Every joyful moment has its value - whether it’s plane tickets, visiting attractions with family, dining with close ones, buying gifts, or something else. This week, The Filipino Times shares tips on budgeting for Filipinos working abroad to ensure a smooth, enjoyable return to the Homeland - without the risk of falling into debt or financial strain.
Budgeting, whether it be large or small. In a recent post "Tanon ng Bayan", many Filipinos shared in the comments that the size of the budget does not have such significance as the delight of spending the holidays with loved ones. Planning to avoid overspending on payments and amenities!
Spend big, spend small. The moment you touch down in the Philippines, smiling faces at the airport will greet you. This time, plan your vacation, book tickets, pack your luggage, and enjoy the beauty of the Philippines. Whether you have a large or small budget, planning your trip to the Philippines in advance guarantees that you will use your time most effectively with family and friends. Smaller gatherings, smaller expenses.
"Find a budget-friendly approach". Considering this, how do you maximize your time with loved ones on a limited budget? For Filipinos, providing gifts from the heart is natural, but how can one do it wisely? Start by determining the upper limits of the budget and focus on meaningful, sentimental gifts, such as small souvenirs.
Important factors that Filipinos working abroad need to consider before returning to the Philippines. Planning returns to Dubai after your vacation in the Philippines is essential, especially to catch up with work. One of the Filipinos working abroad expressed this clearly: "It doesn't matter if you don’t have much money, as long as I can make my family happy and we are together".
However, returning home can be associated with costs, hence planning and research is necessary. So plan carefully and let your time with loved ones be the main highlight of your vacation. You can also finalize purchases while on vacation, use bonus points or participate in events, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, to reduce overall expenses.
One of the best gifts you can give is quality time with your loved ones. After all, families and friends crave to travel on excursions, visit shopping centers, eat at home, and enjoy every moment together - they’ve missed you so much!
Given the need for a budget for these events, Dubai resident Krisli Maeryl Igin revealed that her family of five spends between 5,000 to 10,000 pesos (or equivalent in dirhams) on food, shopping, and entertainment. "The total can reach 20,000 pesos (1,248 dirhams), depending on where we are and what we’re purchasing. If the trip is abroad, the budget will be around 50,000 - 70,000 pesos (3,121 - 4,369 dirhams)", Igin added.
Make quality time, not just money. At the end of the day, a memorable vacation is not just about how much you spend, but about the memories you create with the most important people in your life.
