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The Lead Belly

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What Are the Pros and Cons for Securing an Unsecured Debt

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Every business needs an external cash injection at some point in time. This could be in the form of a traditional term loan, unsecured business funding or any other kind of loan.

In some instances, a business may use collateral in order to obtain a loan. If the business defaults on loan repayment, the lender confiscates the collateral.

On the contrary, an unsecured business loan does not require collateral, which means that it poses a lower level of risk to the borrower.

The pros and cons of securing an unsecured debt are discussed in the article below:

Pros of unsecured debt

No Requirement of Collateral

There are many businesses that do not possess something of value that can be used as collateral rendering them ineligible to secure financing.

Unsecured loans do not require you to put up collateral of value. Rather, they will be content with your future projections, and business plans. If the lender deems them good enough, he will approve your loan.

When you are not putting up collateral, the lender may ask for some other kind of surety like a personal guarantee.

Time-Saving

Business loan applications take quite a lot of time to get approved because the lender is following an SOP that requires it to review each and every aspect of the business. It applies to both secured and unsecured financing.

However, in case of a secured loan, the lender must spend additional time in surveying the collateral and obtaining its value. On the contrary, when you are seeking an unsecured loan, you will save this time.

No-Risk Posed to Your Assets

For a secured loan, you are required to put up specific assets. It could be the office building or your production equipment. In case of default, the lender will take control of this asset.

There is no such condition with an unsecured loan and they pose no threat to your assets.

Cons of unsecured debt

Higher Rate of Interest

An unsecured business loan is riskier from the point of view of the lender because he does not have an asset as a backup if you fail to repay the loan.

In order to cover this higher risk, the lender may charge more interest from you.

Not Easy to Qualify

When there is no collateral involved in the transaction, the lender may scrutinize your business more thoroughly. It would review your financial statements, tax returns, credit score, and projections. If the lender is able to find a gap in any of these areas, it is most likely to decline your application.

The Final Word

A business in need of working capital in the form of an unsecured loan must take stock of its present financial condition.

In many cases, an unsecured loan will look the most suitable option because of many reasons, some of which are listed above.

However, it is up to the business owner to analyze what is best for his business in the long run, and then act accordingly.

To read more on topics like this, check out the finance category.

Why You Should Upgrade Your Bed

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All homeowners knows there is always something that needs doing around the house. Whether it is simple maintenance jobs, decorating or upgrading your furniture, there is always something that demands your attention. One area that you should definitely focus on is your bed. Many of us sleep on a bed that is worn out or poorly designed – so upgrading the bed is a very sensible use of your money.

It will help you sleep and feel better

The most obvious reason for a change of bed is that a new, better-designed bed will help you sleep more comfortably and soundly. If you currently sleep on an uncomfortable bed, upgrading to a high-quality product is sure to help you rest more peacefully each night. An old bed will make it hard to get comfy and can cause you to toss and turn all night. As sleep is as important to your health as your diet, and we spend around 33% of our lives asleep, upgrading your bed allows you to get the best quality sleep.

Gives your bedroom a fresh look

Beds also have a key role to play in how the most stylish bedrooms look. Very often, people may not have enough money to buy the bed which fits in with the look they want at the time. If you suddenly find yourself with the cash needed, upgrading your bed can help give your bedroom the overall look you want. Buying a certain style of bed can also transform how the room looks and give it an instant makeover. When dressed with the right bedding, a new bed can really add some style to your home.

Don’t forget the mattress and pillows

Of course, getting the best night’s sleep is not only about the bed you use. While it is important, you also need to buy high-quality pillows and the best mattress you can afford. Sleep labs pillows are a good choice and come in a range of fully adjustable sizes. Getting pillows which are adjustable is always wise as this means you get the exact firmness you like each night.

Comfy pillows that give good support for your neck will also help you rest properly with no stiffness the next morning. Your mattress is also essential in terms of getting good sleep. Be sure to find one that has the right level of firmness and gives your whole body proper support.

