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How does a DMP affect me?

Can I go on holiday on a debt management plan?

It’s not ‘against the rules’ to go on holiday during your debt management plan (DMP). However, there’s likely to be a limit on the kind of holiday you can afford while paying off your debts.

Your monthly debt management plan payments are a reflection of what you can offer towards your debts at the moment. You should make time for relaxation and fun with loved ones while paying off your debt, but your holiday costs must line up with what you can currently afford.

With this in mind, an inexpensive break away from home may be possible with careful planning and budgeting.


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Considering a DMP?

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How could I pay for a holiday during my DMP?

The budget you agree when setting up your DMP usually allows you to put some money aside for sundries and emergencies. Sundries tend to be occasional expenses such as:


  • Birthdays
  • Christmas - read our tips on how to save at Christmas
  • Unexpected travel costs (for example, if you need to attend a job interview, funeral or other event at short notice)
  • Other miscellaneous costs




While it’s recommended that you save this money for emergency costs (such as car repairs, boiler repairs or replacing a necessary kitchen appliance), how you spend it is ultimately up to you.



Your budget also includes a category called 'savings'. This can also be used to save for a holiday if you want to.

You won’t be able to pay for your holiday on credit, as this goes against the terms of your DMP.

How do I budget for my holiday during my DMP?

Take a look at your monthly budget and consider what you have available for living expenses. Then, draw up a budget to cover the time you’re away.

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For example, if you’re on holiday for a week, then you need to subtract a week’s amount of money from areas such as:


  • Food, toiletries and clothing
  • Sports, hobbies and entertainment
  • Medical costs (in case you become ill on holiday)
  • Travel costs

This will give you a good indication of what you’ll have available to spend on these living expenses during your holiday.

How could I reduce my holiday costs?

There are ways you could reduce the cost of going on holiday, or even get certain things for free. Here are some examples of how you could save money.

The holiday location

  • Consider ‘staycations’ in the UK over going abroad. There are many places in the UK that you can visit cheaply, and there are often out-of-season deals and discounts you can take advantage of.

Travel

  • Be flexible, as travelling at off-peak times can cost you less than travelling during peak times
  • Keep an eye on train or bus/coach operator websites for discounted travel deals
  • Register with airline tracker websites. These will send you email alerts if good deals on flights are available
  • Book travel, accommodation and activities through cashback websites. By doing this, you earn some money back while you spend
  • When you arrive at your destination, try to work out the local transport routes. If you can buy an all-day rider or family pass for the local bus or train, you could tour the area for less
  • Sharing a car and petrol costs with a friend will save money

Accommodation

  • Choose self-catering holidays instead of all-inclusive or bed and breakfast. Paying for and cooking your own food should work out a lot cheaper than having it cooked for you
  • Do you have friends or family who live elsewhere in the UK? Find out if you can stay with them, saving money on accommodation. If they have children, offer to babysit or cook a meal during your stay, in lieu of payment
  • Consider becoming an in-house dog or cat sitter. You may be invited to look after someone’s pet in another area. Depending on the location, this could be a welcome change of scenery
  • If you’re going camping, try to borrow as much equipment as you can from friends and family rather than buying it

Activities

  • Search your destination’s council or local authority website to find free events or places to go
  • Check ‘daily deal websites’ for deals on cottage breaks, city breaks, hotels and flights. Once you know where you’re going on holiday, check for deals on restaurants and activities in the area (always read the terms and conditions carefully).

Holiday clothes and toiletries

  • Pack as light as possible to prevent being charged for heavy bags
  • See if friends and family are giving away any clothes that would be suitable for you or your children’s holiday
  • Visit a local charity shop for your holiday clothes
  • Take toiletries that are ‘multi-purpose’, such as shampoo and conditioner in one
  • Save toiletry samples from magazines or the dentist. There are also websites where you can sign up for free samples

Souvenirs

  • Set a limit for each family member on how much can be spent on souvenirs
  • Have a ‘no souvenir’ policy with family and friends back home
  • If you absolutely must get a souvenir for someone, try something cheap yet useful such as a small item of clothing or locally produced sweets

Looking for cheap holiday and entertainment ideas?

On our blog, you'll find lots of ideas to help you save money while having fun and getting rest and relaxation, such as:



Can I plan a holiday for when my DMP’s paid off?

If you keep up the payments on your DMP, and your creditors agree to freeze interest and charges, the ‘end date’ for your plan shouldn't change too much.

Once your plan’s over, you could take the money you would’ve paid into your DMP and put it towards a holiday. This would depend on you being able to stick to your budget.

Once you’re coming to the end of your DMP, there’s no harm in doing research and seeing if you can plan a great holiday.

Get some expert help and advice

If you’re struggling to repay your debts, get free, impartial debt advice and we'll recommend the best solution for your situation. Or call our Helpline (free from all landlines and mobiles). 

We'll provide you with a budget and debt solution that’s specifically tailored to your situation, so you know you’re getting the right advice.