The rich cultural exposure, awareness and ability to broaden your horizons in international travel make it a must for any sightseer. Planning your global holiday means seeking the best possible deals from flights to accommodation but many businesses may not deliver the most economical prices and rates. You end up getting ripped off and having to dig into your savings for the best holiday experience.
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Save on Dining Out
International travel sets the stage for spectacular experiences. When you are on the opposite of the world, it can be very tempting to want to visit the finest restaurants and enjoy the incredible cuisine. If you need to save on your travels, you will be amazed at how much you can spend on dining out! Visiting the local vendors (where it is safe to consume food, of course); the markets and smaller diners can provide rich flavors and experiences without the hefty expense.
[BUTTONS2]Rely on Public Transport
Depending on where you are travelling and what you plan on seeing, public transport may not always seem feasible but when it is, public transportation is a great way to save. From the local bus to the train, most cities offer discounted rates on its tickets allowing you to save on regular travels.
Find Valuable Accommodation
An area where you can really save on expense is with your accommodation. We all dream of staying at a four to five star beach resort but this is not always necessary. There are many quaint and comfortable hotel stays including vacation rental deals that will help you save while enjoying your stay.
Screen Car Rentals
The first question you need to ask yourself is whether or not you even need a car rental. If the answer is a definite yes, you should take the time to look through discount booking sites in order to get the best possible deal. You will also need to familiarize yourself with the local laws and what, if any, assistance your insurance company will provide if you are in an accident. This will make it easier to avoid adding on insurance that you do not need. Another important step to take is looking through traveler reviews from the car rental companies that you are considering. Doing this will enable you to steer clear of companies that have a history of providing poor customer service or inflating their rental rates.
Utilize the Cheapest Transportation
If you do not need to rent a car, you can save even more money by ensuring that you choose the cheapest transportation options for each portion of your journey. Walking is always the best method from a cost perspective, and it will allow you to truly experience a new town. However, when this is not a suitable option, you should look into any discounted train and bus tickets that are offered for travelers. A prime example of this is the fact that you can save money by buying a 10 pack of train tickets in Paris. There are also discounts for using an Oyster card in London during non-peak hours. Buying in advance can save you time and money, along with eliminating the hassle of attempting to communicate in a different language while you are traveling abroad.
Know Your Currency
The currency exchange rate changes constantly, so it is a good idea to research these rates before you leave for your trip. You can also exchange your currency in advance, and this means that it can be very beneficial to begin tracking the exchange rate a few months before your trip. After all, if the rate experiences a notable drop, you could save a lot of money by moving forward with an exchange before the cost increases again. You may also wish to use the exchange rates to help you determine which country to visit. American travelers can currently get more out of their money in Australia and New Zealand than in Europe, and this is definitely worth considering.
Research Your Accommodations
Many people choose a hotel because it is part of a chain that they are familiar with or it is available for a discount through a travel site. Although both of these reasons can lead to a solid decision, there are several other options that you should consider. If you are comfortable sharing space and are not traveling with children, you may be able to save a lot of money at a hostel.
Travelers who want more privacy than a hostel can offer may be able to find very good deals by choosing a vacation rental property in lieu of a hotel. The pricing will probably be similar, but the added bonus of being able to cook your own meals can save you a lot of money on dining out. Make sure that you select a rental that is close to the downtown area or located near a bus or train line, though, or else you will waste your saved lodging money on transportation. As always, check into the reviews of any place that you are considering to ensure that you make an informed decision. You can get some financial protection by reserving a rental through VRBO.com or Airbnb.com.
Use Savvy Shopping Skills While Traveling Abroad
Traditional stores may have items of interest, but they are also much more likely to be easily duplicated at home. Instead, look into local markets where truly one-of-a-kind items can be found at a reduced cost. Many cultures expect you to haggle over pricing in the marketplace, so be sure to research local customs to avoid spending more money than necessary. Azerbaijan is a prime example of this practice. The pricing in their markets is always inflated to allow consumers to haggle for a better deal, but they will take the listed price with a confused smile if you are not savvy enough to know how their markets work.
Adopting a thrifty mindset and performing some research into your travel destination can help you find the best vacation deals. The purpose is to save on the costs just enough to enjoy your international journey without emptying your pockets.