Holidays do not come cheap. Therefore, if you are planning your next holiday gateway, you need enough cash. Your dream holiday may prove expensive with rising travel costs, accommodation bookings, and flight tickets. Wherever possible, it is best to use your savings. However, consider a holiday loan if your savings are earmarked for something important or are minimal. It grants you flexibility to cover the costs with secured or unsecured borrowings.
What does a holiday loan imply?
A holiday loan is a personal loan to pay for a vacation or related expenses. Whether it is a small trip or a retirement holiday, you can use it to finance your needs.
Depending on your circumstances, you can get a secured or unsecured loan for a holiday. It works like any other personal loan where you take a sum and pay it in equal monthly instalments.
You can choose between variable and fixed holiday loans. The repayment with fixed-interest rate loans stays the same regardless of economic changes. You can borrow up to £35000 for your holiday-only purposes.
Should you consider a holiday loan?
Taking out a holiday loan may be helpful if you struggle to afford an important event. You can use the money for booking tickets, accommodation, preparing passports, shopping apparel, gifts for your loved ones, or tickets to the most anticipated places there.
However, taking a loan may not be ideal in every situation. You should take a loan for a holiday or vacation only if :
- Your savings do not suffice the travel costs
- You have a regular earning
- Planning an important holiday or vacation and want everything best
- Do not have time to save enough for the holiday
What are the pros and cons of loans for holidays?
Using a holiday loan to fund your holiday-specific needs has both benefits and disadvantages. Here are both the advantages and disadvantages of a holiday loan:
| Pros of Holiday loans | Cons of holiday loans |
| A holiday loan could be less expensive than credit cards | Holiday loans can prove expensive for small or short-term borrowing |
| Fixed monthly payments make it easier to budget. | If you decide to pay the loan early, beware of prepayment charges. It may be equivalent to one to two months of interest costs |
| Flexible terms and conditions make it easier to clear the loan | Missed payments or defaults may impact your credit score |
How to get a travel loan the step-wise way?
Getting a holiday loan works like other loans. You must meet basic criteria to be eligible for a quick loan approval. If applying for the first time, the following step-wise application procedure may help:
1) Identify the amount you need
Calculating the total holiday expense and savings would help you know the amount to borrow. Identify your critical expenses and avoid spending on discretionary ones for the month.
For example, tickets, accommodations, holiday shopping and visiting places may cost around £25000, and your income is £50000/month. You can qualify for the loan. However, check whether you can meet your needs within £22000. It will reduce liabilities towards the loan.
2) Decide between secured and unsecured loan
You may check between secured and unsecured holiday loans to finance your needs. If confused, opt for a secured loan only if you want a high sum but do not share sufficient income affordability or cannot provide a guarantor. Moreover, individuals having sufficient assets to pledge may prefer it. It helps you get a higher sum for low interest rates and repayments.
However, defaulting may lead to asset repossession. Alternatively, individuals with sound credit profiles and income may benefit from unsecured loans. It eliminates any fears of losing the asset. However, the interest rates stay competitive than secured loans.
3) Explore loan rates
Identify the best loans for a holidayby comparing the interest rates, APR, additional costs and facilities offered. Most lenders provide flexibility on loan repayments if an individual struggles to pay. Choosing such lenders grants you the additional benefit of rescheduling your payments according to existing affordability and income.
Check for additional fees, like loan prepayment and hidden fees and compare the missed payment fee or penalty. It will help you choose the right loan for your needs. Moreover, research the terms according to your preference for secured or unsecured loans.
Apart from that, ensure that you deal with regulated and authentic providers. Identify the authenticity by checking reviews, authenticating addresses, contact numbers and transparency checks. If they hesitate, they may not be the right fetch.
3) Identify the eligibility criteria and documents needed
Usually, the eligibility criteria stay the same. You may spot variances in the amount provided and APRs. However, you must meet the basic eligibility criteria before applying for the loan. Otherwise, it may lead to rejection and impact your credit score. Here are the general eligibility criteria for holiday loans:
- You must be 18 or 21 years minimum to apply
- Should be a regular citizen of the country
- Have a consistent employment source or income
- Have a well-functioning bank account with a direct debit facility
- Should be on an electoral register
- Should be able to afford the principal plus interest payments
Apart from that, individuals seeking a secured holiday loan must provide assets equalling the value of the amount they need to borrow. Providing a relevant asset helps you qualify easily.
You may need to provide the following documents:
- Identity proof
- Bank statements
- Tax returns
- Address proof
5) Review the loan terms and apply
Next, you can apply for the loan and review the terms before providing your affirmation for the agreement. Check repayment terms, repayment amounts to pay monthly, interest rates, APR, fixed and variable interest rates and other aspects before approving the terms. In case of confusion, ask the provider.
After approval, you must make loan repayments according to the loan schedule. If your income falls miserably, check other options to pay. Identify your savings. If they are low, do not tap them. Instead, contact a direct lender and get bad credit loans with guaranteed approval hassle-free.
You may need one for bad credit as a drop in income affects the payments and credit history. The loan will help you pay the remaining balance by the end of the agreement term. However, it is ideal for a small amount. You can bridge some amount by asking your friends and family.
Bottom line
Holiday loans provide an option to cover vacation or a trip if you lack enough savings. It helps you pay for everything related to the holiday – from bookings to exploring the place. However, you must budget the repayments to clear the debt timely. You can choose from unsecured and secured holiday loan options according to your preference.
Jessica Rodz is the Senior Content Writer at Cashfacts. She has a long career in the field of content writing and editing. Jessica has the expertise in the UK lending marketplace where she has worked with 7 different lending organisations and acquired many responsibilities from preparing loan deals and writing blogs for their websites.
At Cashfacts, Jessica is managing a team of experienced loan experts and doing a major contribution in guiding the loan seekers via well-researched blogs. She has done graduation in Business (Finance) and now currently doing research papers on the UK financial sector.
