Don’t let a fun thing become stressful (Picture: Getty)
‘Tis the season to get away.
The summer months are a prime time to jet off with friends and there is nothing more exciting than a few days in the sun with your favourite people.
However, as we get older and friendships evolve, financial situations can change. Some are thriving, others are not – and this is okay. But when this transfers from daily life to vacation station, things can get awkward.
A holiday is suggested, but you can’t afford what is being put on the table. Obviously, you don’t want to miss out, but it’s crucial to remember you don’t have to go above your means to have a memorable holiday.
And so, to help you navigate this tricky time, the travel experts at Go2Africa shared their top tips with us for dealing with the friend holiday wage gap.
Get comfortable with an uncomfortable topic
People get cagey when it comes to chatting money – but being shy can be doing you a disservice.
Go2Africa says that not speaking up can make the situation even more uncomfortable and instead, we end up making other excuses for not doing things.
It is easier said than done, but try not to compare yourself and your financial situation to your friends. State clearly how much you’re comfortable with paying and you never know, this might make them realise they don’t want to spend as much as they first said.
Negotiate and compromise
Don’t feel like you can’t gently push back on some of the spennier plans.
Go2Africa advises suggesting cheaper alternatives first instead of saying a straight ‘no’ to a holiday. Many times, lesser-known islands and towns outside of cities and bustling tourist areas are less expensive.
The same goes for accommodation – renting an apartment or an Airbnb is sometimes more affordable than a hotel, and staying somewhere with a kitchen means you can save money by cooking there instead of eating out.
However, it’s important to ensure that everyone is happy. If your friends want to stay in a hotel, maybe suggest a cheaper option with the possibility of upgrades or stay in an apartment and splurge on nights out and other luxe activities.
Set boundaries before travel
Even when the big details like where you’re staying are nailed down, don’t forget to do your research on the small stuff too.
Investigate the area beforehand and decide on restaurants and bars that everyone is happy to visit. This means you can budget pre-holiday by looking at online menus.
Before departing, decide on whether you will be splitting bills or paying for exactly what you order. This helps to avoid awkward discussions and disagreements, and means each person on the holiday is on the same page and comfortable.
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It’s up to you to stick to your budget
It can be hard, but we can’t stress enough the importance of setting a budget and sticking to it.
Devise how much you will need for each day and extra for emergencies. Be strict and stick to it. If you struggle to stay within budget, a good tip is to leave the cards at home and only take cash. This way you won’t spend more than you can afford.
And always remember when you are away with others that their budget is not your budget. Don’t get carried away in the rush of spending.
Don’t feel bad for saying no
Finally, the travel experts advise that if money stress is outweighing the excitement, you can always just say no.
Be upfront and tell your friends why you can’t attend – this will help them understand.
If they are set on the plans they have drawn up, perhaps you can arrange the next trip when you can afford it.
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Get comfortable with honesty and setting boundaries.