Budgeting my travel extras

October 13, 2012 by Zippy 555 Comments

Why is it that I can figure out how to travel the globe but

My “when I get there” expenses ALWAYS exceed what I had planned? Looking back on the past two months I’ve realized that

I’ve had a treatment at the Golden Door Spa at the El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico.
Wandered through the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco shopping & eating
Scheduled a balloon ride at this year’s Balloon Fiesta.
Relaxed by the tiki bar at the Hollywood Crowne Plaza ordering pina coladas.
Took an unexpected tour on the TMZ tour bus around Hollywood, when my friend sprained her ankle & couldn’t walk.

While I’m a whiz at traveling on the cheap, the shopping when I get there…not so much.

I need a way to CONTROL my travel extras

**souvenirs, spas and socializing**

I was determined to try to reign it in these past two weeks and I had a plan!

Armed with my SERVE pre-paid account from American Express and Verizon, I loaded $250 on to the card and hit the road. I knew that I could use the card anywhere that American Express is accepted, and I had the added bonuses of purchase protection, roadside assistance, and entertainment access (all things that I may have to use when traveling). I downloaded the SERVE app onto my Verizon Droid Incredible 4G LTE so that I could send and receive money in an emergency via Facebook, email or text, but my REAL goal was to stay UNDER that $250 mark.

I am proud to say, that the experiment was a success.

While I did buy my share of goodies and souvenirs

I actually found myself consciously spending less, knowing that I had a limited budget. Rather than buy yet ANOTHER leather handbag (yes, I drooled over it for a while), I was much more practical and purchased this Dream Bracelet that I knew I’d wear every day (plus it was unusual).

I love knowing that if I set a budget, that no matter WHAT happens to be in that store or if my favorite champagne is on the menu that I won’t exceed my budget, AND I can do it so easily. For more about the SERVE card from American Express, check out my Serve video and post from two weeks ago.

I’d love to know YOUR tips for staying on a budget when you travel PLUS offer one of Champagne Living’s readers the opportunity to win a Pre-Paid SERVE card loaded with $250 to keep to spend on YOUR favorite items (yes, this includes SPA DAY).

GIVEAWAY

WINNER: Shannon G – Jurupa Valley, CA

Extra Entries & Rules

Follow me on twitter @zipporahs and tweet about this giveaway using the hashtag #ChampagneLiving
Comment below with your tweet
Subscribe to Champagne Living, follow me on facebook or twitter – all found on the sidebar (each counts for 1 extra entry)
Tell your peeps on your blog, facebook page or twitter about this or any post (each counts for 1 extra entry) and link to us.
Share this giveaway on any contest/sweepstakes/giveaway site for 5 extra entries..
This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and over and ends on October 28, 2012
No purchase is necessary.
Odds of winning are dependent upon the number of entries received.
Void where prohibited by law.

I participated in this sponsored post campaign for Serve by American Express. All opinions stated are my own.

Filed Under: World-Tour

About Zippy

Zipporah Sandler AKA Zippy is a lifestyle and travel specialist who after living everywhere from Providence to Paris found herself suddenly residing in South Florida (something she swore she’d never do).

Her Champagne Living site is determined to bring back the art of joie de vivre by offering articles on how to break free of the day-to-day and live the life you always imagined. She spends her days looking for products that make you feel like you’re living in luxury, destinations that you’ll take with you long after you’ve left. and musings on the little things that create a big life.

Whether it be San Pellegrino water or Louis Roderer Cristal, Zippy suggests that you keep your life sparkling and your glass full.