https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:03:11 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2611357 Fri, 26 Aug 2016 06:33:58 +0000 Bao 2611357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone, I've got a lot of things to look into! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2611354 Fri, 26 Aug 2016 06:32:18 +0000 looch 2611354@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I budget at least $75 per person per day...even for an all inclusive, as there are usually upcharges for things. How much water is included (usually a bottle per person, so if you aren't planning on drinking tap water, you need to account for that as well). I also typically get a spa service at least once while on vacation, so if you're interested in that, I'd see what the prices are and book that ahead if possible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2611343 Fri, 26 Aug 2016 06:04:16 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2611343@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When we've gone to all inclusive and we've literally spent nothing. Cuba twice and spent just what we tipped both times.. Same with Punta Cana. On our honey moon we did a couple excursions, but put it on a credit card.</p> <p>ETA we never leave the resort. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2611307 Fri, 26 Aug 2016 00:55:14 +0000 sunny 2611307@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd bring a bunch of $1 and $5 bills for tipping. </p> <p>Agree with previous posters who recommend getting a credit card! Every hotel I've ever checked into required one to be on file for incidentals or damage to the room. They will take a debit card as an alternative, but they will put a large hold ($200-500) on the debit card which won't be released for 1-2 weeks. </p> <p>Since you may be applying for one, I would look for one with no annual fee and perhaps no foreign transaction fees. The Capital One Quicksilver card might be a good one: no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees and 1.5% cash back. I don't know how good the interest rate is, but if you pay it off in its entirety every month, the interest rate is irrelevant.</p> <p>Regarding medical services out of country, I've had 2 vastly different experiences. We called a concierge doctor to come see us at our hotel in Mexico when my daughter fell. We just had to pay him cash and I didn't think about trying to get reimbursed by our insurance company since it was under $100. When I went to the emergency room in Canada, they required that I pay for services via credit card and then I got reimbursed for that from my insurance company. </p> <p>@Tanjowen: That's a great approach. I recently read about an ATM skimming scam in Mexico. It was highly sophisticated. The ATMs themselves were compromised from the inside at the manufacturer or at the ATM servicing level so it was very difficult to trace. People were coming home to empty bank accounts. <a href="http://krebsonsecurity.com/2015/09/tracking-a-bluetooth-skimmer-gang-in-mexico/" rel="nofollow">http://krebsonsecurity.com/2015/09/tracking-a-bluetooth-skimmer-gang-in-mexico/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2611282 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 23:45:06 +0000 lamariniere 2611282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: usually you have to pay upfront for medical care and then have it reimbursed. I haven't had travel insurance in a long time but I think it's for major things like evacuations or major medical trauma and that's when it would probably kick in right away. Definitely check the details with your provider. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2611238 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 21:05:08 +0000 futuremama 2611238@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: when I had medical issues in Jamaica, I had to pay the doctor directly and get reimbursed try my insurance. That was my normal employer's international insurance coverage though. Your policy may differ. In my case, it was $200 for an exam. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2611229 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 20:43:20 +0000 Bao 2611229@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lawbee11: we got travelers insurance, but I'm not sure if we are required to pay up front first for medical services or not? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2611227 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 20:35:42 +0000 Tanjowen 2611227@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: So DH travels internationally each month and we travel out of the country a good bit too. We ended up getting a debit card with Capital One Bank and only put $300 in it. It is in no way connected to our main bank and we can draw cash overseas if needed. That way we can take some cash but have the debit card as a backup, and if we lose the card or someone gets the information, they do not have access to all our accounts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2611162 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 18:32:33 +0000 lawbee11 2611162@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What if you had an emergency and needed to go to the hospital? I would want a credit card anyways but especially for something like that. With a debit card it's not as secure and you'll pay a lot in foreign transaction fees. I try to only bring a minimal amount of cash due to risk of losing it/it being stolen. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2611028 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 16:14:41 +0000 stiletto_mom 2611028@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For a week at an all-inclusive, I bring like $200 - $300 cash. Things like excursions I'll put on credit so I have a record. The cash is mainly for tips and souvenirs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2611006 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 16:01:28 +0000 Truth Bombs 2611006@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah I will be shocked if the hotel doesn't require a credit card at check in. And it really is the most protected way to spend money international. Plus, if you use your debit card you'll probably pay high fees! I would look in to getting a credit card. </p> <p>. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2611002 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:58:09 +0000 Raspberry 2611002@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does your resort's website or brochure have a list of potential excursions and the associated costs? That would be a good guideline. I would also check out the Trip Advisor forums to find out the taxi fares to some places you might want to go.</p> <p>I personally don't think the Dominican Republic is particularly safe outside the resorts especially after dark, so I would not leave very often and would not bring much money. If you do leave, food and drinks is very cheap.</p> <p>ETA: If you do leave for souvenir shopping, rum and coffee are both cheap and good local products! