It’s the summertime and that means vacations! Exploring foreign shores and dining on exotic fare are the stuff that dream vacations are made of, but it can also get expensive quickly. This infographic walks you through ways that you can have a great experience without bursting your budget. Learn how to get the most for your money while vacationing overseas.
Use credit cards
- Determine if your card has a foreign transaction fee – if it does, apply for a new one that doesn’t.
- Let your credit card company know about your travels. Otherwise, your transactions might be flagged as potential fraud because they’re taking place so far from where your normal transactions take place.
- If you don’t have a chip-enabled card, carry your passport with you. Many European countries don’t accept magnetic-strip cards without ID.
Know the local exchange rate
- Know the current exchange rate before you travel. Access this information on an exchange app like My Currency Converter. That way, you’re aware of how much things cost no matter what currency the price is displayed in, and you can avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Always ask for a bill in the local currency so vendors can’t hike up the price in American dollars. Doing a little math on your own might save you from being taken advantage of.
Dine on a budget
- Patronize sidewalk vendors to satisfy your cravings for foreign cuisine at a bargain price. Not only will you save money, but this is arguably the most authentic way to experience the local culinary culture.
- Enjoy a light lunch at a street cafe for half the cost of a dimly-lit restaurant. Soak up the local culture while saving big bucks!
- Shop the local groceries and prepare your own exotic food. This isn’t what most people think of when going on vacation, but this can be an experience in and of itself – experience the local stores, explore the different ingredients, and enjoy an evening of cooking a native dish.
Transportation hacks
- Don’t call a cab! Get the real feel of the city by walking to your destination. Make the journey part of the experience – there’s no better way to get to know a new place than by walking around it!
- Hop on a bus or board a train to rub shoulders with the locals. You’ll save money, see some sights that might not be on the typical travel list, and get accustomed to being in the city.
- Check for traveler’s discounts before purchasing railroad tickets.
Steer clear of the ‘only here’ mindset
- Create a detailed itinerary and a reasonable budget before setting out on your trip. While you’re there, make sure you don’t blow through your budget on a whim or throw your itinerary out of the window – planning ahead and sticking to it can save you a lot of money.
- Narrow it down to the attractions that are truly unique to your destination. Before making a decision to spend on something or not while you’re vacationing overseas, simply ask yourself: could I do this somewhere else? If the answer is “yes”, then you might be best served to skip it and save your time and money for something truly unique to the place you’re visiting.