If youÂ?ve already mastered our first list of 10 small ways to save big on international travel, weÂ?ve got more tactics to keep your travel budget safe on your next trip abroad. Learn about getting the best deals on your room rate, finding affordable dining options, and even how to dress for (saving) success.
When youÂ?re hungry, avoid the tourist track. Instead, visit restaurants the locals frequent, where youÂ?re likely to find authentic cuisine and a menu without mark ups.
Shop for souvenirs wisely. If you don’t think you’ll wear that Eiffel Tower t-shirt or stare nostalgically into that Taj Mahal snow-globe after you get home, donÂ?t buy them on your trip. Postcards and ticket stubs make great souvenirs and cost almost nothing.
Learn how to haggle. Prices at markets in many foreign countries often arenÂ?t fixed. Bid low and practice the fine art of negotiation to find the best rate.
Though hotels are generally more formal with their pricing than open-air markets, that doesnÂ?t mean you canÂ?t try to talk down a quoted rate. If you have a travel companion, step back and pretend to convince your partner the Â?otherÂ? place was better/cheaper and you should go back. This may encourage the hotelier to adopt a more flexible attitude.
DonÂ?t overpay for your hotel. While a nice view from your window is a plus, if you really want to see a place, you need to get outside. If you arenÂ?t planning on spending much time in your room, donÂ?t shell out the extra money for amenities you wonÂ?t use.
Pick up a transit pass. Buying one-time tickets or tokens on subways, buses, and other public transportation can get expensive quickly. If you know youÂ?ll be hopping on and off, look into multi-day passes that allow unlimited rides for one price.
Share a cab. Splitting your fare with one or more other riders can make a big difference, especially on a long trip.
DonÂ?t wear flashy clothes or jewelry. Looking rich can make you a target for petty crimes such as pick-pocketing, and vendors may overcharge you if they think you can pay.
You donÂ?t have to visit all of the famous landmarks. Many of the wonders of the modern world have been overrun by tourists (and by those that prey on tourists). You can avoid high entrance fees by only paying for what you really want to see.
Pack a small calculator. With so many financial decisions to makeÂ?from currency exchanges to purchasesÂ?a quick calculation can ensure that you spend your money wisely.
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