10 Ways to Save Money on International Travel

Tips for Saving Money

Many people would love to travel internationally but put off the trip because of the cost. If you are one of those budget-conscious travelers, a few simple changes in routine could save you a lot of money. 

International travel can be a real eye-opener, especially if you have never ventured outside your home country before. When you travel overseas, you will meet interesting people, explore new cultures and leam exciting new things at every turn.

Many would-be international travelers fear that such a trip would be too expensive, but it does not have to be that way. These 10 tips can help you save money on your international trip, so you can see the world without busting your budget.

1. Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

Using your credit card is the best way to get cash when traveling abroad - if you choose the right card. Check your credit card terms and choose the one that does not charge a foreign transaction fee.

2. Check out discount airlines for inter-city travel.

The much-vaunted train pass is no longer the cheapest way to travel around Europe. The continent is home to lots of discount airlines, with one-way fares starting at less than $50. Check airline ticket prices in our directory.

3. Travel during the shoulder season.

The shoulder season gives you the best of both worlds, with the nice weather and discounts of high season travel and the cost savings of low season fares. You could use DubaiDirectory.com to find best cheap hotels in dubai.

4. Try a hostel or two

. You do not have to be a college student to stay at a hostel, and many are not the bare-bones accommodations you expect. Modern hostels feature private rooms, free Wi-Fi, low-cost tours and a host of other benefits, all for rates that can be as much as 90% less than a hotel.

5. Pack light.

Choosing what to take is always important, but it is even more critical for international travel. Pack only the essentials and keep your suitcase or backpack as light as possible. You will save on baggage fees- and you will have a much more enjoyable time.

6. Use public transportation.

Most European and Asian cities have extensive networks of public transportation, and you cannot beat the price. Just download a transit map to your smartphone before you leave home and consult it as you see the sights.

7. Bring a refillable water bottle.

Bottled water can be costly overseas, so bring your own bottle and fill it as you go. Staying hydrated is important when traveling, and that $10 water bottle will pay for it over and over again.

8. Eat like a local.

If you want to save money, skip the fancy restaurants and boring fast food chains and eat like a local. Ask the staff at your hostel or hotel for recommendations, and talk to locals about where to find the best food for the best price.

9. Chat with a free messaging app.

International phone calls can be pretty costly, and overage charges are even worse. Before you leave for your trip, download a free messaging app and use it to keep in touch with the folks back home.

10. Plan your trip well in advance.

Spontaneity is part of the fun of travel, but a holiday aboard will take some planning. Plan your trip carefully, from where you will go to what you will see. Be sure to build some flexibility into your schedule, but start with an overall plan of attack.

Traveling internationally can be a lot of fun, but international travel can also be expensive. If you have been putting off your European holiday or Asian adventure because of the costs, the 10 tips listed above can help you trim the cost - so you can finally getaway."