost: 1. Pre-Trip Cost 2. Actual
Trip Cost 3. Surprises
- Pre-Trip Cost: These are any costs that it takes
to get ready and don't apply actually to the actual Trip.
- Things to bring: Clothing, Snacks, Cameras (film), Toiletries (See Things to Bring for more suggestions.)
- Gear & Repair
- Medical, Insurance & Government documents
- Transportation to and from airport
- Trip Cost: Actual cost of the trip - Air, Hotel,
Dive Package (all that is included in your package)
- Surprises: Transfers that weren't included, tipping,
personal purchases, departure taxes (airport), lost tickets,
developing your film, the un-known
You need to decide
how to break this cost down. Rule of thumb: 20%-60%-20%,
reason being that getting ready for your trip should not be
so expensive, that its not worth going on the trip. Most of
your money should be going for the actual trip, so that it is
the part that you remember.
So, if you are thinking
$1000.00; then $200.00 is for Pre-planning, $600.00 for the
actual trip package, and $200.00 should be set aside for the
surprises. Now, you are looking at a $600.00 vacation package.
Where do you plan to go? So, if you see a dive vacation priced
out at $1600.00, figure another $640.00 for your
budget.
Timing - flexibility
- be able to work with what is available
Look at your vacation
time, can you get away mid-week? Or, can you add days to your
trip leaving on a weekend. Taking the Red-eye saves money and
time. What holidays fall during your timing for vacation? Can
you extend a business trip? (you are already there)
Price guarantees
- Trip Insurance
Traveling at certain
time of the year offer certain pricing guarantees. Including
your air package with your land can give you certain discounts.
Trip Insurance, can save you money if you need to cancel your
vacation due to sickness, airline problems, changes in the itinerary,
trip delays, missed connections, lost baggage. Suggested sites:
Diving Links
|