You should take the big talk about money before you travel.
It may feel uncomfortable, maybe even unnecessary. You might think it will all work out. But the trip will be so much better if you talk through your financial situation in advance. What can you afford, and what do you want to do?
Some people travel with unlimited resources, while the rest of us need to stick to some kind of budget. There are two scenarios, and both can have negative consequences. Let me explain.
You might be the one with more money. In that case, you may find yourself wondering whether to offer or lend money if the person you’re traveling with can’t afford the activities you’re eager to do. Or you might be the one with less money and find yourself having to say no to activities you had planned.
That’s why you need to talk about things in advance. Hotels, shopping, restaurant visits, museums, and activities — the list can be long, and everything costs money. With different budgets, you may choose very different restaurants and means of transport.
Some people like to eat well, and that’s perfectly fine. Others think that the travel experience itself is the most important part — the hotel can be simple, and so can the food. You need to talk about what you value most and what you’re willing to give up in advance.
You should have the big talk about money before you travel.
Here are some tips on how to talk about money::