JustFly and FlightHub on Travel and Money Matters

​People are traveling in record numbers worldwide. “Although budget travel seems to be growing in popularity, proper money management is the key to making sure no trip breaks the bank,” states JustFly and FlightHub’s Matthew Keezer. “Ultimately, a better understanding of the financial side of travel can make travel last longer and be more enjoyable”.

FligtHub and JustFly have assembled a list of money-related travel tips for the frugal traveler.

Hide Money:

Outside of North America, cash rules. Wallets get lost and stolen. Cards get blocked, defrauded and damaged. Always keep anywhere from $50 to $500 in cash. Carry an extra Interac and credit card too. Be creative when hiding them.

Spend A Little:

Budget travel is great. It helps people travel longer and have more memorable experiences. It’s also mentally draining. Eat at a nice restaurant occasionally. Spend a few nights in a luxury hotel from time to time. Get the full range of a travel experience.

Save on Accommodations:

Accommodations can get expensive. Luckily there are loads of affordable options: couch surfing, dorm rooms in budget hostels, apartment rentals and more. For more savings, stay just outside of city centers or touristy areas.

Use No-Fee Cards:

Flights, accommodations, food, activities, souvenirs and more–travel isn’t always cheap. Use no-fee debit cards and credit cards. Avoid being double-charged and stretch dollars further.

Consider an Indirect Flight:

Flying direct is faster. It’s also more expensive. Want to save money? Consider taking a layover or two. This helps travelers preserve their budget as well.

Ask for More:

Arrive at the airport early, ask for an earlier flight or an upgrade to a better seat. Ask for a nicer room with a better view. More lotion, shampoo and a free toothbrush? Go for it. The point is, ask for more. There’s nothing to lose.

Book Where There’s Free Wi-Fi:

Spend money on flights, accommodation, food, activities and everything else. There’s no reason to pay for Wi-Fi too. If the Wi-Fi isn’t free, find a better option.

Book Where Breakfast is Free:

Free breakfast at a hostel or hotel means saving time and money. Follow the free food.

Leave Tourist Areas to Eat:

Restaurants modify their menus and increase prices due to the volume of foreign clients they receive. Get an authentic culinary experience and save a few dollars by eating outside of touristy areas.

Don’t Skip Lunch:

In some countries, restaurants close for a few hours after lunch. Don’t get stuck on an empty stomach.

Avoid Taxis:

Taxis are available just about everywhere, take them if necessary. However, keep in mind they’re rarely the cheapest option. Before hopping in, savvy travelers should double-check if a taxi has any restrictions on specific forms of payment.

Take Advantage of Freebies:

There are free activities everywhere. Find them. Look into free museum days, walking tours, and street performances. Make a list of public beaches, hiking trails and free festivals. It’s a great way to meet people too.

Bargain Whenever Possible:

Haggling is normal in many countries. Many merchants do this playfully. Be friendly, firm and unafraid to shop around. The goal is to get a fair price, not to bankrupt the local economy. Play nicely and everyone wins.

Use Travel Rewards Credit Cards:

Find out about rewards cards. Do online research. This is important for frequent flyers. It’s an excellent way to save big on flights.

Join Mailing Lists:

Flight deals are everywhere. Subscribe to travel platforms for updates on discounts. A cluttered inbox may lead to a more plentiful bank account. Mailing lists and fare alerts help people save on flights. Get signed up.

Protect Your Financial Information:

Cover pin numbers when making ATM withdrawals. Don’t connect to personal banking or credit card accounts in exchange for free public Wi-Fi. Don’t let fraudsters get access to sensitive information.

Travel at the Right Time:

Save money by traveling against the grain in low season. Avoid traveling when everyone else does. Places are less crowded. Flights, accommodations and activities are cheaper as well.

Exchange Currency in Advance:

Exchange currency at local banks before leaving. Avoid airport exchange counters as their fees are high. ATMs typically have current rates. Use no-fee cards to maximize savings.

Bring More Money:

Whenever possible bring more money than necessary. This comes in especially handy in emergency situations.

Monitor Spending:

Money goes fast. There are dozens of great money management apps. Find the best one. Use it them to make better financial decisions.

Travel can be costly. Knowing how and where to spend is crucial when stretching dollars as far as possible. Follow FlightHub and JustFly’s advice on money matters. Travel far. Save big. Enjoy the trip.


This article was syndicated from: https://www.justfly.com/blog

Source: JustFly

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