Getting the whole package right is important

There is no doubt that getting the right bed to sleep on will help greatly in terms of your health and wellbeing. As the above shows though, this is not the only thing to think about. Just as important are the pillows and mattress you buy to use with the bed. If you can get the whole package right then you will be able to enjoy a glorious night’s rest every time.

To read more on topics like this, check out the house category.

Things to Look for When Buying a House

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Investing your money in buying a home is something that you should take seriously. That is why it is essential to do a lot of research before making any buying decision that will have a significant effect on your life. Remember that once you close the deal, there is no turning back. It is essential to be careful when it comes to making decisions regarding investing in a property. Here are some of the things that you should take into consideration when buying your dream house.

The boiler should be in good condition

Every house needs hot water, especially during winter. Take time to make sure that the system that is in charge of supplying hot water to the entire house is working efficiently. Don’t forget to enquire about the warranty for the boiler that is indicated on the sticker. Heating systems are known to last for more than a decade, but if you buy an older house there is a possibility that there will be a need for a replacement boiler.

Check for faulty pipes

You may want to hire a professional plumber to check if the pipes are in good condition. Leaks should be taken care of immediately when you discover them because they get worse over time. Do not wait for your pipes to burst as it can cause flooding and damage your furniture and appliances.

Check the condition of the tiles

Tiled flooring tends to become hollow underneath due to normal wear and tear plus the change in weather conditions. Try knocking on the tiles, especially bathroom walls and floors. If most of them sound hollow, you need to have them checked. There is a possibility that its waterproofing feature has already worn out, which can cause mould and dampness underneath the tiles. Have someone look at this problem before it gets worse and ends up damaging the entire structure.

Have someone check the roof and gutters

Most buyers fail to check the roof of the house. You may think that there is nothing wrong with the roof because you do not see any visible signs. Roofs get damaged during snowstorms and weather changes. That is why you need to get in touch with a professional roof inspector regarding this problem. They will give you a detailed report on its condition. Should there be any damage, make sure that it gets fixed right away

Check for additional storage cabinets

It is essential to check if the bedrooms have enough storage space. Built-in cabinets are crucial for keeping things organised and free from clutter. If the house that you are about to purchase does not have them, you can consider installing a fitted wardrobe UK bedroom furniture specialists can custom design for the property.

Lastly, you and the seller should come to an agreement on who will shoulder all of the repair expenses. It is best to have the agreement in writing to make sure that everything will go smoothly.

To read more on topics like this, check out the house category.

The Top Places To Travel In The US

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If you’re keen to book your next US-based adventure you’ve come to the right place. Simply continue reading to discover some of the top travel destinations to visit within the US. All of which are worthy of a spontaneous trip!

The top places to travel in the US:

Arizona:

Arizona is home to one of the most impressive sites in the world, the Grand Canyon. Which is well worth visiting at least once in your lifetime? However, Arizona has more to offer than the Grand Canyon and also features stunning hiking tracks and horse-riding trails as well as adventurous desert biking tours and full day boat trips. If your idea of a good time is exploring the natural beauty of the great outdoors you’ll be spoilt for choice if you visit Arizona.

If you’re keen on the idea of visiting Arizona in the near future it’s also well worth visiting Scottsdale Arizona, where you’ll be able to explore Old Town, the historic section of Scottsdale. Old Town is teeming full of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. One of which is Riot House, a world-class bar, restaurant and nightclub which is an oasis in the desert landscape of Arizona. Riot House is a very popular night club for events in Scottsdale.

Hawaii:

Hawaii is even more stunning in person than it is on postcards and TV shows. If you love the idea of getting to bathe in crystal clear, turquoise blue water, you’ll fall in love with Hawaii at first sight. Some of the other activities that may catch your eye in Hawaii include taking a movie tour of Kualoa Ranch, learning how to surf at Waikiki Beach, hiking to the top of the Diamond Head crater, swimming with dolphins and attending a luau.

