Tips To Being A Frugal Traveler

Traveling, especially abroad, is both exciting and expensive. The cost of airfare alone can be staggering, not to mention the price of food, lodging, tours, and entertainment. Softening the blow to your wayward wallet is important to stretching your dollar towards more adventures. Enjoying the full fruits of your frolicking does not have to break the bank.

On the other hand, no trip is complete without a little shopping. Nobody wants to stay in a rundown brothel, and edible food makes all the difference when you’re away from home. Saving some money is possible when you learn ways to become a frugal traveler.

Making the Most of Your Money

It doesn’t matter where you go; nothing is free. Whether paying with cash, cashier’s check, credit card, or local currency, knowing how and when you spend your money is of the upmost importance. Here are the top 6 most efficient tips for forcing your money to do most of the talking:

Make an Itinerary

Knowing what you plan to do ahead of time is a great way to cut back on costly surprises. It also helps you create a budget before the trip.

Know the Local Customs

Study up on the social and economic customs of the area or areas you plan to visit. This will help you determine whether tipping is customary or not and can assist in budget planning and activity scheduling. Tripadvisor has plenty of these sort of articles.

Beware of Scams

Nearly every country in the world has its own unique brand of scams happening on the streets, namely to unsuspecting tourists. Know what to look for and what to avoid so you don’t lose any dollars or dignity.

Research Local Eateries

Going to the hotel restaurant for your meals may be convenient and tasty, but it’s also expensive and unauthentic. Venture out into the community to find a local favorite or popular dive. Just be sure to pack the antacids.

Learn the Language

Even if you can’t pin down the entire vocabulary of the country you’re visiting, it’s important to memorize and practice using various common phrases. This will help you understand what the locals are saying and can prevent you from spending too much money.

Don’t Be Afraid to Haggle

In many countries, negotiating the price of something in the market is completely acceptable, if not expected. Often, it is considered naïve or disrespectful to immediately accept the price shown or mentioned. Be sure to know the local customs for more information on how and where to haggle.