Whether you are sticking to a tight budget while traveling or not, no one likes to waste their hard-earned money on travel budget busters that can be avoided. After visiting 70+ countries, I’ve learned a thing or two—mostly from trial and error—that I’d love to share with you.
Here are my top travel budget busters to avoid!
10 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations Around the World
The actual destination of your trip can play a big factor in cost, so I've compiled a list of 10 budget-friendly travel destinations around the world!
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Watch Your Drinks
Travel can make you thirsty—whether you’re hopping on a redeye or wandering around a new city. You’ll probably find yourself spending too much on beverages—a glass of wine here, an overpriced latte there, and two more water bottles than you actually need.
Is it a party night? Enjoy a beer with friends in your room or the hostel lounge before you head out for a night of drinking or dancing. While you’re out, try some local beer or liquor—these are usually cheaper than imports like Heineken or Budweiser.
Ask the reception where the locals go to have fun—that way you avoid the tourist traps.
In many countries, coffee is an overpriced luxury. Avoid chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts and try a local barista. Sometimes they’ll even have a local flavor… oat milk in Iceland, anyone?.
Order a regular coffee, and you’ll often get a refill, unlike with those expensive cappuccinos and lattes you have to order one by one.
6 Ways to Spend Less on Travel
Money is no excuse not to travel. Through my adventures I have gathered some budget-busters. Here are six ways to spend less on travel!
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How Much to Budget for Backpacking Europe
Europe is a great region to explore on a budget. Here is a breakdown of typical expenses so you know how much to budget for backpacking Europe!
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Souvenirs
A one-of-a-kind souvenir is like a memory you can hold and take back home with you. Checking out the markets for something fun and memorable is a great way to interact with locals, practice your threadbare language skills, and do some shopping.
But look out for the market faux pas: the impulse buy!
You can often end up with much more than you bargained for (and more than can fit in your suitcase). When out shopping, have a loose idea of what you’re looking for: a boomerang from Australia, an ostrich egg from South Africa, a straw doll from Belarus. This will help you focus.
Keep your eyes open throughout the day—even when not actively shopping—just in case you stumble on something truly unique.
The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Southeast Asia
If you are thinking of taking your first trip to the region, here are travel tips for first-timers interested in backpacking Southeast Asia!
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The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking South America
As a large and diverse continent, you will have different experiences wherever you explore. Here is my beginner's guide to backpacking South America!
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Phone Charges and Mobile Data
Using your phone abroad, if not properly set up, can cost you a pretty penny. As long as you have wireless connection, you can use anyone’s WiFi abroad—mobile data is another story. Make sure you speak with your service provider about international options. It can sometimes switch on international data at a low cost for a limited time.
Always tap into WiFi when its available to you!
I’ve been traveling with a Solis WiFi hotspot, and I couldn’t go back. You literally just turn on your hotspot and it’ll automatically connect to the local network. Just check the coverage map before you go to make sure you will be covered, and you’re set. You don’t need to register or even know which local networks you are using.
How to Budget for a Trip as a Couple
From figuring out what kind of trip you're after to who pays for what to ways to stretch your dollars—here's how to budget for a trip when traveling as a couple!
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Currency & Credit Card Fees
You’ll want to check with your bank for any potential international ATM fees or direct card charges that may apply during travel, before you embark. Many banks charge a percentage for each transaction and often more for ATM withdrawals.
While you’re logged in to your bank’s portal, provide the names of the countries on your itinerary—failing to alert your bank of travel may cause your cards to be blocked. And that would be a BAD start to a vacation!
10 Important Things To Do Before Every Trip
So you’ve got your flight booked...now what? There are lots of planning steps to take before your next trip to make it a breeze. Here are 10 things you should never forget before a trip!
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Airline Fees and Extras
More and more airlines are charging by the item—for the seat, for food, for extra bags. Save yourself stress and hassle by arranging all of it online prior to your trip. Before your flight, log in to your itinerary on the airline’s website with your confirmation code and pre purchase any extra items or services.
Need an aisle seat in economy plus seating? Buy it online. Carrying more bags than the allotted one or two? Buy it online. Airlines will often charge you extra if you make any of these arrangements at the airport on your day of departure.
Helpful Tip:
If you have been looking to get a travel reward credit card, I recommend applying for one before a big trip or purchase. Some of the biggest benefits are earning points to use for free flights and hotels. Plus, many cards offer additional points when making travel-related purchases. Some cards also offer travel protection when you pay for a trip with the card.
My personal favorite is the Chase Sapphire Reserve (for frequent travelers) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred (if you’re just starting out)! Check out my favorite travel reward credit cards!
The Beginner’s Guide to Earning Points and Miles
Want to fly around the world for free? Here's my guide on how to choose a travel credit card, start earning miles and redeem your points for airline miles!
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How I Travel the World for Free on Credit Card Points
Let me tell you this: travel reward credit card points are a GAME CHANGER. Here’s how I travel the world for free (using credit card points!)
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Emergency Fees
Accidents do happen and often when you least expect them. You may fall ill with the stomach flu or sprain your ankle walking the Spanish Steps. In these instances, you’ll be thankful for travel insurance.
Buy insurance to cover your nonrefundable costs and any emergency medical expenses. Look for a plan that will cover you before you go as well as while you’re on the road. I have an annual plan with World Nomads, so if I’m ever delayed, miss a flight, or catch a bad cold while traveling, I’m covered!
There’s even travel insurance to cover specific types of travel—are you a photographer? Make sure the plan includes electronic theft or loss. Are you an adventure sports enthusiast? There are plans for you too.
Best case scenario, just having insurance will ease your mind.
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
I have always been the type of person that looked at travel insurance as an unnecessary expense that would only help me in the unlikely case that something really bad happened. But, things have changed. I'm getting travel insurance.
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10 Reasons to Get Travel Insurance for your Next Trip
Travel insurance is one of the most important things that you can purchase for any trip. Here are ten reasons to get travel insurance for your next trip.
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Love the post Kiersten. I have the issue of spending a tad more than expected when it comes to souvenirs. I like collecting souvenirs and get carried away at times. At the end, every single penny spent adds up.
Very true! Sometimes you can’t pass them up, but overall, you’ll end up spending more!
Insurance is a MUST! And I’m so glad I prefer my coffee black and simple – I’ve saved a few bucks for every cup I’ve bought abroad! 🙂
Definitely! 🙂