While Hawaii is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii also boasts one of the largest outdoor malls in the USA and is known for its tropical-themed restaurants that feature international cuisine. In fact, you can sample some of the world’s top-rated sushi in Hawaii. As Hawaii is home to numerous world class sushi restaurants, which attract some of Japan’s most revered sushi chefs.

California:

California truly has something to offer everyone. For the young at heart California offers a wide variety of theme parks such as Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios and SeaWorld. If you visit California during Halloween, it’s well worth attending Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, which will give you the chance to walk through some of the world’s scariest horror mazes. Most of which have been inspired by hit TV shows or films such as “The Walking Dead”, “Us”, “Stranger Things” and “Ghostbusters”.

While if you prefer the idea of discovering boutique cafes and stores, you may enjoy taking a walk-through Santa Monica. If you’re a keen surfer, you’ll also feel right at home in Malibu, which is known for its picturesque hiking trails and stunning surf beaches.

If you love visiting some of the world’s most iconic musical festivals, it’s also worth planning a trip to Palm Springs to attend Coachella in a creative festival outfit.

So there you have it, three top-rated US travel destinations which are well worth visiting in the next few months. So, what are you waiting full-day? Why not choose the destination which excites you the most and start planning your travel itinerary today?

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

12 Magnificent Flowers For Each Month Of The Year

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Flowers could make any occasion brighter and livelier. They have the cardinal power to turn any ordinary day into a special one for your loved ones. They represent the soul and beauty of nature and their fragrance can captivate the most stone-hearted person too. Each month of the calendar is also represented by a beautiful floral that enhance the allure of the season and make them special with their enchanting bloom. Let’s see which flower rules for your birthday month!

1. January – Carnations

The crisp and cold season of January is embellished with the beauty of Carnations. These “Cinnamon Red Hot” florals are flowers for the first month of the calendar. It symbolises love, fascination and distinction. As the legend says, the first carnation was born with the tears of Mother Mary when Christ was crucified.

2. February – Violet

The love and romance are in the air in February which is further enhanced with Violets. It represents loyalty and faithfulness. Violets say that you will always be true to your love. This beautiful flower also exists in white colour which takes it beauty a notch above.

3. March – Daffodil

The spring season in March makes nature bloom at its best and this pretty season is further adorned with Daffodil. Also known as “Love Call”, they symbolize new birth, beginnings, happiness and joy. Daffodil is also the national flower of Wales and spotting first daffodil of the season is supposed to bring good luck for the ear to come.

4. April – Sweet Pea

April babies have got Sweet Pea in their hands which symbolize beauty, innocence, love or purity. It is found in every part of the world except Antarctica. These flowers are native to Sicily, Cyprus and Southern Italy and are known to be long-lasting. Present a flower bouquet of a sweet pea to someone to appreciate their beauty and innocence.

5. May – Lily of the Valley

To celebrate May birthdays, we have Lily of the Valley which indicates humility and happiness with their sweet fragrance. Despite what its name suggests, Lily of the Valley is not true lily but it belongs to the asparagus family.

6. June – Honeysuckle

Pronouncing love, gratitude and appreciation, honeysuckle is also used in the manufacturing process of herbal pillows due to an old legend saying that if one keeps honeysuckle under their pillow at night they will be blessed with pleasant dreams.

7. July – Larkspur

Different colours of larkspur present different emotions. Pink larkspurs symbolize a fickle love whereas, on the other hand, white ones says a happy spirit. It is quite popular for its pretty flowers.

8. August – Gladiolus

The birth flower of August, in its sheer beauty, says to the recipient “ remember me”. It also represents strength and integrity. In old times, these flowers were considered to have magical powers.

9. September – Aster

The fall begins with the sweet fragrance of Aster symbolizing a strong and powerful love. It belongs to the family of sunflowers. Aster is also used in the preparation of various floral arrangements and bouquets.

10. October – Marigold

Drenched in the colours of fall, marigold symbolize undying love. It is an easy flower to grow and that is why it is a favourite of cultivators worldwide. Marigold is usually yellow, orange, red and maroon in colour.

