Who doesn't love going on vacations? Taking a break from the daily grind to explore new destinations and creating beautiful memories is something we all desire. However, the expenses associated with travel can burn a hole in one's pocket. This is where a personal loan for travel proves handy.
Personal loans offer flexibility, convenience and can ensure your vacation is not compromised due to lack of funds. Banks and NBFCs in India offer personal loans for travel specifically for holiday purposes. These travel loans in India allow you to fund your dream domestic or international holiday without breaking the bank.
Here is a detailed guide on how you can utilise a personal loan to fund your travel plans.
What Is a Travel Loan?
A travel loan is a type of personal loan specifically aimed at financing vacations and holidays. Like any other personal loan, some of the lenders provide up to ₹40 lakhs to fund your travel plans. The repayment tenure ranges from 1 to 5 years, depending on the loan amount and the lending institution’s policies.
Borrowers can use the sanctioned amount to pay for flights, hotels, sightseeing, food, or any other travel expense imaginable. The flexible repayment options allow one to repay the loan in comfortable monthly instalments without hampering other financial goals.
Reasons to Opt for a Travel Loan
Here are some of the key benefits of using a personal loan for travel and holidays:
- Flexible Repayment Options: Travel loans typically come with flexible repayment terms, allowing you to choose a repayment plan that suits your budget and financial situation.
- Competitive Interest Rates: Many financial institutions offer competitive interest rates for travel loans, making it an affordable way to fund your dream vacation.
- No Collateral Required: Unlike secured loans, travel loans generally do not require any collateral, making them more accessible to a wider range of borrowers.
- Quick Disbursement: Travel loans are often processed quickly, ensuring you have the funds available in time for your trip.
- Consolidation of Expenses: If you're planning a multi-destination trip or need to cover various expenses like flights, accommodation, and activities, a travel loan can help consolidate all your costs into a single loan.
- Tailored to Travel Needs: Some loan providers offer travel-specific benefits; such as travel insurance or discounts on travel services.
Travel Loan Application Process
The process of availing a travel loan is quite straightforward and can be completed online or by visiting your nearest branch.
Here are the key steps:
- Identify banks or NBFCs that offer travel loans as per your planned holiday budget and duration.
- Check eligibility criteria in terms of income, employment, credit score, existing loans, etc.
- Calculate your loan amount based on total trip expenses. Optimal loan tenure can be 12-48 months.
- Prepare all required documents - identity proof, address proof, salary slips, bank statements, etc.
- Fill out the travel loan application form online or offline with your personal and financial details.
- Upload or submit all KYC documents along with the completed application.
- The loan provider will verify details, check creditworthiness and approve the travel loan amount based on eligibility.
- On approval, e-sign the loan agreement sent via email to accept the terms and conditions digitally. If you are applying for the loan offline, you may have to visit the bank or NBFC branch to sign the agreement.
- The approved travel loan amount gets disbursed to your bank account within a few working days.
- You can now utilise the funds to book flights, hotels, forex, packages, etc., for your holiday.
Conclusion
With easy eligibility, fast processing and instant disbursal, a travel loan makes realising your travel goals cheaper and more convenient. As more Indians prioritise unique experiences over material goods, personal loans for travel seem to be gaining immense popularity.
FAQs
1. What exactly is a personal loan for travel?
A personal loan for travel is a loan taken from a bank or financial institution specifically to finance vacations, trips, and holidays. The loan can be used for flights, hotels, food, sightseeing and other travel expenses.
2. What documents are needed to get a personal loan for travel approved?
The critical documents needed to get a travel loan approved are identity proof, address proof, income proof (salary slips and bank statements), and photographs. Additional documents may be needed as per the lending institute’s requirements.
3. How can one use a travel loan?
A travel loan can be used to book flight tickets, pay for hotels, purchase travel insurance, and even buy foreign currency in advance for international trips. It covers all essential travel-related expenses, making vacations stress-free.
4. Can you prepay a travel loan before the tenure ends?
Yes, many banks and NBFCs allow prepayment of travel loans, but some may charge a prepayment fee. It’s advisable to check the terms before committing to early repayment.
5. Is there a credit score requirement for travel loans?
Yes, a good credit score, typically above 700* is usually required for travel loans, as it reflects your creditworthiness. A higher score can help secure better interest rates and loan terms.