New research has found that many women just don’t care for checking their bank balances after an overseas holiday.
Immediately this finding resonates with me because I nearly always slip into a panic attack when it comes to seeing my bank statement online after an overseas trip. And that’s despite doing my best before leaving the country to organise a well priced travel card.
So why is this? I don’t know if it’s just the effort involved in checking everything is correct, or the realisation that everything may actually be correct and I have overspent… again.
According to a new ING survey, 44 per cent of people admit to having no idea how much their bank or finance provider is charging them and what’s disturbing about this is that of those people, 63 per cent are women.
The finding comes from a study which looked at the costs of international bank fees and charges. It concluded that one in three Australians aren’t sure what they’re paying for when travelling overseas.
It’s not all that surprising when you consider that when we take holidays, most of us literary take a holiday from everything and that includes looking at our bank statement.
But it seems doing so is costing us an extra $155 per person, per trip in overseas bank card fees and charges, according to ING.
To jolt you, and me, into engaging better with our bank balances, ING has provided Financy with research of a list of 10 international experiences that cost no more than $155.
1. Traditional cooking class in Indonesia
Bali has thousands of great cookery schools, but this one at Gili Cooking Classes guides you and three friends through six different traditional dishes so you can cook Balinese food from the comfort of your own home once you’re back from your travels.
Total: $140
2. Photography tour of New York
New York is known for its nightlife, and a trip to the Big Apple is one to experience to the fullest. If you’re looking to capture some of those magical moments, but aren’t sure how to use your camera unless it is in auto mode, check out an After Dark Photo Safari. These tours take you on a two-hour walking tour of New York’s finest hotspots, teaching you how to shoot in different lighting conditions.
Total: $148.46
3. Scuba dive into Koh Tao, Thailand
Travellers to Thailand talk about three things: The beaches, the parties and the scuba diving. As one of the most beautiful reefs in the world, people flock from all over South East Asia to visit Koh Tao to take their first breath underwater. With diving schools all over the island you’ll be spoilt for choice on arrival, but Rocktopus Dive lets you do two dives for a bargain price.
Total: $122.25
4. Bungy jump in Taupo, New Zealand
Push yourself to the limit and book in for a bungy jump during your next trip to New Zealand. Taupo Bungy is the home of the countries’ highest water touch bungy jump so you can touch the water or have a full body dunk.
Total: $154.16
5. Experience gin tasting in London
After exploring the usual sights and attractions that London has to offer, take a trip to Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour for one and a half hours of expert tuition on gin, botanicals and tonics. Naturally, there’s tasting of the gin, but this secret spot lets you immerse yourself into English Victorian culture with the array of decorations that as a package, this is a total steal for two people.
Total: $141.34
6. Head to the mountains and ski in Habuka, Japan
Heralded as some of the best snow conditions in the world, getting yourself up to the mountains of Habuka will be an experience you won’t soon forget. If you only have a day to spare, you can hire all of your gear and get yourself a day lift pass.
Total: $139.35
7. Get a birds eye view of the Niagara Falls, Canada
No experience of the Niagra Falls matches up to flying above it in a helicopter. Enjoy the incredible sights with a 10 minute flight over the American, Bridal Veil and Canadian Horseshoe Falls and although it’s an unforgettable experience, remember to bring a camera to capture it.
Total: $147.98
8. Indulge in a private dinner on the beach for two in Boracay, Philippines
On your next vacation to the Philippines with your partner, crank up the romance and surprise them with a private candlelit dinner for two under the stars. At Discovery Shores Boracay, they’ll organise the perfect evening for you.
Total: $146.07
9. Tour the island and underwater worlds of Nadi, Fiji
While the beaches and towns of Fiji depict the definition of relaxation, take a plunge into the oceans and discover a whole different world. With more than 1,500 species of fish, book in a full-day snorkel trip to the Fijian coral reefs and prepare to be amazed. The price includes all the gear, food and complimentary champagne.
Total: $152.42
10. Watch India slow down on a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur
As the home of kings and palaces, Udaipur should be at the top of your list for places to visit in India. Having spent your day exploring the town, take an evening to relax on a sunset boat ride down Lake Pichola. Organised through Oberoi Hotels, this cruise lets you enjoy watching the lights come on in City Palace as the sun goes down and the stars come out.
Total: $116.48