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610991 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:46:59 +0000 lamariniere 2610991@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Every hotel we have ever stayed at has required a credit card for incidentals. I would contact them to see if they offer an alternative. The last time we stayed at a resort for a week we needed cash for the taxi to and from the resort but I think we spent less than $100 outside of the hotel (convenience store, airport snacks, tipping) because there really wasn't anywhere to go spend money nearby. Everything else we could charge to the room and settled the bill via credit card at the end of the stay. I personally would get a credit card specifically for the trip for peace of mind and in case of an emergency. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610969 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:24:08 +0000 Mrsbells 2610969@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would look into a credit card just for the trip. I dont like to carry a lot of cash on me </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610964 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:19:40 +0000 Bao 2610964@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@psw27: I wish I knew what to ask, I have no idea about anything haha! Like I said I've traveled out of the country as a teen, but I was with an adult...now I'm the adult :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610961 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:19:00 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2610961@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: forget travelers checks. Not all places will take them. They have been in decline since the '90s according to Wiki, which was the last time I used one. Lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610959 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:17:36 +0000 psw27 2610959@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: ask away! I travel often :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610957 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:16:50 +0000 Bao 2610957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@psw27: OMG I need like vacation 101. I'll have to check on this. Thanks for the tip! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610945 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:12:31 +0000 psw27 2610945@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: You will probably need some sort of card though when you check in for "incidentals" so if you are absolutely opposed to credit cards, I would bring your debit card. Or ask the hotel in advance what kind of cash hold they would want on the room, it could be something crazy like $500 in case you trash the place. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610943 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:10:59 +0000 Bao 2610943@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LuLu Mom: that really stinks, ok no debit card for us then! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610942 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:10:37 +0000 Bao 2610942@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I have no clue about travelers checks, apparently I know nothing about traveling ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610937 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:09:39 +0000 LuLu Mom 2610937@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: I would look into one of those pre-paid credit cards, it just helps protect you! I had an issue last november in nashville where i'm assuming there was a skimmer on an ATM i used, i will only use cash or credit from now on. i fought with the bank a lot on that one (and right before Christmas shopping!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610936 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:09:23 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2610936@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't bring a debit card. Are you doing any excursions outside of the resort? You will want to bring money for tipping. Trip Advisor has some forums to guage how much you should tip. </p> <p>Are travelers checks still an option these days? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610931 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:06:34 +0000 Bao 2610931@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining: the resort includes all food and alcohol, plus some activities like snorkeling, and several other things that are escaping my memory right now. We aren't big shoppers so probably won't be doing much of that. We may do an activity or two outside the resort if it appeals to us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610929 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:05:42 +0000 MrsBrewer 2610929@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another option you might be able to do if you are that opposed to getting a credit card, is one of those pre-paid credit cards you can load with money. That way you don't have to carry that much cash? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610927 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:02:57 +0000 yoursilverlining 2610927@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly, I would get a credit card for an international trip to protect yourselves (versus using a debit card. Last thing you want is to come home to an empty checking account). Just make sure you get one that doesn’t have a foreign transaction fee. If you are absolutely opposed to credit cards, make sure you know what foreign transaction fee your debit card charges.</p> <p>Does all-inclusive count alcohol and any specialty restaurants on-site? Those are sometimes included in “all inclusive” and sometimes not. What about activities? Do you plan to leave the resort at all to shop, do activities through someone not resort-affiliated? </p> <p>I'd budget like $100/day if all of the above in included just to be safe. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610926 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:02:42 +0000 Bao 2610926@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LuLu Mom: @psw27: gah ok, good to know! I just assumed carrying that much cash wasn't smart... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610925 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:01:02 +0000 psw27 2610925@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For an all inclusive, you should not need very much cash on a daily basis except for excursions off the resort. I would be nervous to use my debit card though - I've had a lot of fraud on my cards during travel over the years and I would not want my checking account getting drained. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610920 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 14:58:10 +0000 LuLu Mom 2610920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is tough, i've been told to never use my debt card out of the country, so i would probably avoid that and just use cash. I'd probably count on $100/day unless you plan on a lot of off resort excursions that would cost more. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-money-should-we-bring-on-vacation#post-2610913 Thu, 25 Aug 2016 14:54:10 +0000 Bao 2610913@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I are going to Punta Cana in November for our 5 year anniversary. The resort is all inclusive and already paid for. I have money planned out for airport parking, airport food/snacks, tipping....but I'm not sure how much beyond that I should have. We don't own credit cards so that's not an option. Is there an amount we should aim for? We've never traveled out of the country as adults, so it's very new!</p> <p>ETA: we will have some cash and use our debit cards as well. </p>