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Loans can help cover the cost of unexpected travel

Getting Last Minute Travel Loans for Bad Credit

Updated on January 16, 2023

 Loans

The United States has the most ‘mobile’ population on the face of the planet. More people live further away from extended family than any other country. Most of the time the distance between us is eliminated thanks to modern technology; cell phones and webcams let us get face time with relatives who live on the other side of the country.

We also like to visit come Holiday Season, and many of us spend a whole year planning for such an occasion. But what if the need to visit a distant relative came up unexpectedly?

The Price of Emergency Travel

Everyone knows how expensive a flight or a train ticket can be if you try to book it at the last minute. We know you can save money on travel the earlier you can plan. But what about the situations when you can't help but buy a flight the night before or on that day? For instance, you may need to get home immediately, in case of an emergency while you are on vacation; however, if your credit cards are maxed out and you are lacking the funds in your checking account to buy another ticket, you could be in serious trouble.

The Death of Bereavement Fares

There used to be a time when all the airlines offered what they called “bereavement fares”; these were deep discounts or in some cases, free airfare to attend a funeral or visit a sick relative. Now the discounts to see sick relatives have disappeared and the bereavement fares are all but gone. But this should never be a factor that prevents you from getting where you need to be, especially in the case of a family member that’s ill. They need you, and it could be your presence that gives them the strength to pull through or get back on their feet.

Do You Need Travel Loans?

It’s so hard in some cases to judge the urgency of an illness. Should you travel across the country? Is it serious enough that you should be by their side? Actually the answer to those questions is easier than you might think. Imagine yourself in their position. Would you want them to come see you? Would you need their help? Your initial reaction is probably the correct one. If you’re hesitant, then maybe give it some thought for a bit and see if you might come to a solid conclusion later. But if your answer is immediate, then you know what you need to do.

Go Online to Research Travel Loans

Don’t wait. First, go online and check the travel websites for any discounts. If you find one or two, don’t reserve the ticket on the internet. Call the airlines (as noted in the link above), and ask if they have any last-minute discounts. Call, don’t go online. Often an agent at the airline will be able to assist you if you tell them your story. Since most travel is booked on the internet these days, it’s rare that someone will call asking for a discount to visit a sick relative. In many cases, airlines will have one or two empty seats available at the last minute and can offer you a discount.

Travel Financing for Emergencies

In an emergency situation like this, your best bet may be to apply for a short-term loan. A personal installment loan can provide you with the money you need immediately, especially when you will not have access to your next pay check before you come home. Unlike other short-term loans, a personal installment loan does not have to be paid in full when you receive your next paycheck. You have the option of making small payments on the amount borrowed over time.

What Are the Best Travel Loans for Bad Credit?

The most common type of las vegas installment loans is those which are paid back monthly, and involve a payment that combines the loan amount and interest. Interest rate percentages are based on the bank's standard rates, plus considerations for personal credit history and possibly other factors. An installment loan for travel financing may be tied to collateral, or may be completely unsecured. Secured loans will offer the lending institution more security and therefore often come with a lower interest rate. Therefore, choosing a secured loan is also of benefit to the responsible borrower. Banks tend to try to use credit cards for those who are interested in an unsecured loan. Keep in mind, though, that payments can sometimes change on vacation loans if, for example, the interest rate changes or there is an introductory period where the payment or interest rate on the loan is lower.

What Do I Need to Qualify for Vacation Financing?

To apply for travel financing a person needs to have a social security number, mailing address, driver's license number, current email address, gross monthly income and a vehicle title. Please remember that you cannot be an active member in the military. A lender may ask you a number of additional questions including the name of your current employer and the number of years you have worked at your employer, all in determining how well you are likely to manage the monthly payments of an installment loan. A good place to begin shopping for travel loan is with your local bank or credit union, where you already have an established relationship with a potential lender. And if you are approved for an installment loan from your local bank or credit union where you already have accounts such as checking or savings accounts, you may qualify for discounts on the interest rate.

How Do I Get the Best Deal on Travel Loans Bad Credit?

In order to get the best deal on a personal installment loan, a number of issues need to be thoroughly researched. First, the borrower should wait until interest rates are low, if possible. Second, he should maintain a good credit rating. Third, he should research all options, both for secured and unsecured loans. Travel loans for bad credit are an option worth considering for fast, easy and secure loans with smaller individual payments.

How to Get Pre-Approved for Financing Travel

While you’re doing this, come visit us at CASH 1 online. We can usually get you approved for a loan in just a few minutes and get the money transferred to your bank account soon after that. This is an important time, and people need you. Don’t let the stress of worrying about expensive travel occupy your thoughts when you’ve got more important things to deal with. Go visit your family member, be there with them and for them. And please tell them we hope they get better soon.

Photograph of author Joseph Priebe

Joseph Priebe

Joseph Priebe takes pride in assisting audiences with his articles to help them make sound financial decisions.

With over ten years of experience writing financial content his goal at CASH 1 has always been creating engaging and easy-to-digest information for anyone searching for immediate or long-term monetary solutions.

When Joseph is not writing about personal finance, you can find him photographing the Southwest United States with his 4x5 Graflex Crown Graphic camera. He is based in Phoenix, Arizona.