At some point in your life, you very well might choose to splash the cash on a truly lush holiday, such as for your honeymoon, a wedding anniversary, a birthday, or even just because! Whatever the reason for your trip, you’ll need to decide how you want to pay for it!
Honeymoons
Let’s imagine you’re booking your honeymoon. This is an exciting time in your life, a once in a lifetime holiday with your newlywed- but it does mean an extra cost, especially after all of the expenditures of the wedding…
When you book your holiday with Dona Kirkham – Travel Counsellors, she can set up a website for donations for people to donate to your honeymoon. This is a great alternative to a wedding registry, where your guests can help you have your special holiday, rather than gifting the usual salad bowl or ceramic plates!
There is no charge for setting up this website, and your guests will have access to your personal webpage. What you choose to do with the money is your choice, and Dona can keep the account open until the day of the wedding to catch those last minute friends who want to make a contribution. As you will pay the full balance for your holiday by 12 weeks before your departure date, any money that is then paid in from your guests after this point will then be sent to you.
Retirement
For many people however the ‘holiday of a lifetime’ happen again much later on in life – at retirement! Finally you have the time and freedom to enjoy an extended period of travel, going further away from home, and maybe spending a little more than usual? After all, you deserve that upgrade!
Using part or all of your pension tax free cash lump sum is one way of funding a trip of a lifetime but did you know you can also consider using the ‘small pension pot’ rules to encash a personal pension plan. Taking small pension pots is permissible if you are aged 55 or over and the lump sum in question is no more than £10,000. If we are talking about personal or stakeholder pension schemes, you can generally take three such lump sums in your lifetime.
This might be a consideration separate from your main source of retirement income that you wish to ‘encash’ to cover the costs of your dream trip.
Depending on your circumstances, you might also think that using the equity locked into your property could be the source of funds – simultaneously helping with estate planning.
Kristen can help you to explore what options you do have available but she also has a strong word of caution, and that is to avoid taking any pension benefits including under the small pots rules without taking independent financial advice. This blog is NOT personal financial advice.
A Bit About Us…
Dona Kirkham is a highly experienced travel professional, who has been with Travel Counsellors for 16 years and in the travel industry itself for more than 33. She takes a warm and friendly approach to help you find your perfect holiday without all the stress! As well as Dona being there with you through every part of the booking process, everything booked carries complete financial assurance with your money covered under an ATOL license or unique travel trust.
Or email her at dona.kirkham@travelcounsellors.com