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Planning a long weekend trip in March? How to budget it with a personal loan

Key Takeaways

Holi and Gudi Padwa/Ugadi present two long weekend trip options in March. Locking in these dates with early booking can help you save.
A travel loan helps you manage the trip cost with quick access to funds, manageable EMIs, savings protection, and more.  It stands out with its unique benefits compared to a credit card or using your savings.
The smartest way to borrow is to pick a realistic budget, pick the right EMI, and avoid impulsive spending, etc.

23 Feb 2026 by Team FinFIRST

march long weekend trip budgeting using a personal loan for travel

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March is a sweet transition period from the chilly weather to the hot sunny days. It is also one of the months with opportunities to plan weeklong trips. By clubbing your weekend with Holi or Ugadi/Gudi Padwa, you can make plans for that much-awaited vacation.

This can be an opportunity to visit home if you stay away for work or unwind from your mundane schedule. Don’t let low finances make you push back travel plans again. A personal loan for travel provides an easier way out. Learn how you can leverage it to make your break more exciting this March.

How to use an EMI calculator for personal loan repayment

How to use an EMI calculator to repay your loan like a pro

Personal loan vs credit card EMI for travel comparison

Personal loan vs credit card EMI for travel: Which one should you choose?

Long weekend vacation options in March

March works well for weeklong breaks with an opportunity to sandwich a festival with the weekend while keeping your leave count low. You can also lock in your accommodation and plane/railway/bus bookings early to save on cost. Planning ahead also lets you get your leaves sanctioned without hurdles.

Here are some date options for a long weekend trip in March:

Holi week plan

Holi falls on 4th March, Wednesday. You can club this weekend, which is 28th February and 1st March, by taking leave on 2nd and 3rd March. This results in a long 5-day vacation.

Ugadi/Gudi Padwa week

If Ugadi/Gudi Padwa, along with other back-to-back regional holidays like Jamat Ul Vida and Ramzan, line up with your company’s roster, you can plan a vacation from 19th March to 22nd March.

Planning the cost estimate for a short trip

Weekend trips are fairly simple compared to the elaborate ones, unless you plan an international trip or go for multiple activities and a luxurious stay. Regardless of your approach, budget planning saves you from stress.

Here are some essentials to lock onto to get a quick cost estimate:

Personal loans for vacations: Why it makes sense

A travel loan, which is a form of personal loan, is a practical way to fund a short or long break as it offers flexibility and quick access to funds. It makes spending comfortable when you don’t want to spend your savings in one go. Here are some of its standout benefits highlighting its appeal:

Protects your savings

With a vacation loan, your personal savings remain untouched, so your trip doesn’t affect your safety net or monthly stability.

Helps in making swift bookings

Booking early is the key to cashing in on attractive rates, which you can do when you get a travel loan, as you do not have to wait to accumulate funds.

Non-restrictive usage

The main benefit of a personal loan for travel is the flexibility it offers in covering a range of expenses without any restrictions.

Convenient application process

Lenders like IDFC FIRST Bank provide 100% digital loan applications with quick approval and no paperwork. Funds can be received in as little as 10 minutes with FIRSTmoney personal loan by IDFC FIRST Bank, making it a convenient option.

Predictable repayment period

You can fix the tenure and choose the EMI you’re comfortable with, which remains the same throughout the repayment period. With FIRSTmoney personal loan you can choose a flexible tenure between 9 to 60 months. Interest rates are low, starting at just 9.99% p.a., making the EMIs affordable.

How a personal loan for travel helps budget for long weekend holidays

While a long weekend is still a small getaway, the cost can get out of hand quickly. Managing bookings late, considering a nicer accommodation, planning multiple activities, cab prices within the city, etc., can blow up your budget. This is where a vacation loan simplifies things. It keeps you on the right track as it:

Allows early bookings

Long weekend trips, when booked last-minute, get expensive. Good flight and hotel options are also unavailable. With a travel loan, you can make those bookings early when the prices are better with quick access to funds.

Keeps your savings and emergency fund safe

Short trips usually don’t force you to drain your savings or touch your emergency funds. But in case of pricey choices, where your dedicated savings fall short, a travel loan comes as a financial cushion. It prevents you from digging into your main savings pool.

Turns big expenses into manageable EMIs

Travel costs usually hit your wallet in one shot when you choose to pay them out of your pocket. With a travel loan, you can split the travel cost into predictable EMIs. It keeps your cash flow steady and lets you repay comfortably.

Supports disciplined spending

As you’ve already planned the major trip costs when you finalise the loan amount, you can easily control your daily spends during the trip. You can set a cap on per-day food, local travel, and activities. This way, there is no scope for unnecessary overspending.

With a FIRSTmoney personal loan by IDFC FIRST Bank, you can also withdraw funds multiple times from your approved loan offer. Interest is charged only on the amount you withdraw. This allows for funds availability whenever you need.

Budgeting framework that works with a travel loan & risks to avoid

Once you’ve locked in the weekend trip dates, you can curate a travel plan well-ahead of the trip to set the budget framework and take care of all the bookings in advance.