11. November – Chrysanthemum

It is not only a birth flower for November borns, but also considered the second most popular flower with its name derived from Greek words, chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower). The chrysanthemum was first cultivated in China.

12. December – Poinsettia

The Christmas spirit comes alive with the charming red Poinsettias in the house. The bright red part of the plant is actually not a flower but modified leaves. December 12th is celebrated as Poinsettia Day.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

Leading Health Benefits of Tomatoes

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You can eat tomatoes fresh or add them as ingredients to different recipes. There are also semi-dried tomatoes that you can use for various foods, including pizzas and sandwiches. They are not only tasty, but they are also packed with vitamins and nutrients that are good for health. Here are some of the health benefits that you can reap from eating tomatoes.

Help prevent cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death around the world. Tomatoes contain a high level of lycopene, which is an antioxidant that can help prevent various types of cancers. Some of them are stomach, colorectal and prostate cancer. When you cook tomatoes, they produce more lycopene, making them perfect for preparing healthy meals, including a filling tomato soup.

They are fantastic for skincare

Lycopene is not just for fighting cancer, but it can also make the skin glow since it eliminates toxins. It is the reason why tomatoes are also used for various skincare products that are often expensive. You can save money on these high-priced products by using fresh tomatoes for your skincare. Peel some tomatoes and put their skin on your face ensuring that the inside part touches your skin. Let them sit for about 10 minutes, remove them, then rinse your face with water. Your face will look fresh and clean, with a natural red glow.

Prevent heart problems

Stroke is one of the top causes of disability and death in the UK. Every year, about 32,000 people die because of it. Older people are more at risk of stroke, although a significant percentage of middle-aged adults also suffer from their first stroke. Tomatoes are rich in potassium and vitamin B, which help lower blood pressure and cholesterol level. By eating tomatoes, you can prevent stroke and other problems related to the heart.

Help manage diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body fails to process blood sugar. Proper management is vital because sugar levels in the blood might shoot up, and it may lead to severe complications like heart problems, stroke, and even death. Those with type 2 diabetes may benefit from eating tomatoes. According to a study made on type 2 diabetes patients that were subjected to eating cooked tomatoes for a month, it decreased the instance of free radicals attacking fats, which can increase the risk of heart concerns.

Enhance eyesight

Having clear eyesight is vital to ensure that you can conveniently perform the things that you need to do, whether it be at home, work, or school. Lycopene has several health benefits, and that includes the improvement of vision. Aside from this substance, tomatoes are also rich in other nutrients that are helpful for maintaining clear eyesight like beta-carotene and lutein. The said nutrients can also prevent various eye problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.

Improve digestion

Tomatoes are also rich in fibre and fluid, which are perfect remedies for constipation. Be careful if you are prone to indigestion and acid reflux because eating cooked tomatoes may trigger these.

With all the health benefits that you can get from tomatoes, it’s time that you add them to your daily diet.

To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.

How To Promote Your Business With Custom Decals

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If you’re interested in discovering innovative new ways to promote your growing business, simply continue reading to learn how to effectively promote your business using custom decals.

How to promote your business with custom decals:

Display custom decals and vinyl lettering on your business’ windows:

In order to increase the amount of foot traffic which your business attracts it’s a wise idea to have custom decals with your business’ name and logo created, which you’ll then be able to display on your business’ windows. As if potential customers are aware of your business’ goods or services, they’ll be far more likely to visit your store.

Even if your business is an online business and doesn’t offer a physical premises by placing custom decals that refer potential clients to your website, you’ll also be able to increase traffic to your business’ website. As you’ll be able to place decals on the windows of your home or your business’ office building.

Make sure that any vinyl lettering which you use is easily readable:

If you’re sold on the idea of using vinyl lettering in order to promote your business, make sure that your text is easily readable. As an example, there’s little point ordering vinyl lettering which is far too small to be read from a distance. Also make sure to use a clear yet professional font that will have a positive impact on your business’ reputation.

