Traveling abroad can be a costly endeavor. Indeed, it’s not uncommon to see airline tickets skyrocketing many times during the year. As a result, most people are always looking for ways to save money. But, it might be confusing to know where to start. Because we always want to help, here are some ways to save money when traveling abroad!
Volunteer to Find Alternate Accommodations
Depending on where those cheap international flights will take you, there may not be many hotel options available. It may even be difficult to find something clean and affordable in your area. With that being said, it’s always a good idea to look for alternate accommodations that may provide the same experience — but at a much lower cost — as a plan B.
Volunteering and pet-sitting services have become increasingly popular in recent years because they can offer people an opportunity to save money while experiencing a new culture. Pet sitters usually have extensive knowledge of the local area, so they can easily recommend the best place to stay or where to eat at night. Besides, pet-sitting can give you the opportunity to work from home while also seeing new places without worrying about transportation or accommodations!
Get a Bank Account or Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees
Many credit cards have a foreign transaction fee. So, when you use your card to purchase something outside of the country where the card is issued, fees will typically be applied to that purchase. However, credit cards don’t charge currency conversion fees as long as they’re used within the country. This can come in handy when traveling in countries that don’t typically use U.S. dollars as their primary currency due to exchange rate variances. Some cards don’t even charge any foreign transaction fees. Don’t be afraid to spend a bit of time doing research on these ways to save money when traveling… it’ll definitely pay off!
You may also like: 5 Affordable South American Countries to Visit for a Getaway
Cook More and Eat Out Less
When traveling, the first thing you should try to do is to “guesstimate” how much you’ll be spending on food. Dining out and going to fast food joints are two of the main expenses people unconsciously make when traveling (yes, you too). Many travelers don’t realize how much money they spend on eating out, so it can be difficult to change this habit. However, one thing that you can do is try to cut back on drinks during your outings. Avoid spending money on too many drinks and it’ll be way easier to save more money for the things that really matter.
Travel to Places Where your Home Currency Takes You Further
Having the right currency is essential when traveling abroad. It’s important to know the rates that different countries offer so that you can save money and plan accordingly. When traveling to areas where your home currency performs poorly, it will be almost impossible to find good deals on anything you want. The exchange rate between countries can vary widely. The United States, for example, has a strong economy and a rather stable currency. However, even if that changes, some currencies around the world are considered to be stronger than the U.S. dollar due to their GDP and their economic stability over time. Keep this in mind to avoid spending more than you planned to!
Skip the Traditional Souvenirs
Buying souvenirs has always been an essential part of any trip worth mentioning. Whether it’s a T-shirt or a cheesy mug, souvenirs are something everybody looks forward to buying when traveling abroad. The downside? It’s gonna cost you money. Sometimes, a lot of money. To save, you need to change your perspective. Think about it: no purchased memento can beat your photos and videos. These priceless treasures will also allow your friends and family back home to see what the world has to offer!
Have you tried any of these ways to save money when traveling abroad? Tell us how it went below!
Leave a Reply