For many people, taking an international trip is something difficult, after all, this type of trip doesn’t usually come cheap.
However, know that by following some tips it is possible to save money on a trip abroad!
Want to know how? So check out the information we’ve separated below.
International travel: 9 tips to save you money
Tip 1: Do research for tickets in advance
The first tip we have for you to save on your international trip refers to airline tickets.
That’s because they usually have a higher cost compared to other items on the trip.
So, in order not to spend “rivers of money” at this point, start searching for tickets in advance, at least four months before the period you intend to travel.
That way, you’ll be able to monitor prices more calmly and have a much better chance of getting a good offer along the way.
Tip 2: Lower your hosting category
In addition to tickets, accommodation can represent a significant portion of your travel cost. So, to save money, reduce your category.
So, instead of staying at a trendy resort or a 4-5 star hotel, opt for a simpler and more affordable place, like a hostel or inn.
Or, you can search for accommodation on Airbnb or use Couchsurfing.
Tip 3: Buy foreign currency gradually (and in advance)
To be able to make purchases and payments abroad, you will need to buy, before leaving the country, a certain amount of foreign currency, for example, at an exchange office or with your bank.
And to save on this item, don’t buy the coin all at once.
That’s because the exchange rate varies regularly, one day it’s more expensive and the next it’s cheaper.
So, know how to take advantage of it. Buy the foreign currency gradually and in advance, because as with airline tickets, you will have more chances of getting a good deal with time in your favor.
Know when, how, and where to buy to make your money worth more.
Tip 4: save on meals
Have you ever heard about “cat tourist restaurants”? Yes, they exist and are basically in all destinations abroad. They are close to attractions, sights, and the hottest areas.
And should you go on them? Not if you want to save.
That’s because, these establishments usually have a “saltier” price, besides that they don’t always offer the best meals in terms of quality.
Therefore, instead of opting for them at the time of having coffee, lunch, or dinner, choose options a little further away, that is, that is not so close to the hottest areas.
And for that, it’s important to do a lot of research during your planning and ask residents for recommendations when you’re at your destination.
Obs: of course, once in a while you can go to one of these better-known/famous restaurants, just don’t go to them often.
Tip 5: Pay attention to the forms of transport
When we are abroad, we spend a great deal of time traveling to different places, attractions, etc. And, depending on the distance, it may not be possible to do everything on foot. In other words, it is necessary to use some means of transport.
And since we are talking about saving here, the best way for you to get around the destination without spending so much is to use public transport – train, bus, and subway – this, of course, if it is structured and works well (which usually is the which happens in most countries).
Therefore, before traveling, it is worth finding out about local public transport and also evaluating other options.
Suddenly, it’s worth renting a car or a bike or using a transportation app. See which one or which pays the most.
Tip 6: assemble a script strategically (reduce displacements)
Taking the hook from the previous tip, let’s talk now about your travel itinerary.
However, it’s not just any script, that is, you put a series of activities to do per day and that’s it.
No, what we mean here is to strategically put together a script. Like? Assessing the dates and locations of places, attractions, sights, and tours, to reduce displacements.
Thus, you will save time and money, after all, depending on the distance between attractions, sights, etc., you will be able to travel on foot, without having to spend on Uber, taxi, train, or other means of transport.
Tip 7: find out what the free rides and attractions are
Many attractions and tours abroad have a certain value, after all, you need to buy a ticket.
However, there is a lot for you to do and know that you don’t need to. In other words, they are free attractions and tours.
So, when planning your international trip, find out what they are.
Thus, you will be able to visit places and have great experiences without necessarily having to pay for them.
For example, not every museum or art gallery charges you to enter, in addition to attending street festivals, taking walks in the park, on the beach, etc. can also be done for free.
So, don’t limit yourself to just those tours and attractions that are paid for, that need a ticket or a ticket.
Tip 8: Plan Your Spending
To save on your international travel and have more control over your money, you need to plan your spending.
So, to keep your expenses up to date, have everything well organized and written down.
And that even goes for when you are at your destination.
Establish a daily budget and, before leaving, prepare a shopping list for you to follow and not extrapolate.
In no way go shopping like there’s no tomorrow.
Tip 9: Travel in the off-season
Finally, we’ve put together a tip that will help you save in all the aspects mentioned above: traveling in the low season.
That’s because the low season is a period characterized by a lower demand of tourists for a particular destination.
And as a result, tickets, services, tickets, etc. usually get cheaper.
So if you can travel at a time when there are fewer tourists, do so. You will definitely save.
Usually, the months of February, March, September, and October are quieter, however, it can vary from destination to destination.
Therefore, it is important that you check what are the low season periods in the destination you want to go to.
Bonus tip: reserve a parking space
Before we finish the article, we have a bonus tip for you to save on your international trip.
Many people, when going on a trip to another country, prefer to go with their own vehicle to the airport.
And do you know what that means? It means that you will need to reserve a parking space to leave it while traveling, after all, the street is not usually the safest place.
However, what these people are often not aware of is that the airport’s internal parking is much more expensive than options that are close to it.
So, if you want to save money and, of course, leave your car in a safe place, look for a parking lot that is close to the airport.
You’ll see that there are dozens of options and one of them is sure to please you!
In short…
The 9 tips to save money while traveling internationally are:
- Search for tickets in advance
- Decrease the hosting category
- Buy foreign currency gradually (and in advance)
- Save on meals
- Pay attention to the forms of transport
- Build a itinerary strategically (reduce displacements)
- Find out about free rides and attractions
- Plan your expenses
- Travel in low season