Travel can get expensive even if you are travelling on a budget. It is important that one knows how to cut costs beyond the obvious as it can really make a huge difference in making a dent in your pocket. Behind every affordable journey lies thoughtful choices; from selecting travel dates and modes of transport to leveraging technology and local knowledge.
We decided to make everyone’s life easier by curating a list of hacks that one should follow to cut hidden costs on a trip :
Use local currency but pay with cards strategically
It is important that one carries cash at all times while they are in another country but avoid the currency exchange stalls at the airport as they provide really poor rates. Prefer using cards when possible as cards have zero foreign transaction fees. This helps avoid hidden currency conversion and ATM withdrawal fees common in many countries.
Optimize your wallet with contactless and digital payments
Many countries now use UPI or contactless payments or mobile wallets that help in avoiding any transaction fees, and one also doesn’t have to constantly look out for change. Digital wallets may also have tie-ups offering cashback and discounts at frequented local spots, benefiting you beyond currency exchange savings.
Use local post offices for shipping and sim card top-up
Tourists should prefer going to local post offices for parcels, sending postcards, or topping up one’s sim card as they are far cheaper than hotels or commercial shops. Post offices provide cost-effective solutions if one wants to send a package home.
Book package deals for attractions instead of individual tickets
When tourists are visiting popular tourist destinations, they should prefer buying package deals, city combo cards, or guided tours in which they could visit multiple attractions at better prices, while visiting each place individually could get expensive as it would add up. These guided tours also help in saving time as tourists in these tours often get skip-the-line privileges.
Opt for Off-Season Travel
Travel during the off-season rather than peak season to get the best of the experiences at the place one is visiting as well as reduced fares on flights, hotels, and other activities. Tourists can also enjoy things there in tranquillity with lesser crowds.
Travel Insurance Bundled with Other Services
Avoid buying an individual travel insurance policy; instead, opt for packages. Some credit cards, tours, airlines, or accommodation booking sites include travel insurance coverage for medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost luggage.
Turn Off Data Roaming and Use Offline Tools for Navigation
Switch off data roaming to avoid surprise bills. Instead, one should download maps and guides or use the offline feature of Google Maps. This prevents costly data usage charges while keeping you connected navigationally.
Use Local Price Menus or Ask for Non-Tourist Options
In many countries, restaurants or shops have separate pricing for tourists, often higher than locals pay. Observing menus or asking staff for local or authentic options can get you better food and prices. Do the same when travelling in taxis as well, as they often quote prices higher than usual to tourists.
We decided to make everyone’s life easier by curating a list of hacks that one should follow to cut hidden costs on a trip :
Use local currency but pay with cards strategically
It is important that one carries cash at all times while they are in another country but avoid the currency exchange stalls at the airport as they provide really poor rates. Prefer using cards when possible as cards have zero foreign transaction fees. This helps avoid hidden currency conversion and ATM withdrawal fees common in many countries. Optimize your wallet with contactless and digital payments
Many countries now use UPI or contactless payments or mobile wallets that help in avoiding any transaction fees, and one also doesn’t have to constantly look out for change. Digital wallets may also have tie-ups offering cashback and discounts at frequented local spots, benefiting you beyond currency exchange savings.
Use local post offices for shipping and sim card top-up
Book package deals for attractions instead of individual tickets
When tourists are visiting popular tourist destinations, they should prefer buying package deals, city combo cards, or guided tours in which they could visit multiple attractions at better prices, while visiting each place individually could get expensive as it would add up. These guided tours also help in saving time as tourists in these tours often get skip-the-line privileges.
Opt for Off-Season Travel
Travel during the off-season rather than peak season to get the best of the experiences at the place one is visiting as well as reduced fares on flights, hotels, and other activities. Tourists can also enjoy things there in tranquillity with lesser crowds. Travel Insurance Bundled with Other Services
Avoid buying an individual travel insurance policy; instead, opt for packages. Some credit cards, tours, airlines, or accommodation booking sites include travel insurance coverage for medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost luggage.
Turn Off Data Roaming and Use Offline Tools for Navigation
Use Local Price Menus or Ask for Non-Tourist Options
In many countries, restaurants or shops have separate pricing for tourists, often higher than locals pay. Observing menus or asking staff for local or authentic options can get you better food and prices. Do the same when travelling in taxis as well, as they often quote prices higher than usual to tourists.
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