How to give up a vacation when you can't afford it

Traveling with friends is always bright, fun, and unforgettable. At the same time, it is also an expense. There are times when you have to deny yourself something, even if you really don't want to. No one wants to disappoint their loved ones, but you shouldn't go into debt to do so either.

The Huffington Post gives tips on how to refuse a vacation when you can't afford it, and how to negotiate with friends without falling out.

Don't avoid talking about money

You can come up with many different excuses for why you can't go, but it's best to be honest about it. Explain to your friends that the trip is beyond your budget. And don't compare yourself to others. Also, talking about money can help them realize that they don't want to spend either.

Look for a compromise

If your friends suggest expensive destinations that you can't afford, offer an alternative rather than refusing to go on vacation at all. For example, instead of the expensive Maldives, choose Sri Lanka or the Philippines - they are cheaper, but definitely not worse. As for accommodation, look for more affordable options on Airbnb instead of booking rooms in luxury hotels. Make sure that everyone is happy and satisfied with everything.

Spend a fixed budget

It's common for travelers to go over their vacation budget, so you should try to negotiate big expenses like hotels and airfare. Explore the neighborhood and suggest some restaurants and bars that you would love to hit so you don't get stuck in line paying more than you planned because you can't find a place to eat. Before you go, talk about how the bills will be billed to avoid disputes.

Calculate how much you can spend on each day of your trip, and set aside funds in case of unforeseen situations

Before you leave, think about how much you are willing to spend and how much you need to visit everything you have planned. If you have a hard time keeping to your budget when you go, leave your cards at home and only take cash so you can't spend more than you can afford. Seeing your friends spending will make you want to exceed your limit too. But remember that their budget is not yours and it may be different.

You have the right to say no and it's okay

If you can't afford a vacation, then you can say no to the idea. And that's perfectly fine, you shouldn't feel guilty or remorseful about it. Don't make up reasons that don't exist, but be honest about it. If your friendship is genuine, they will understand your situation.