Travel with PayPal: Big Fun Without Big Bills
Whether you fancy the bright lights of Las Vegas or the white-sand beaches in Florida, chances are you are part of the group of Americans that will take one or more trips this year. A recent PayPal survey* found that the average travel budget for Americans is $2,427, most likely paid for by credit card, and three quarters of people plan to split some expenses on a trip. Everyone wants to escape real life on vacation, but finances are often the biggest barrier to travel. In fact, 44 percent of Americans surveyed would like to take more trips, but cost is the major issue and given the choice between more time or more money on vacation, people chose money.
Don’t let a lack of funds keep you from the summer fun! Here are some of our top tips for making the most of your summer adventures:
- Before you even set out on vacation, there is plenty to plan. Our survey shows that social media is one of the top destinations for travel inspiration, after suggestions from family and friends. Follow travel influencers on social media for great insider-intel and search travel blogs for local city guides. Those social sites are also ripe with links to travel guides and photos of must-see spots.
- There are plenty of expenses when it comes to summer travel, from plane tickets and hotel rooms to bathing suits and experiences. Using PayPal Credit[1] for these types of purchases, you can take up to six months to pay on purchases of $99.
- Friends don’t let friends owe each other. Mobile apps like PayPal and Venmo make it quick and easy to send and request money and settle up on group expenses like meals and travel experiences. Not only is it convenient, but 40 percent of survey respondents also agree it’s a more secure way than dealing with cash while traveling. This helps ensure your travel experiences are your lasting memory and vacation glow is never ruined by tracking down friends for a few bucks.
- Brush up on society’s norms, especially when travelling outside the country. Do your research before you go to avoid any faux pas. For example, some countries outside the U.S. don’t expect tips for services and even if you’re trying to do something nice, you risk offending someone.
- 63 percent of Americans surveyed say they will drive their own car and 43 percent plan to rent a car on holiday. With the PayPal Extras Mastercard[2] you can earn rewards points on every eligible purchase – including three points for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, two points for every $1 spent through PayPal and one point for every $1 spent everywhere else MasterCard is accepted. These points can be redeemed for cash back into your PayPal wallet, gift cards, merchandise and travel.
- Leave your wallet at home (or at least in your hotel room). In order to really keep your piggy bank safe, try to limit the amount of cash you carry – and think instead about charging a tab by the pool or using payment apps for as many transactions as you can.
- Make sure to review your bill. It’s easy for additional items like drinks to accidentally be added to a bill and for those traveling outside the country, sometimes restaurants take advantage of tourists that don’t understand the exchange rates so you end up paying $10 for a $3 latte.
- Ready to plan your next trip? PayPal is giving away $20,000 worth of prizes that can help you get away this summer. For more information and contest rules, go to: paypal.com/travelwithpaypal.
*Survey Methodology
The online survey was fielded in partnership with Koski Research Inc. between April 28 and May 3, 2016 among 1,000 Americans aged 18 to 55 with travel planned this year. The margin of error for the total survey sample is three percentage points.
[1] PayPal Credit is subject to credit approval as determined by the lender, Comenity Capital Bank.
[2] See Reward Program Terms for details. Subject to credit approval by Synchrony Bank. Only U.S. residents over 18 years of age may apply. The PayPal Extras MasterCard is issued by Synchrony Bank pursuant to a license by MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated.
PayPal Stories Staff