Use custom decals, which you can place on your car in order to market your business:

You can turn your car into a moving billboard for your business by getting custom decals that promote your business produced, which you’ll then be able to decorate your car with. This is a great marketing ploy as every time you drive around town, you’ll raise the profile of your business.

Instead of using custom decals to skin one car, you can also reach out to your close friends and family members to see whether they’d be willing to place custom decals which advertise your business, on their own cars. As the more publicity that you can muster for your business the better.

Consider using custom decals to decorate your business’ walls:

In order to ensure that your business’ offices or stores look professional, it’s a great idea to decorate your business’ walls with custom made decals which display your business’ logo and name. You may even want to consider getting your business’ motto created on a custom decal.

Use your business’ official colors in your decal designs:

If you’d prefer opting for a simple, classic design you can’t go wrong opting for a simple black or white design. That will be sure to attract attention. Alternatively if your business’ logo features distinctive colors, it’s a great idea to try and incorporate these colors into your custom decals. As individuals will instantly associate your custom decals with your business’ brand.

So if you’re interested in using custom decals in order to further promote your business, it’s a great idea to use all of the helpful tips listed above in order to attract new customers to your business.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.

Furniture Buying 101 – 3 Tips to Keep Costs Low

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There’s no denying the importance of furniture in a home. After all, not only does it serve functional purposes, but it can also give your living space a lift in both ambience and appeal. And it is for these reasons that many of us continue to invest a considerable amount of financial resources in securing these items.

But don’t be fooled: these pieces can be as expensive as they are aesthetically pleasing. And there’s a good chance that you’ll spend more than you need to if you spend on impulse. So in the interest of keeping expenditure low without compromising on what you want, here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for furniture.

Don’t buy the first thing that you see

There’s a good reason why a lot of people explore every avenue when shopping for furniture. After all, not only does it allow them to find inexpensive options but also money-saving deals and discounts too. As such, it’s crucial not to buy the first thing that you see and to take time checking all available options. As tedious as the task might be, you’ll be surprised at how much money you can potentially save on that Bernhardt furniture that you’ve always wanted.

Take the time to check customer reviews

If you’re buying online, there’s a good chance that you won’t be able to assess and evaluate the furniture piece that you plan to purchase in person. And if this is the case, it’s a general rule of thumb to read through customer reviews before making any purchases. After all, businesses may downplay some facts regarding their products, and furniture companies are no different. And by checking what the customers have to say, you’ll minimize the risks of buying low-quality pieces, and as a result, avoid the hassle of returning the purchased items for refunds or replacements.

Learn to negotiate

While it might sound weird to haggle over the cost of furniture, it’s crucial to learn how to negotiate when shopping for these types of items. After all, these products are often marked up high by retailers. And while it may not always be possible to drive the price of the chosen furniture items down, you will never know until you try. Time spent in negotiating can potentially land you a better deal than you would have otherwise.

Shopping for furniture on a budget isn’t as simple and straightforward as some might think. In actuality, it can be more than just a little challenging to secure the pieces that you want without spending more than you need to. But just because it can be a tricky and complicated affair, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s impossible. And by following the tips listed in this article, not only are you far more likely to get the items that you want but do so without putting a sizeable dent in the bank in the process.

To read more on topics like this, check out the house category.

Tips on How to Plan a Holiday with Children

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When you are looking to book a holiday, it can be difficult, especially if you have young children to consider. There are many different places in the world that you can travel to and as a result, it can be hard to decide on a destination that is suitable for children. Since many people struggle with this decision, we decided that to make things easier for you by putting together this handy guide on how to plan a holiday with children. From deciding where to go to navigating the airport, click here for some handy tips and tricks to help you get the holiday of your dreams.

