5 ways to save while travelling

Everyone travels differently. Some of us like to stick to a detailed itinerary while others prefer to go with the flow and see where the world takes them. But one thing you shouldn’t wing overseas is your finances. Regardless of your destination or the time of year, it’s important to stick to your budget to avoid any savings blowouts during your trip. After all, no one wants to fall short financially in a foreign country. To help you out, here’s five ways to save while travelling.

Sort out your travel money

If you want to avoid hefty conversion fees on your travels, consider taking a travel credit card or a preloaded money card. While credit cards aren’t generally recommended for ATM withdrawals due to cash advance fees, they can offer a wide range of benefits such as no foreign transaction fees, complimentary travel insurance, airline lounge passes and extra rewards points. Most credit cards are widely accepted internationally, making it easier to purchase as you go.

Prepaid travel cards can also be a convenient way of accessing your cash overseas. These cards enable you to load your funds and lock in an exchange rate prior to your trip. They can be an effective budgeting tool because you know exactly how much money you’ve got to work with. There’s generally no ATM or currency conversion fees, but the cards will usually only load around eight different currencies, which may be limiting depending on your destination.

Shop online

You can often find the cheapest and best deals online when travelling. Spend some downtime researching and comparing travel deals or coupon codes for any upcoming accommodation or flights. Keep in mind that the key is to compare before making a final decision – don’t rush into the first offer you find because it may not be the most competitive.  

Take the scenic route

Try to stay off the well-trodden tourist path when you’re travelling as it’s generally cheaper. Hotels, restaurants, bars and smaller grocery stores all tend to charge the “tourist tax”, with prices heavily inflated in more-popular areas. Go for a wander and find your own new places to explore – those frequented by the locals will give you an authentic taste of local flavours and prices!

Show your loyalty

One you’ve chosen who you’re flying with and where you’re staying, it can be a good idea to sign up to the company’s loyalty program to access any freebies or exclusive deals on offer. Many loyalty programs offer lucrative incentives for those who sign up, such as free gifts or bonus points. Airline or travel company newsletters can also be an excellent way of accessing deals or limited-time offers for your next trip.

Stay somewhere with a kitchen

Exploring far-off places is hungry work, though the cost of food can really add up if you’re eating out all the time. If you’re travelling on a budget and want to stretch your dollars (or euros) a little further, try to limit eating out to once a week and book accommodation which includes kitchen facilities, such as a hostel, Airbnb or serviced apartment. Cooking your own dinner or breakfast can save you a small fortune when travelling.

With a proper budget in place and a few tricks and tips here and there, that dream trip you’ve been planning may be more achievable than you think.

Ask an expert

No matter your destination, if you are planning your next overseas holiday, or even travel within Australia, talk to the experienced travel team at Tertiary Travel¹, renowned for their attention to detail and great service. Call 1300 888 999.

This article provided by Bessie Hassan, Money Expert at finder.com.au.