10 easy ways to save money while traveling internationally
Saving money while traveling doesn’t have to mean couch surfing or (even worse) sleeping at the airport. Instead, simple solutions like using the right travel cards and finding cheap and free things to do will save you thousands annually. Here are 10 easy ways to save money while traveling internationally. Enjoy my travel tips!
Travel tips to save money while traveling
Use the right travel card
When traveling internationally it’s important to bring the right travel credit card. There are two important factors: that it’s widely accepted and has no foreign transaction fees. There are certainly a few cards that meet these requirements but one of my favorites is the Chase Sapphire Preferred. It’s a great starter travel card with good earnings on travel and dining – two of the biggest expenses when abroad – but it also comes with amazing travel protections.
Need cash? Use an ATM with a debit card without fees
You’re going to get the best exchange rate at an ATM. It’s a better exchange rate than bringing cash and exchanging it or even getting cash in your home country. Personally, I use the US Bank Smartly account, which has always refunded foreign ATM fees for me. However, the go-to account for travelers is the Charles Schwab online checking account.
Pay in the country’s currency with your card
If a vendor ever asks if you’d like to make payment in your home currency or theirs – always, always choose theirs. Your bank will work out a much better exchange rate than their machine and you’ll likely save hundreds over the course of an international trip.
Take public transportation
Doing a little bit of research on public transportation options can save you a lot of money. One of the easiest ways to get these savings is by searching how to get from the airport to the city center. Oftentimes you’ll find cheap trains or bus systems but even if you don’t there will be articles telling you which taxi stands are legit. Once in the city, ask your hotel for more information on how to get around town cheaply.
Use points and miles
Always sign up for travel rewards programs and utilize them for future savings. Remember, points and miles have legit financial value! Stack these rewards with the best travel cards for your daily spend and reward yourself with free flights and hotel rooms. I recently used half a million points and miles to take my husband to Europe for over a month!
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Maximize your travel earnings
When traveling be sure to maximize your travel by saving money and earning points and miles toward future travel, too. This can be through the right travel credit cards and using shopping portals and dining apps. A simple way to save is by buying your experiences with Viator through a shopping portal.
Travel shoulder season
Did you know I don’t travel much during the summer season? If you have the opportunity to travel shoulder season, take it! This will save you thousands of dollars between highly discounted cash flights and cheap room rates, too.
One of the easiest ways to find cheap cash fares is by using a flight alert service. I use paid versions of Scott’s Cheap Flights and Thrifty Traveler (use my code KENDYL10 for $10 off your first year of Thrifty Traveler Premium).
Find cheap eats
Eating local is generally cheaper (and better) than any of the touristy restaurants. You can easily find more options by asking a hotel not “where should I eat” but “what do YOU eat.” There are plenty of amazing articles written by travel bloggers to help you find cheaper, local meals. Be sure to download my free guide below to learn how to find them.
Download my FREE Search Term Guide to help you find more local (and cheaper) eats.
Visit museum free days
Most cities will offer free museum days (or hours). These are typically the last couple hours on a Thursday or every first Sunday, etc. You generally don’t have to be a citizen to gain entry either. Googling “free museum day [city]” will bring up the information you need.
Explore free activities
Be sure to check out free walking tours and other free activities within the city you’re visiting. This requires just a bit of research to find a bunch of free and highly discounted things to do. Remember: there are ways to save hundreds on the same activity by going without a guide or taking public transportation and admitting yourself.
I hope these 10 ways to save money while traveling will help you travel more! You can- and should- save thousands on your travels every year with some simple changes.
Explore on. -K
