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When it comes to saving money, new strategies are always emerging, and old ones are fading away. If you’re a frugal person, you probably already know that and appreciate that continuing to research money-saving tactics is one of the best ways to fund your passions, like travel! Travel expertise can be tricky to accumulate quickly unless you’ve dedicated years of your life to the travel industry or have lived a nomadic lifestyle. To help bridge the knowledge gap, take a look at these 15 tips and see how many you’re already following or how many you haven’t considered. Wherever your travels take you, don’t let your budget put a damper on your fun.
1. Eat Where the Locals Eat
The local population doesn’t fall for overpriced restaurants looking to trap visitors from overseas. You can dine cheaply at their favorite locations, and the food will likely be more authentic and tasty. Do some research before you head out, and when you arrive, you can get a feel for where the locals like to eat.
2. Consider Exchange Rates
Shop around for exchange rates before you travel. Look for the current conversion at a site like XE.com and see who provides the closest possible figures. Avoid exchanging at the airport; they have a captive audience and know you can’t shop around. Consider several options and exchange money before you travel.
3. Be Careful With Debit and Credit Cards
Travelers continue to take cash abroad, but paying with a card is sometimes more convenient. However, many debit and credit cards offer poor exchange rates with charges attached to spending overseas. There are, however, exceptions to that rule, and it’s essential to find them. Before you travel, apply for a card with zero fees and favorable rates. There are options, and having these cards in your wallet will save you money.
4. Pay in Local Currency
When you use your card, the merchant will ask if you want to pay in U.S. dollars or the local currency. The local option is best, as it leaves conversion to your bank rather than an unknown provider in an overseas country. Let the experts handle conversion rates.
5. Collect Points and Cashback
While you’re away, you can still adhere to your regular budget plan. If collecting reward points and cashback forms part of your strategy, continue that plan at participating outlets abroad if possible. Every dollar and cent earned adds up and keeps the domestic and overseas budgets ticking.
6. Don’t Eat at the Airport
Vacations may start at the airport, but the anticipation of travel can affect decision-making. Airport dining is expensive compared to bars and restaurants in our chosen destination. For many of us, breakfast and a celebratory drink are part of the experience, but they can put an early and unwelcome dent in our budget. Take sandwiches and eat before you board if you don’t want to be caught by high airport prices.
7. Enjoy Free Tours
Most cities around the world offer free walking tours. Your guide may appreciate some cash tips at the end of the adventure, but many are happy to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors. Check before traveling, as tourist offices may not promote free excursions.
8. Look for Free Museum Trips
Several places of interest do not charge admission. In many cathedrals worldwide, the building merely asks for donations towards its upkeep. It’s similar in some museums, where any fees are voluntary. Check before you travel, as not all locations adopt this generous approach, plus free visits may be scheduled only for specific days.
9. Head to the Local Park
Local parks are great places to relax. If the weather is fine, roll out a blanket and enjoy the sun for free. Many parks also offer things to do and see, from flowers and shrubs to impressive statues. There are many sculpture parks to enjoy, although admission charges may vary for these.
10. Use Public Transport
Avoid using the tourist shuttles to get around town. They are the more expensive option. Public transport is cheaper. Look for buses, trains, trams, and metro systems, and check for tickets that cover multiple days, as these can save even more money. The local tourist office will have all the information you need.
11. Look for Accommodations Outside the City
Most of your money-saving work takes place before you travel. Flights and accommodation carry the most cost and need to be considered carefully ahead of time. A good tip is to stay outside the central city, where hotel rooms are undoubtedly cheaper. Using an efficient public transport system is an essential part of this plan.
12. Consider House Sitting
An innovative way to stay has become popular in recent years. When others travel, their properties become vacant, and many seek house sitters to look after plants and pets. There’s no guarantee that a vacancy will suit your travel plans, but if you can find an arrangement, it will free up a large portion of your original budget.
13. Don’t Pay for Roaming Data
Many cities now offer free WiFi spots; you shouldn’t need to use your mobile data abroad. Keep the roaming switched off, and log in at the hotel, bar, train station, or other likely location. It’s the perfect way to avoid nasty surprises from your phone provider when you get home.
14. Look for Work Placements
Working abroad offers a way to pay for your travel as you go. The traveler’s responsibility is the cost of flights and accommodation, but paid employment can cover day-to-day budgeting. Teaching English and working as a tour guide are good ideas if you speak the local language.
15. Be Flexible
If your plans are flexible, last-minute deals can offer the most significant savings: many different websites list cancellations and unfilled bookings at knockdown prices. Last-minute bookings are ideal if you’re comfortable making a late decision and are happy to consider several options.
