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We all know how long it takes to save up for our next getaway. I’m always in the process of saving for my next trip. But have you considered ways to keep more of your money in your pocket while on vacation? If you keep these money wasters in mind while you travel the world, you’ll be sure to be closer to your next adventure before you get home. That’s proactive, money smart travel!
Paying For Upgrades
While travelling, whether it’s by rental car, on the train or by plane, don’t pay for class upgrades. Think about it this way: whether you’re driving an economy class car or travelling in (expensive!) style, you’ll get to your destination at the same time. Upgrades on the train or plane are just plain pricey and the service and relative space isn’t worth the extra several hundred dollars. The same rule applies to your hotel room: unless this is your honeymoon, don’t upgrade the accommodations.
The good news is there are ways to get upgrades free or for the right price. With rental cars, the best way to get an upgrade and save a few bucks on a nicer ride is to book an economy vehicle. They’re the first to sell out, so you’re more likely to get a complimentary upgrade due to low supply and high demand! In small hotels, your best bet for scoring an upgrade is to talk to the reception staff; they usually have control over who stays where. When you’re at the gate in the airport, often extra first class tickets will be sold at a seriously discounted price (still, rather than pay $100 for free wine, I’d stick to coach). Upgrades, unless they’re free, aren’t worth the money!
Buying Beverages in Restaurants
So everyone likes a good glass of wine or a beer with dinner, but when you think of all the drinks you’ll buy (sodas, juices, water, alcoholic drinks) on holiday, you’d be surprised at the cost. If you can drink tap water, where it’s safe to do so, at most meals and only splurge occasionally, you’ll save plenty of money on vacation.
Rather than having a glass of wine at the restaurant, buy a bottle from the store and drink it in the park with friends in Paris! Out in the Belizean Cayes, buy local rum and a mixer and enjoy a cheaper drink on the beach before going to the local watering hole for a night on the dance floor. Buy water in bulk: the larger bottle tends to be cheaper. Refill a reusable water bottle to carry around in your daypack, rather than buying expense single-use bottles.
While we need water (and sometimes a pick-me-up or two) to live, you’re blowing your hard earned money on drinks at dinner!
Incurring Big Bank Fees
It’s impossible to escape bank fees when on holiday, especially since debit and credit cards have made travellers’ checks a thing of the past. I won’t argue against the convience of travelling with plastic money (it’s the only way I travel), but everyone needs to be reminded time to time of those hidden fees that eat away at your travel budget every time you use your card.
I learned this lesson the hard way: while on a 5-week vacation, I paid upwards of $100 in banking fees because I didn’t pay attention to cash advance transactions and debit transaction charges on my cards. Occasionally I made repeat withdrawals on the same day and every time I was charged a nice fat fee!
Keep a budget and try to take cash out as little as possible. That’s not to say you should carry your entire week’s budget in cash on your person. Also, contact your bank before you go away so that the fees aren’t a surprise when you see your statement.
Don’t Book Ahead
Yes, being prepared does pay off! There’s a certain amount of luxury and fun in being tied to no timetable or schedule, but there are savings to be had if you’re prepared to book hotels, hostels and train tickets in advance, especially if you think you’ll be travelling during peak hours or dates.
By making reservations before you go on holiday, you’ll be sure to know exactly how much your accommodations cost, rather than getting stuck in Rome on a night when it seems everything but the pricey hotels are sold out.
Don’t Pack Your Snacks
Snacks, in vending machines and on the train or airplane, are way more expensive than bringing your own. While on a recent train trip in Canada, I spend $6 on two sodas and a chocolate bar. If I had brought my own, I could have paid half as much.
All over the world, what is offered on the train is much more expensive than bringing your own snacks. Save yourself a little money on your next trip and visit the local market before you travel. While in a foreign country, visiting a grocery store or outdoor market is a great way to pick up fresh fruit or a chocolate snack, while paying far less and getting to see the real flavour of the city. In Venice a few years ago, I was fairly sure that nobody actually lived in this tourist haunt, until I dropped into a grocery store tucked away in an alley.
Save Money, Travel More
These tips will keep you travelling longer or more often and might even help you to experience life the local way!
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