Going on an international trip can be very exciting, it allows you to connect with people from other parts of the world, visit iconic areas, and witness life in another form, but it can also be expensive.
You have to deal with flights and accommodations to dining and other activities, the costs can quickly add up. If you’re planning an international trip, follow these smart strategies and save money on your travel.
Flexible Travel Dates
If you are serious about saving money on your international travels, you have to be very flexible with your travel dates. Airlines and hotels usually offer lower prices during off-peak seasons or mid-week flights.
To know when prices are lower, use fare comparison websites, these websites will help you find the cheapest travel options, once you find them, you can adjust your schedule to take advantage of these savings.
Book your flight in advance
Booking your flights and accommodations well in advance can save you a significant amount of money. Most times, airlines and hotels offer discounts for early bookings, and you’ll have more options to choose from.
This is unlike last-minute bookings where your options are limited and the prices will be way higher than normal.
Use rare alerts
How about getting an alert once flight prices drop? If you sign up for fare alerts, it will help you stay informed about price drops on flights to your desired destination.
You can use websites and apps like Google Flights and Skyscanner to set up notifications, so you’ll be alerted when prices decrease. This way, you can snatch up great deals as soon as they become available. Sounds interesting, right? You should try it.
Travel light
Many airlines charge extra for checked luggage, so when traveling, pack only the essentials to avoid checked baggage fees.
Packing light can save you a substantial amount. You can also try and buy a good carry-on bag and make use of packing cubes to maximize space.
Local transportation
Once you’ve arrived at your international destination, use local transportation options like buses, trams, and trains instead of taxis or rental cars. This will not only save you money but it will help you enjoy the local culture and relate with the people better.
Eat local food during your stay
Dining at fancy restaurants every day will quickly deplete your travel budget. To save money on food, eat where the locals do. Try street vendors, markets, and local cafes, they often offer delicious and affordable food options. This will help you get a taste of the local cuisine while saving money.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn’t necessarily a way to save money upfront but it can prevent you from incurring significant costs if something goes wrong during your trip. It helps to protect you from unexpected expenses like medical emergencies, loss of bags, or trip cancellations.
Currency exchange
When traveling, be mindful of currency exchange rates and fees. You should avoid exchanging money at airports or hotels, the reason is that they usually have less favorable rates. You should use local ATMs or banks for better rates and lower fees.
Budgeting apps
Another important way to save money on international travel is to use budgeting apps to track your expenses during your trip. The app will help you stay within your budget and show you areas where you are overspending, this will give you a chance to make adjustments.
Traveling internationally doesn’t have to be that expensive. If you follow the tips we have just shared here, you will be amazed at how much you will save on your next international travel.
