Now that I am back from two months abroad, I realized that there are a lot of tips and tricks that I learned along the way about traveling on a budget. I made a few notes along the way of tips that helped me make the most of my budget abroad, and I thought I would put them into a post to share with you!
BookBub is an amazing resource for reading on-the-go!
If you have a Kindle, Nook, or a smartphone/tablet with the Kindle or Nook app then BookBub is perfect for you! Once you sign up, they will send you a daily email with book deals from common websites all in one place. Often they will have one or two free books in each email which has been amazing for my travels abroad! I download them to my kindle app and have been able to read on the go during travel days and on the bus. I have discovered so many amazing books this way, and have saved a lot of money on something I love to do!
Using exact change in local currency saves a lot of money
This was something that I learned after trial and error, and thought that I would share with you! I often used my debit or credit card for small purchases, thinking it was a good idea to save the change and cash that I had. However, I found out that most currency exchange companies and banks do not accept coin currency to convert back into your home country currency. So I had kept many coins thinking I could exchange them back, but I ended up having to keep them all. So for small purchases using up these coins could save you money if you happen to have cash leftover that you want to convert!
Look into alternative housing–not just a hotel/hostel
Depending on your travel goals–whether you are traveling solo or with a program–a homestay can add so many positive elements to your experience! You will be able to experience your location on a different level, and to live life as a local. This is a great way to find hidden gems of spots that might not always be obvious if you’re traveling on your own or staying in a hotel/hostel district.
If you’re a full-time student, take advantage of ISIC benefits
ISIC is an organization that has internationally recognized student ID cards. Your college issued ID card may not be sufficient for redeeming student prices and discounts abroad, as they are all different and hard to verify. The ISIC card is accepted at most retailers and businesses around the world, and is a great way to have another form of identification with you during your travels.
Hand Washing Clothes at Hotels
Bringing laundry detergent with you (biodegradable is a great option!) is a great way to save money. Most hotels charge quite expensive rates for their laundry services, ranging to pay-per-piece or pay-per-pound. Many hotels have in-room sinks or tubs that are perfect for hand washing. The most difficult part is when you have to dry your clothes in humid climates–but if you pick clothes you won’t need for at least a day or two, they should be dry by the time you need them. You can also use the hotel hairdryer to speed up the drying process.
Bring a reusable water bottle on your journeys
A reusable water bottle can save you a lot of money and keep you well hydrated (not to mention, it keeps the environment cleaner too)! One thing to keep in mind if you decide to refill your water bottle, is to always ask if there is potable water at that location. Many hotels have their own wells, but it’s always better to ask. Hotels also often have places where you can ask to have your water bottle filled in the event that the water in the rooms is not drinkable.
I hope you enjoyed these travel tips for traveling on a tight budget! What have you learned about traveling on a budget? Let me know in the comments!
Love these tips! Thanks for sharing! 🙂