Saving for your dream relaxing vacation can be difficult, and sometimes you just need to get away. Having a low budget does not must crush your vacation dreams, it just means you must be more conscious about your spending, and find ways to travel. less international.
After all, spending a fortune on your family vacation does not guarantee a better experience than someone who is more economical with their expenses. In fact, following some easy money-saving tips when traveling overseas can make your next trip more enjoyable. The following tips will offer you some helpful ideas to consider the next time you want to explore the world, without breaking the bank.
1. Understand Your Money
When you travel, one of the first things you need to do is check exchange rates for the currency of the country you’ll be visiting. Not only do you need to compare exchange rates in several locations to be sure you’re getting the best deal, but you also need to have a good understanding of the new currency you are about to use, so you all the time understand how much you are spending. You can download an app that will help you convert prices from foreign currency into your own, and since you still must have your phone with you at all times, this can make sure that you stay within your budget, and do not get surprised when you return home to find You have emptied your bank account.
At the same time, be sure you have physical money at hand at all times. It’s much easier to keep track of how much you are spending when you are using cold cash, than when you have the freedom to pull out your card at any given moment. Likewise, be sure you tell your bank that you’ll be leaving the country if you need to use your card for purchases, so they do not close your account while you try to shop.
2. Have a Prepaid International Calling Package
These days, it is hard to imagine leaving your home—let alone the country—without your smartphone safely in your pocket. How can you research the best tourist spots without your cellular phone, or call someone if you get lost? What’s more, how do you share your awesome vacation photos with your friends immediately via social media? Taking your cellular phone with you when traveling overseas makes sense, as it lets you stay in touch with friends, family, and coworkers, in addition to get local information while traveling. However, paying for international calls without a plan can incur huge bills.
Profit, prepaid international packages providing you with the opportunity to access the cheapest rates when making calls from international destinations. You may find it helpful to compare the various carriers that offer prepaid plans before making a decision which is best for you, and it is often advisable to check if your package covers the countries you have chosen to travel.
3. Plan Your Trip at the Right Time of Year
Choosing the right month, season and day for your trip can have a huge impact on the amount you can pay. In fact, you can reduce your expenses by up to 20% if you choose a flight that departs on Thursday, and returns on Monday. It’s likely that if you work full time in the US, you will have a hard time getting your days off at the right time, since most of them occur around the vacations, otherwise you’re forced to take them at a certain time. However, if you have the opportunity to choose a date, perform some research before committing to anything.
Remember, most airlines will offer discounted tickets during September, but take note “shoulder season”, between high and low seasons for travel companies. Depending on your goals, any season can be shoulder season. For example, Europe’s highest season runs between May and September, but if you buy your ticket in October, you will get fewer visitors, and lower airline prices.
4. Food Supplies
One of the biggest expenses travelers must deal with is the price of food, but you can save quite a lot of money if you find a local grocery store and stock up on easy breakfast options, snacks, and options for picnics. If you are renting a car, check what’s available nearby and stock up on as much groceries as you can slot in your hotel room fridge. Don’t be afraid to buy water bottles in bulk to take with you when you explore either, as this can save you quite a lot of money when you travel near expensive bistros and cafes.
If you are with family or friends, bundle some of the items you picked up at the shop into a bag and have a last-minute picnic. Not only is this an amazing way to save yourself time since you do not have to spend an hour trying to find a place to eat that everybody wants to eat, but it will also save you money. Not to mention, you can enjoy lunch and weather at the same time.
5. Take Advantage of Available Transportation
Another great way to save money when you travel, is to look for the cheapest transportation options at your chosen destination. After all, if you can avoid renting a car, you can save quite a lot of money on vehicle fees, and insurance. Walking is all the time a good method from a cost-efficient standpoint, but do not forget that there are often many local ways to get around. Trams, trains and buses are everywhere around the globe, and certain destinations even offer incredible discounts if you know what to look for.
For example, you can save money if you use your Oyster card in London during non-peak hours. Find out what transportation is available in the country you are visiting before you go, and learn as much as you can about the savings you can access by buying in advance, or traveling at specific times.
6. Take Advantage of Free Entertainment
Visiting a big city doesn’t suggest you must fall into a tourist trap and spend all of your money to see the “popular” destinations. In fact, many destinations offer a wide range of free entertainment options depending on the time of year you choose to visit, but again you will need to dedicate time to research if you want to find the best deals. Cities like London are filled with free things to do during your trip – as almost every museum is free. On the other hand, if you visit Paris, you can see the Louvre for free at First Sunday of each month.
Staying resourceful and planning ahead can help you save quite a lot of money when you travel. What are some of your favourite tips and tricks for saving money when traveling overseas?
Contributed By: Joey Tomina is President of Rushstar Wireless and is recognized nationally as one of the top leaders in the wireless industry for his work with leading carriers, MVNOs & payment processors in sales, distribution and operational development nationwide. He has 15 years of sales & executive management experience with an emphasis on direct and indirect market development and distribution.
