Going abroad can be one of the most enriching experiences of your life, especially if you know how to do it right. For most of us, this can be a huge investment; and one that’s even more nerve-racking when pondering if we’re spending our money right. However, with the proper planning and research, you too can have the vacation of your dreams. And luckily for you, I’ve outlined a few solid tips to make your trip the best it can be. Check them out below:
A Great Package Deal
If you’re looking to save big while you’re abroad, then going after package deals is actually a wise investment. Believe it or not, this has been one of the most attractive options by travelers abroad, because as noted in a survey by Statista, 19 percent of participants said they book a package deal over any other option. And if you’re looking to gain the most out of your experience while spending the least, then I highly suggest you hop on this trend.
First and foremost, look at the cities you’re trying to travel to, as well as what the popular attractions are. Whether that be Paris Skip The Line tickets or being able to tour Big Ben, you’d be surprised at the value you can find by digging around. Additionally, don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and try something new, as that’s half the fun of traveling. All-in-all, try to find activities that will leave an indelible impression upon your trip, as that’s anyone’s primary goal for travel.
Items That Are More Expensive Abroad
While the majority of things that you’re going to be purchasing abroad are either going to be about the same price as American or slightly more expensive, there are certain items that you should take care of stateside. For example, as explained by Euronews, the average price of a pack of cigarettes in Europe can range from seven to eleven Euros. And although that might sound slightly higher than average in the US, doing that every day can add up to quite a bit. However, by either taking care of buying cigarettes here or possibly switching over to a vape like Juul, you can cut back on spending quite a bit.
Make a list of the necessities you might need abroad, no matter how small. Although it might take some time, cross compare prices on the luxury items that you might need to purchase overseas. This will help you assess what might be worth it to bring along, as well as help you establish a more accurate day-to-day budget. I’ll note that while this is one of the more tedious parts of planning a trip, it’s also one simple hack that could save you tremendously.
Your Home Security System
No matter if you’re traveling for a week, month, or a year, it’s never a bad investment to consider how you’re protected at home. According to alarms.org, there are roughly 2.5 million burglaries per year, making it a crime that affects numerous Americans. And although you might be thinking that it won’t happen to you, the small amount you could contribute to a security system will be well-worth it regardless.
Try looking around to different security setups to see what might suit your needs while you’re away. From systems that work off artificial intelligence to ones that give you live streams of your home, the price point for what you’re receiving has dropped significantly. Because no matter how extreme it might seem, having a solid plan in place in case something goes wrong is something you’ll be thankful for.
An International Bank Account
Finally, as having access to your money is absolutely crucial abroad, setting up an international bank account is a must. Not only will it be easier to take out cash, but much cheaper, because as according to NerdWallet, fees for international banks range around 1-3 percent (or nothing at all). These include a lot of the major banks, such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America, which have branches all over the world. And even if you don’t have an account at one of these places, it might not be a bad idea to put some of your emergency or spending money into a checking account here, as the money you’ll avoid paying in fees will be a lifesaver.
What are some hacks that have helped you save going abroad? Comment with your answers below!