Choosing the Right Destination

When you go on holiday with children, it is important that you find a destination that is suited to both children and adults so that you can keep the whole family entertained. There are many different destinations that are suitable for children, however, you need to consider the age of your child and how far the destination is. For example, there could be a brilliant resort that is suitable for children, but you will need to take into consideration how long the flight is. If you take your child on holiday, usually you want to make sure the flight isn’t too long so that your child doesn’t get too restless after sitting down for a long period of time.

Deciding on the Best Time to Go

Another tip on how to plan a holiday with children is making sure you choose the best time of the year to go. This is important because you want to make sure you choose a time of the year that will be suitable for the whole family and it won’t be too warm for young children. If you have children in school, it is also important that you choose the best time that won’t interfere with school and the work they have to do, in this case you should check the school holiday dates.

Getting to the Airport

Another tip on how to plan a holiday with children that you should take into consideration is how you are going to get to the airport. There are many different options for you to choose from when it comes to getting to the airport. If you have children, one of the easiest options that you should consider is driving and parking your car at the airport, this is because it means that you can bring things to keep your children entertained and when you get to the airport, they can be left in the car to then use on the way back for entertainment.

If you are flying from a busy airport such as Heathrow airport you might find that Heathrow airport parking can be difficult because there are so many cars going in and out every day. To avoid not getting a space, you should make sure you book spaces before you go to the airport. This is because if you book then spaces before you arrive, you can be sure that you will get a space that is suitable for you. For example, you can get a space that is the size you need and also get parking for great prices especially if you book well in advance. This parking is available for you so make sure you follow the link and get booking today.

Keeping the Kids Entertained During the Flight

When it comes to the flight, you want to make sure you can keep your child entertained, in order to keep your children entertained during the flight, you could bring some smart devices for them to play on and watch movies on while on the flight. You could also bring toys and other items that you can put in hand luggage for your child to use to keep them entertained.

In Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of things you need to think about when you are planning a holiday with children. It might have been easier when it was just you and your partner but it is now extremely important that you think about the needs of your children too. You don’t want to go away anywhere where they could overheat and you also want to watch out for term dates and other things that might affect the dates of the holiday.

Overall, the most important thing you can do on such a holiday is plan. If you are able to sit down and work out as much of it as possible before you go away, you are going to be much more prepared when the day of travel comes. Take a look at things like pre-booking your parking to speed up everything and then get ready to enjoy your holiday. It is bound to be loads of fun!

To read more on topics like this, check out the family category.

12 Ways to Save Money on Travel Expenses During an Overseas Holiday

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Taking a holiday abroad can obviously be an expensive trip, especially if you’re not taking any steps to budget or conserve funds. There are millions of ways to break the bank on an overseas vacation, but there are far fewer ways to be frugal. Plus, with so many temptations for entertainment and leisure surrounding you in most tourism destinations, any funds that you do allocate towards the trip can quickly burn a hole in your pocket and leave you with a restricted budget for the rest of your stay. With that said, here are 12 ways you can ensure your holiday budget lasts through the entire adventure and leaves you with plenty of headroom for generous spending:

1. Book Flights Direct Rather than via a Comparison Site

The first way you can make sure you’re not spending a lot on travel expenses before your holiday even starts is to book flights in advance directly with the airline using a platform like FlyPorter.com. Comparison sites don’t always list every available airline, and by booking well in advance, you’re guaranteed to obtain the cheapest possible fare for your trip. Porter Airlines offer extra legroom and free snacks and beverages as standard too, so you will be getting more for your money.

2. Shop at Farmers Markets

Food can be one of the biggest expenses during any overseas vacation because there’s always the temptation to eat at one of the many restaurants that are usually available in popular tourist destinations. However, most places also have decent farmers markets that are worth checking out. Not only will shopping for local produce give you healthier meal options and access to exotic produce that you probably won’t easily find back home, it also keeps you from blowing most of your budget on dining experiences.

3. Opt for Out-of-Town Accommodations

Choosing a hotel that’s located in the middle of a bustling metropolis is always going to be the most expensive route. Many times, you can find decent accommodations just outside of town for a fraction of the price. Plus, local transportation systems often service these satellite cities and towns as well, so it’s not like you’ll be missing out on anything. While you’ll have to endure slightly longer transit and commuting times, the significantly reduced cost is usually worth it.

