How to stick to your budget when travelling overseas
When travelling overseas it is easy to lose control over one’s budget. From wanting to discover key attractions abroad to wishing to taste new food and of course, setting off on a shopping spree, you may blow up all your money without even having the time to notice it.
Here are some guidelines and tips that may help you spend according to your budget and avoid unnecessary expenditures while still having fun abroad.
Have a currency converter app
Whether you are travelling to a single country or are going to visit several locations, be sure to start by downloading a currency converter. It is not always easy to keep converting currencies in your mind and with several currencies, this task may prove confusing. Once you have the app on your mobile, simply connect to WiFi and set the rate for the day without the need to connect to the Internet later on.
Avoid restaurants at main tourist spots
Busy tourists spots automatically have several restaurants and cafes around. The reason is simple- they want to attract as many tourists as possible and generally, the latter, not knowing any place else, or out of convenience, do choose to eat at these nearby places. The fact is that these restaurants and cafes always charge more than the normal rate for food and beverages.
The trick is to eat beforehand if you are visiting a tourist hotspot or to venture to buy food further away. Another idea would be to carry your own sandwich in your backpack if you have the possibility to do so. Also, check if the place you are lodging at offers free breakfast.
Purchase food from local markets
When travelling abroad, tasting the culinary local specialties forms part of the adventure and the discovery. To appreciate the local cuisine, venture into local markets. Food items are definitely going to be cheaper and you can improvise a picnic in a nearby park. If you can prepare some food yourself to eat before setting out for the day, do buy some groceries.
Take your student card along
If you are a student, be sure to take your student card with you. Many museums, as well as tourist attractions around the world, offer discounted prices for students. Nonetheless, many places will refuse to accept your local student card. So, create an International Student Identity Card (ISIC).
You may also find free walking tours available on the first day of your trip. Usually, local people accompany you around the place while sharing interesting and fun facts with you. This is an opportunity to orientate yourself and obtain first-hand recommendations from the locals too.
Opt for overnight trains
Transportation is a major source of expenditure when visiting a foreign country. To save money, choose overnight trains that generally combine a night’s accommodation and travel costs into one. However, note that these sleepers trains are pretty basic but travelling aboard will save you money.
Do not buy a Sim card
With free WiFi available at various spots in any country now, there is no need to buy a Sim card. Using international roaming services is very costly too. Relying on these WiFi spots will definitely save you some money.
