For many people, international travel is a bucket list fantasy item. Fortunately, the fantasy of travelling to foreign lands can actually be a practical goal, as long as certain financial considerations are kept in check. Here are ten tips for planning an international trip on a limited budget:
Use Group Shopping Sites
Websites like Groupon, Living Social, and Amazon local are great places to find extremely discounted international vacation packages. Sign up to have great travel deals delivered straight to your email inbox.
Travel During off Season
Just about every exotic locale has an off season. This is that time of year when there are less tourists and local attractions and accommodations have a more difficult time selling their goods. For you, it equates to major savings.
Choose Accommodations Wisely
When comparing accommodations, be sure to take into consideration the number of free perks they include, such as Internet, local calls, concierge, laundry, breakfast, airport shuttle, and parking.
Be Flexible when it comes to your Flight
If you are open to travelling on a stand-by basis (that is, when the airline has extra seats to fill), during odd hours, and/or on a flight with several layovers, then you can benefit from discounted plane tickets.
Housesit
It is possible for you to get accommodations for free when you volunteer as a housesitter. In some instances, you may actually get paid to housesit. In order to do this, you will need to register as a housesitter with a service of your choosing and apply for the opportunities you are interested in as if applying for a job.
Take Advantage of All-inclusive Vacation Packages
Travel agents (as well as the group shopping sites previously mentioned) can often offer all-inclusive vacation packages that save you money by including everything from airfare to meals at one set price.
Explore for Free
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on tourist attractions when travelling internationally. Just the novelty of a foreign land can be exciting; therefore, be sure to pack plenty of back-roads exploration into your itinerary, so that you can sight-see for free.
Currency Exchange
No matter where you exchange your currency, you will have to pay a fee. Avoid exorbitant fees charged by hotels and airport kiosks by exchanging your money before you leave, at a bank with the lowest exchange rates.
Research Cheap and free Attractions
If you spend some time on the Internet while planning your itinerary, you can research tourist destinations that cost little or no money, no matter where you are going.
Beware of Hidden Flight Charges
Some airlines charge fees for carry-on luggage, and/or for luggage in excess of one or two pieces, as well as for other conveniences that you might not be aware of. These fees can add several hundred dollars to your travel costs. Before you book a flight, be sure to ask about all of the fees you might be charged.
No matter what size your budget, international travel can be right within your reach. Draw from these tips to formulate your own money-saving strategy. Even sites like SmartAsset can offer answers to your budget and money related questions, so check them out, too.