Traveling can be very expensive, but there’s no need to absolutely break the bank on your next trip! Instead, we’ve compiled some of the best tips to help you manage your finances while traveling abroad. Here are the top 10 tips to travel within budget/manage your expenses abroad.
- Switch Your Phone Provider
Traveling internationally is expensive as it is, but your phone bill will likely take a hit as well. You can also reduce your phone bill cost by switching your provider. Some services such as T-Mobile One will give you unlimited coverage in a whole host of countries. The new unlimited plans are significantly cheaper than you’d normally be paying, and in some cases it will only cost you $50. Another added benefit is that you won’t have to purchase expensive SIM cards to use abroad.
- Haggle
Don’t just accept whatever price you see listed, get the best bargain possible! You’ll want to learn how to haggle effectively, which is incredibly useful when you go to any sort of open-market, taxi, local transportation, and various other venues. Simple questions like, “Can you do better?” can go a long way. Also learn to feign a loss of interest when they give you the price, it shows that you aren’t content and will make the vendor likely to offer you a good discount. Just remember to be respectful, and both sides can mutually benefit.
- Student Benefits
If you are a student, then consider purchasing an International Student Identity Card. This card allows you to get discounts on various airlines, attractions, and accommodations. In some places you can get half the price of the entrance fees to all of the museums and monuments, which can really add up! If you are no longer a student, then fear not! If you are under the age of 26, or a teacher, you can apply to get an International Youth Travel Card. Teachers will apply for the International Teacher Identity Card instead. The benefits are similar for these cards as well.
- Avoid High Seasons
Avoid traveling during the high season of the year. Instead, consider travelling during the rainier seasons, as these are generally the best times to travel! You will find that it is much cheaper to travel and it becomes even easier to haggle for a good deal as businesses become much more interested in making a sale. Attractions are less crowded, so you can enjoy your favorite destinations with ease!
- Hotel Alternatives
It’s possible to significantly reduce the amount of money you spend on accommodation simply by looking into some hotel alternatives. Here are some great examples that could save you money down the line! Hostels are a form of inexpensive lodging that will sometime even provide travelers with a hearty meal! It is possible that you may need to share a bedroom with another occupant, but who knows? You may have just met your new traveling friend! Homeowners who have vacation or summer homes may be willing to rent them out. You could potentially snag a great deal on renting a summer home. There are several great websites to find such places, the most popular being AirBNB. Perhaps the best way to reduce your costs is to lodge with a friend, as you could potentially stay absolutely free!
- Book Last-Minute Deals
If you’re willing to be adventurous, then try booking your next destination at the last minute. A great website to utilize is LastMinuteTravel.com to see great deals on flights, hotels, and various attractions. Last-minute trips help to ease the load on your bank account. When searching for good last minute deals, remember that you may have to sacrifice your destination for a bargain price. If you’re truly willing to dive into the unknown to broaden your horizons, then this is the option for you. It is possible that you may have to leave as soon as 24 hours for a fantastic deal, but to the savvy traveler this is no deterrence at all!
- Take a Volunteer Vacation
A “volunteer vacation” can help you afford to travel. You’ll still be required to actually get to your destination, but oftentimes the organization will pitch in to pay for your accommodations, food, and even some attractions and cultural events. It is possible that you will need to pay for the volunteer vacation, but when you take into account how much you’d normally be spending on such a trip, it’s certainly a bargain!
- Go with a Group
If you have any family members that are planning their next trip, consider making it a joint affair! Group rates for hotels, flights, and attractions are common, which can potentially get you as much as 15% off! Oftentimes, group rates begin at 10 people, and various airlines will offer discounts ranging from 5%-15% off. Another phenomenal option is to use the site Groople. Groople enables people to check out group rates for wherever your destination is, along with the number of travelers.
- Pack Light
If possible, you should try to pack all your clothing and essentials into a single bag. Many travel experts claim that you can save a significant amount of money simply by avoiding having to check in luggage. If you’re flying within the United States, it can cost as much as $50 to check in your baggage, and think about how much this will add up should you go on multiple flights. If you still can’t figure out what you should pack, check out our article on the 10 essentials you should pack when traveling!
- Pack Food
Meals can lead to a serious hit in your budget. This additional cost can rapidly take a toll on your budget, especially if you’re eating out often, as tends to happen when you’re out of the country. The easy alternative is to preemptively pack your next meals. This is an easier tip to do if the accommodation you are staying in comes with a kitchen or table in which you can effectively cook on. You’ll be able to save a significant amount of money doing so, which will permit you to splurge on various other amenities or save it for your next adventure!
If you like saving money while traveling, then you’ll enjoy this list.
Eager to get more information? Check out some more of our travel articles!