Here’s an example to break down a practical budget framework for a trip with a travel loan:

1. Fix a realistic budget:

Stay clear of your wishful budget and think realistically, as per the type and duration of the trip. For example, a mid-range trip can cost ₹25,000 in total.

2. Split it into 5 main buckets:

Divide the ₹25,000 into main costs, like travel tickets of up to ₹8,750, stay of up to ₹7,500, food and local commute costing up to ₹5,000, activities and shopping amounting to ₹2,500, and ₹1,250 reserved as a buffer.

3. Borrow according to your affordability:

Now that you have a budget, borrow accordingly instead of overshooting. Since you have already accounted for a buffer, no need to borrow more.

While you’re planning the budget and applying for a travel loan, avoid these common mistakes to have a smooth experience:

Ignoring the total cost

Interest is the main borrowing cost. However, you also want to consider additional charges like the processing fees, EMI bounce charges, overdue penalty, foreclosure charges, etc.

Opting for a longer tenure

Don’t stretch your loan tenure to a point where it feels comfortable but adds to the interest cost. Strike a balance between repayment convenience and cost.

Using the loan for impulsive spends

Stick to your budget and avoid going astray due to impulsive shopping or unplanned activities that can add up to the trip cost.

Skipping EMI planning

You want to plan for EMIs ahead of your loan application. This way, you can ensure you handle the repayments smoothly.

You can use the personal loan EMI calculator by IDFC FIRST Bank to predict your EMI for a FIRSTmoney personal loan.

Making non-refundable bookings

Travel plans change all the time. You don’t want to be at a loss due to last-minute cancellations. Always check the refund policy and try to get refundable bookings.

Travel loan vs credit card vs savings

When you think of funding your trip, besides a travel loan, two other options that can seem appealing are a credit card and your savings. How does each option work, and which is better for you? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this. It depends on your cash flow, repayment capacity, financial breathing room you need, and your goals.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Points of comparison	Travel loan	Credit card	Savings
Best used when	You need fronts upfront and want flexible repayment.	You can repay the full bill quickly if you don’t qualify for EMI plans.	You’ve planned and saved in advance.
Repayment style	Fixed EMIs for a predetermined tenure.	Full payment due monthly with minimum due being risky. EMI plans, if eligible have fixed payment dates.	No repayment needed.
Cost of borrowing	Interest, processing, and other situation-based charges.	High interest if you don’t repay in full.	No interest cost
Budgeting comfort	You can plan monthly outflow to accommodate EMIs	Only comfortable if repaid on time.	Comfortable if your savings are not drained.
Impact on other goals	Helps you use your saved up funds for other goals.	May protect your savings short-term.	Directly reduces savings balance, impacting other financial goals.
Convenience	Fast approval if you meet the eligibility criteria.	Instant swipe/acceptance with an existing card.	Quick financing if you have enough savings.

How to avoid post-trip regret with a vacation loan

When you get back to your routine after the trip, you want to bask in the relaxation you had and not regret spending more and dealing with the aftermath.

Considering these tips for a smooth post-trip experience with a vacation loan:

Curb the temptation to spend extra

Keep your loan amount close to the estimated cost and stick to it. Avoid spending extra money because it feels nice in the moment, as it costs you more during repayments.

Adjust to an EMI you can manage

Your vacation loan EMI should be easily manageable with your income and other expenses. It should not financially strain you, which can cause delays and defaults.

Separate bookings from on-trip spending

Use the travel loan for advance bookings of your tickets and stay. These are unavoidable. But the daily spends during the trip is manageable. So, budget for them separately to know where the money is going.

Account for other expenses and savings

Your other fixed life expenses, investments, insurance, etc., live on even after the trip. Ensure there is space for them despite the personal loan for travel EMIs.

Final words

A short March weekend trip doesn’t need grand plans. You only need to get the timing right and budget smartly. A travel loan lets you do that with ease. It provides you with quick access to funds to plan your bookings early and manage all the expenses for a stress-free trip. Once you’re back, you can manage the repayments comfortably at your set tenure and EMI. Make sure to be diligent with them to boost your credit score.

Explore FIRSTmoney personal loan for your long weekend travel.

Loan amount up to ₹15 lakhs

Instant disbursal of funds in 10 minutes

Low interest rate starting at just 9.99% p.a

No paperwork and no document uploads required

Foreclose anytime, with zero foreclosure charges

Get multiple on-demand loans

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a personal loan for travel EMI better than paying by credit card?

It depends. A personal loan for travel works better if you want fixed EMIs and can't repay your credit card bill in full. Credit cards are fine for travel spends only when you’re confident in clearing the dues on time or can avail of EMI payment offers.

How early should I book a March long weekend trip?

Ideally, booking in 3-6 weeks in advance is advisable. Even earlier is better for popular destinations with more demand.

What loan tenure is usually better for short trips?

For short trips, a shorter tenure is ideal to quickly close the travel loan as the amount is not substantial. For example, you can opt for a tenure starting at 9 months with a FIRSTmoney personal loan by IDFC FIRST Bank.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.

The features, benefits and offers mentioned in the article are applicable as on the day of publication of this blog and is subject to change without notice. The contents herein are also subject to other product specific terms and conditions and any third party terms and conditions, as applicable. Please refer our website www.idfcfirst.bank.in for latest updates.