Traveling abroad allows you to broaden your horizons, see the world, and have some fun along the way. Whether you’re interrailing through Europe, soaking up the sun on the Gold Coast of Australia, or backpacking across Asia, traveling is the ultimate way to experience everything the world has to offer.
Of course, traveling overseas isn’t always easy. Getting time off work or funding your expeditions can put a big dent in your plans, for example. However, there are ways you can save time and money when you travel internationally. With these savvy tips, you can take the hassle out of traveling and look forward to heading off on your next big adventure:
1. Plan Ahead
If you’re planning an extended break, then you can save a significant amount of money by booking in advance. When you’re able to book flights a year or two in advance, you can drastically reduce the cost, for example. Perhaps you want to celebrate your graduation with a much-needed vacation or maybe you’re looking for a memorable way to enjoy a big birthday? When you know you’re going to want to travel at a specific time, booking in advance can be a great option.
2. Last-Minute Trips
Conversely, last-minute bookings can also be a convenient way to save cash. If you don’t mind adjusting your destination depending on flight availability, a last-minute dash to the airport could be the start of a fun-filled trip. For flexible travelers who are happy to embrace the unexpected, taking advantage of last-minute deals lets you take advantage of unexpected gaps in your schedule with budget-friendly travel deals.
3. Avoid Foreign Currency Fees
When you’re changing currencies or using your credit card abroad, you don’t want to incur costly foreign exchange fees. If possible, change currency in advance by waiting for a good exchange rate to become available. In addition to this, taking out a credit card with no foreign currency transaction fees can be a good way to manage your money when you’re abroad.
4. Pre-Book Excursions
Once you’ve chosen your destination, you’ll want to explore what sights and attractions are around. If there’s a particular excursion you know you want to do, it makes sense to book early. Whether you’re hiring outback campers to explore the Australian wilderness or seeing a show at the West End in London, you don’t want to miss out on a lifelong dream. Major tourist attractions can be booked months in advance, so pre-booking will ensure you’re able to do everything on your itinerary and will allow you to take advantage of low-cost deals too.
5. Travel Out of Season
If your schedule allows it, travel out of season when you can. The cost of transport and accommodation is typically much lower out of season, so you can save a significant amount of money by planning out-of-season trips. Furthermore, tourist destinations and venues are less busy during these times, so you won’t have to contend with long queues or risk missing out on all the things you want to do.
6. Take Out Travel Insurance
Whenever you’re going abroad, it makes sense to have travel insurance in place. You never know when you’re going to fall ill or get injured, but the right insurance policy will give you peace of mind. The cost of medical treatment can be high in some locations, so having insurance will ensure you can access the help you need without worrying about your finances. Many credit card providers offer free travel insurance, so do check that whether you need another policy before you pay for more cover.
7. Use Extended Layovers
Most people try to avoid layovers wherever possible because it can mean spending hours in an airport waiting for your next flight. However, an extended layover could give you one or two nights to explore another city. Choosing a route that allows you to see more destinations and save money is a great way to turn a single trip into a multi-destination vacation.
8. Work While You Travel
Taking a working holiday allows you to see the world and earn money as you travel. It’s relatively easy to pick up casual work in major tourist locations but do make sure you have the relevant documentation prepared before you leave.
Alternatively, you might find that you can continue in your current role while you’re traveling. With so many companies now switching to remote teams, it may be possible for you to maintain your role from any location. If so, you can enjoy uninterrupted job security while satisfying your wanderlust.
9. Limit Your Luggage
If you take too much luggage with you on your travels, you’re going to be hit with excess baggage fees. What’s more – having too much with you can make it harder for you to get from one location to another. If possible, travel light and take the bare minimum. This gives you a great excuse to pick up any extras you need at your new destination and it also helps to ensure you won’t pay any extra fees at the airport.
10. Pack Snacks
Paying for food in airports or busy tourist locations quickly adds up, so packing your own snacks can be a savvy way to save time. What’s more – avoiding long queues will save you time too. When you’re at your destination, choosing local snacks to take on your return journey will allow you to make the most of regional delicacies too.
Planning an International Adventure
If you want to travel overseas, you don’t need an unlimited amount of time or money to do so. However, working out your costs, budgeting, and starting a travel fund will help to ensure that you have the funds you need for the trip of a lifetime. In addition to this, planning your trip and learning from other travelers will help you to lower your costs and maximize your enjoyment. No matter where you’re heading, the right preparation will ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
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