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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To put a dream holiday on a credit card - even though I can't afford it

181 replies

Notcool1984 · 26/04/2023 13:40

Would I be crazy?
Reeaaallly crappy year with health issues, family stuff, kid dramas.
I've always dreamed to go to a particular long haul destination.
I have around £2k saved, but realistically need around £2K more.
Would I be mad to put it on a credit card?
As background, I have no credit card or student load debt. I earn around £3k pre month, although single parent, but still £500 savings per month is doable, so it would take up to 6 months realistically to pay back.
Would you risk it?

OP posts:
TheApplianceofScience · 26/04/2023 13:42

I wouldn’t.

Lockheart · 26/04/2023 13:43

If you could save it in 6 months then personally I'd save the money and then do the holiday, rather than get into debt. The debt might be serviceable now but none of us know what's round the corner.

determinedtomakethiswork · 26/04/2023 13:43

Don't do it. If it's long haul, it's going to cost you a lot more than that in the end.

Heroicallyfound · 26/04/2023 13:43

Nope. Think about what you’re lacking emotionally - rest, relaxation, play etc - there numerous other ways to meet those needs than getting into debt.

cocksstrideintheevening · 26/04/2023 13:43

If it will take 6 months I'd just save or book a package and pay in installments

Yoyooo · 26/04/2023 13:44

Can you get a 0% card (nat wear do a zero fee balance transfer card for 19 months)

SofiaSoFar · 26/04/2023 13:45

I'd save up for it, personally. It sounds like you could do that quite quickly and it will give you something nice to look forward to in the not too distant future.

CrotchetyQuaver · 26/04/2023 13:45

I would save up and do it next year. Holidays always cost more than you think

BetweenWhatAndWhat · 26/04/2023 13:46

Just save up for it.

listsandbudgets · 26/04/2023 13:46

No.

Aim to go next year. You should have saved enough by then and still have some left over. You do not want to find yourself in a position where you suddenly need savings and / or credit and you've got nothing to fall back on

alphabetti · 26/04/2023 13:46

I would not and especially if it could be affordable next year but without the stress of having to make repayments I’d save and then go then. Could you book it with option of paying in instalments so you get through the year looking forward to a definite holiday but it’s being paid bit by bit?

dietcokelime · 26/04/2023 13:47

Save for 6 months and go next year? If it's 4K just to book it, spending money / clothes / insurance will be more then?

listsandbudgets · 26/04/2023 13:48

Also supposing the interest rate shoots up again - be nice for your savings but rubbish for your credit card

BonnieGlasses · 26/04/2023 13:48

I used to do this, and it's pretty depressing putting a chunk of money every month towards paying off a holiday that's already passed. Now I save up in advance and it works much better for me.

MumsDebt · 26/04/2023 13:48

I would!

TheUnicornsGoHawaiian · 26/04/2023 13:48

I would (and have) but I would use a 0% credit card and be absolutely certain that I could pay it off before the 0% period ended. I was extremely glad I did as it ended up being a very significant holiday and the last real quality time I spent with someone very special. I wouldn't have done it without the 0% credit card though.

Nordicrain · 26/04/2023 13:49

If you canb get a 0% card and you have a plan to pay it back then I think it's ok. and I am really debt shy generally.

catinthesunshine · 26/04/2023 13:49

Save first. Don’t spend money you don’t have yet - you never know what could happen, what if there’s an emergency that takes all your spare ££ and you can’t pay it off

HeidiUpTheMountain · 26/04/2023 13:53

Save for it.

Meantime, start a folder on your computer entitled ‘holiday’. Do some research and decide what you’d like to do while you’re there. Save information and start building an itinerary. Start lists of things to take, things to buy, things to do in advance. Make the saving and the planning a way to get half the thrill of the holiday before you set foot on a plane.

Sammyandtheboocas · 26/04/2023 13:53

Unless there is a time constraint here, it sounds like you could just save up after putting a deposit down.

If it's really a case of credit card or don't go, stick it on the CC, life is too short to miss out. It'll get paid back.

Original poster
Notcool1984 · 26/04/2023 14:04

Most people thinking bad idea I think!

OP posts:
SingAlongAndItMightJustGetYouThrough · 26/04/2023 14:07

Save for it. Where is this 4K dream holiday?

DisquietintheRanks · 26/04/2023 14:07

First you save, then you go. The beauty of this system is if things change - inflation, illness, redundancy etc - you won't be stuck trying to pay off a big debt.

Chandler12 · 26/04/2023 14:09

Go for it!! Even better if you can get an interest free credit card.

Life is for living. Sounds like you could do with it now and not next year

Whammyyammy · 26/04/2023 14:10

Getting into debt is never a good idea, not for a holiday.
But if you can afford £500pm, and get an interest free cc, then I don't see why you dint go for it - you only live once....