4. Go Camping

If you really want to save money, opting for a campground would be the absolute cheapest option aside from pitching a sleeping bag on the shore of a beach somewhere. Many places will even have parks in the area that offer free or very cheap overnight camping rates. As an added benefit, taking this approach will put you closer to nature and provide for plenty of scenic photo opportunities.

5. Bring Snacks Everywhere

Try to bring a snack-loaded lunch bag or small cooler with you when you go on outings during your holiday. This will keep you from falling into the temptation of spending your money frivolously on convenience foods. Having a quick and cheap way to keep your appetite at bay can definitely be a huge money-saver when there are appealing restaurants all around you.

6. Look for Tourism Discounts and Cards

Many popular tourism destinations will offer tourist discount cards or passes that can be used to access most of the main attractions in the area for a flat-rate, all-inclusive fee. Some of these packages will also include bus/train fare and cover the cost of a meal or two at some of the area’s best restaurants. You can leverage these package deal discounts to save a significant amount on your overall trip costs.

7. Visit During the Offseason

Every place has an off-season when the weather simply isn’t ideal for tourism. While you may have to be more careful about planning your outings and checking the weather forecast during the off-season, you could cut your hospitality costs in half by doing so. Plus, you’ll find that attractions aren’t crowded and there’s plenty of privacy at the local beaches and parks.

8. Opt for Big Lunches and Ask for a Takeout Box

Most restaurants will charge more for dinner entrees, and while some will allow access to their full menu during all open hours, the vast majority will only serve the cheaper lunch entrees during lunch hours. If you’re really trying to be frugal, order a couple of lunch entrees and ask for a take out box so you can have a ready-made dinner waiting to be re-heated later in the evening. This is a particularly great option for soups and sandwiches because they don’t easily lose their flavour or appeal.

9. Stick to a Pre-Defined Budget

Setting a strict budget and sticking to it might not seem like a lot of fun, but you can still leave plenty of room for spontaneity if you heed the rest of the tips on this list. Running around and spending money without any budget whatsoever will put you at risk of exhausting your overall vacation funds prematurely. Try to create an itemised list of expected expenses and then assign a reasonable amount to each category to ensure you’ll have enough to do everything.

10. Utilise Credit

There’s really never a better time to utilise your credit than during a vacation. If you have credit cards, your holiday trip would be an ideal time to max out your limits for the sake of not dipping into your cash reserves. Of course, many credit cards will also provide points or flight miles, so that’s another reason to put them to good use while travelling.

11. Look for Humble Dining Establishments

Visiting the finest restaurants in the city might seem like a great idea, but there’s no reason to overpay for great food, as many places will have smaller mom-and-pop delis, bistros, markets, and eateries where you can get an authentic taste of the region without breaking the bank. You’ll also find that many of these places are more relaxed and have friendlier staff and patrons than the often rigid environments seen in fine dining establishments. As an added benefit, many of the smaller spots won’t subject you to the long waiting lines and hectic crowds that are typically seen in the area’s most famous restaurants.

12. Book a Room with a Refrigerator or Get a Cooler

Not having a place to store food that needs preparing is a sure-fire way to put yourself in a position to eat out around every corner. If you’re not careful, you could easily spend $50-$100 per day just to feed yourself. Over the course of a two-week holiday, that could add up to $700-$1400 spent on food alone. Having a refrigerator or cooler in your room will keep you well-fed the whole time while also letting you save leftovers when you do decide to splurge on expensive eats.

Saving is Easy When You Plan Ahead

Ultimately, the one thing that most of the money-saving methods listed above have in common is that they can be handled in advance and incorporated into an overall trip plan. Any step you can take before your holiday departure will be another concern that you won’t have to worry about during your stay. After all, you don’t want to be fretting about budgeting and conserving money when you’re supposed to be having a great time.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.