Hidden vacation costs can wreck a travel budget

• The average vacation budget has climbed to a record $6,630, according to Future Partners.
• And 84% of travelers expect to put at least some vacation expenses on a credit card, with more than a third still paying off last year's trip, per NerdWallet.

What's happening: One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is falling in love with a destination before deciding what they can realistically afford, said James Rothwell of Washington-based Gesa Credit Union.

• "Once you're excited about a destination, it becomes easy to keep adding activities, upgrades and experiences that push the budget higher," Rothwell told Axios.
• Instead, he recommends deciding what you can spend first — and then building the best trip within that budget.
• He also encourages travelers to leave a 10% to 15% cushion for expenses they often overlook.

"A vacation should create happy memories, not months of financial stress," he said. "Planning ahead and understanding the full cost of a trip can help families enjoy time away without bringing home unnecessary debt."

The bottom line: A little planning before takeoff can help ensure vacation memories outlast the credit-card bill.