6 Financially-Savvy Waysto Stay Money-Smart While Travelling
Now that borders all over the globe have reopened, thousands of people are re-embarking on their once dormant travelling goals. After 2 long and arduous years of staying inside and keeping ourselves safe from COVID-19, airports are once again bustling at their full capacity. If you are one of the many people who have decided to plan an upcoming holiday, this is the article you have been looking for. With so many things to plan for your upcoming trip, it can be all too easy to get carried away with travel expenses. Thankfully, here are 6 tips that are guaranteed to help you stay money-smart on your next overseas adventure. Read on to find out more!
Card, Not Cash
The easiest way to track your spending overseas is to use your credit card instead of cash. Using your card can also be the safer option in a foreign land, and can greatly reduce your chances of being mugged and left stranded. When it comes to credit cards, you are not liable for unauthorised charges made if your credit card is stolen. Thank heavens for that! Aside from helping you track your spending and keeping you safe, many credit cards offer cash back, points or rewards that you can enjoy every time you make a purchase (even just a cup of coffee). Looking for the best credit card to tag along on your next journey? Be sure to compare credit cards online to find one that suits your needs best.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Even with the best plans, it can be helpful to prepare for the worst. This is where travel insurance comes into play. By purchasing travel insurance, you will be protecting any money that you’ve invested into your trip. If your trip does have to be cancelled for some reason, travel insurance can help you by compensating for any costs you’ve already incurred. Additionally, travel insurance is always a great idea as it covers a variety of scenarios including theft, baggage loss, accidents, emergencies and medical costs overseas.
Brush Up On Exchange Rates
It is always a wise idea to do some research and to brush up on exchange rates in the country or city you are visiting. Finding out the value of your money against a foreign currency will help you avoid getting scammed or overcharged when you purchase goods during your trip. Being aware of the exchange rate also means that you won’t be taken advantage of by money changers that charge tourists exorbitant fees. An easy way to stay on top of exchange rates is to check online currency converter and daily news. All these helpful tools will allow you to find the best currency conversion rates available!
Avoid Peak Holiday Times
One of the easiest and most effective ways of saving lots of money on your next trip is to avoid travelling during peak holiday times. This includes the school holidays, long weekends and public holidays. Generally, it’s cheaper to travel in the off-season when demand and prices are low. This may not be an option if you are travelling with kids, but if you can hold out for a little while, you’ll be amazed at how much you can save on both airfares and accommodation. Additionally, your best bet for scoring the cheapest airfare is to book in advance. Prices tend to soar closer to the date of travel, so be sure to book your tickets sooner rather than later.
A Home Away From Home
Don’t get us wrong – we love staying in hotels. Hotels are the epitome of luxury when you’re travelling, but the downside is that the bill can quickly add up, especially if you’re travelling in a large group. If you’re trying to stick to a modest budget, we highly recommend services such as Airbnb that will save you money and give you more space and amenities.
Top Tip: Select rentals hosted by Airbnb ‘Superhosts’. Superhosts must host at least 10 trips a year, maintain at least a 90% response rate, receive five-star reviews 80% of the time and must not cancel their reservations.
Avoid Rental Cars
If possible, we always suggest opting for public transport over car rentals. Afterall, there’s no better way to get to know a new city than by walking everywhere. The cost of an overseas car rental can quickly add up even on a short holiday, and driving on unfamiliar streets with different road safety rules can be an overwhelming experience for new travellers. Not to mention, fuel prices are at an all time high at the moment! When you do need a ride, we suggest opting for public transportation.
Top Tip: Frequent-travel cards — the Oyster card in London, the Passe Navigo in Paris, the Octopus in Hong Kong — are more affordable than single fares.
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And there you have it — everything you need to know to enjoy your next travelling adventure without having to break the bank. What are some of your favourite money saving tips when you’re exploring the great wide world? We want to hear them, so be sure to drop a comment and let us know!
