It’s holiday time, it’s a once a year occasion, or maybe rarer, and you really want to let yourself go and enjoy the time away from work and home responsibilities. Been there, done that. But the risk is that when you’re feeling like this you might end up coming home broke.

Then working for the rest of the year to pay off your credit card debt.

So here are my three biggest tips for how not to come back broke from your holiday this summer.

Don’t splurge on pricey meals every day

Sure, it’s lovely to have a tasty restaurant meal for lunch and dinner but first, this could get expensive, and second, it’s going to affect your waist line too. Grab a simple sandwich now and again or go for an extra big lunch but then snack on fruit or bread and cheese at dinner time.

It’s often all you’ll need, and if you spread out the enjoyable meals you’ll appreciate them a lot more.

Don’t stock up on souvenirs for every relative

Some people feel obliged - especially if they travel somewhere a bit more exotic - to bring home gifts for everyone they know. I used to do this too but now I haven’t for years, and I’m pretty sure that there’s nobody holding it against me. Quite the opposite probably.

Just think of the tacky souvenir gifts your friends or family have brought back for you over the years.

Don’t take taxis everywhere you go

This depends on your destination but if you’re having a city break it can be tempting to grab a cab every time you need to go somewhere. Check the local public transport options and when that’s just as convenient, hop on a bus or train to save a bit of money - and experience the local life better, too.

• Tips for making memories of your holiday
• Paid for in-flight food that other passengers get for free
• Tips for enjoying your restaurant meal abroad
• Travel tips to become a better, safer traveller

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