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When you get overwhelmed with the mundanity and stress of your 9 to 5 job, the best thing to do to restart is filing a leave and going on a vacation. 

Even experts agree that getting away from excessive workload is beneficial for your health, not to mention reducing the stress that has been accumulating all this time. A day or two (even three!) without having to worry about how to handle your work and the drama surrounding your office can also benefit your mental health.

But looking at your savings, you realize it’s not enough. Sure it can live you off for the next week, month, or probably year, but you know it won’t cover your vacation expenses. From plane ticket alone- yikes!

If you think you deserve this getaway because one more coworker crossing the line and you’d lose the last strain of your sanity, then you should consider getting a loan. And yes, don’t be too surprised, there is a type of loan that you can use for getaways. So grab your luggage and prepare your necessities, because we’re going on a trip!

If you don’t mind going into debt for a vacation, then you might want to apply for a vacation loan. A vacation loan is a type of unsecured loan you can use for travel. It can be to another state or another country, as long as it’s within range of what lenders are willing to give you, then you’re good to go.

Since this is an unsecured loan, you don’t need any collateral during the application, so you have to rely on your credit scores and reliability alone to snag the deal. Sometimes lenders would look into your income, too. A poor credit score and questionable credit report might lower the chance of your application being approved.

It is important to remember that vacation loans are, most of the time, personal loans, which are easy to apply for compared to other loans. They are paid in fixed monthly installments and have lower rates. This is highly dependent on your credit score, though. Say you get approved for a loan despite the bad credit. It’s in the interest rate that you would have to worry about. 

Personal loan interest rates can reach up to 36% due to bad credit. Whether you’re applying in Maryland or hiring a finance broker in Melbourne, personal loans have almost the same requirements wherever you are.

Look, like everything in life, taking out a vacation loan has its advantages and disadvantages. It is an excellent fix on your vacation woes, though, especially when you’re in dire need of one. Stress, after all, is dangerous and can kill you when you least expect it.

● Lower Rates. Vacation loans, if you’re eligible, can have meager interest rates. An average interest rate for good or average borrowers can be as low as 9.41%. However, if you’re creditworthy and make time to pay due, then you might even get as little as 6%, or even lower than that.

● Fixed Payment. Since personal loans are paid in installments, you will know during application how much you should pay during a specified period. This makes paying more manageable since you already know how much to allocate during budgeting. Knowing the waters before diving in should be practiced since it would benefit both your vacation plans and loan repayment.

● Simple Requirements. Personal loans don’t need too many requirements before you can apply for one. Maybe they’ll ask what you intend to do with the money, though most lenders don’t mind as long as you can pay them back. Your credit report and score are also critical, and primary proof of identification and your income statement may come in handy.

Disadvantages of Vacation Loans

● Risky. Many financial consultants consider personal loans a risky investment. After all, many still view vacations as a luxury and not a necessity. Many even discourage it, especially if you have too many debts in your hands. Not only would repaying your debt cause you financial stress, but it will also cause you more trouble in the future.

● Potential Fees. None of us- and I mean none of us- want more fees to pay on our already existing ones. Watch out for any possible charges that can increase the total amount you pay. Always be vigilant and read the fine print. Compare different lenders and find one with good deals that won’t incur you with additional fees.

● Long Term Payment. Personal loans can take a long time to pay off, even stretching as long as seven years. That is like longer than the three days you’d spend on your paradise on earth. If you don’t mind paying off for an extended period, then apply away!

Vacation can relieve us of the worst of our stress and workplace problems. When your savings fail you, vacation loans are available to finance that dream getaway. However, with loan interest rates, and if you don’t want the hassle of repaying what you are due, then maybe getting a loan for a vacation isn’t for you. Next time, dedicate a portion of your income for a vacation to give you a debt-free vacation spree.