How to Save Money While Traveling by Planning Ahead

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​Do you have an international vacation coming up? Don't let your worries about your budget eclipse the fun you plan to have during your getaway. Take these simple steps ahead of time to save money and prevent unexpected expenses. 
Convert Your Money Ahead of TimeDepending on where you're traveling, USD might not be the primary currency. In fact, it might not even be accepted if you're going off the beaten track. No matter what your plans are, it's a good idea to have the country's currency in your wallet for purchases and emergencies. Converting your cash while you're in the United States can help you avoid surprise fees; you can shop around for the most convenient or the most cost-effective options. 
Book Your Accommodations EarlyJust like in the United States, leaving your hotel choices to the last minute in any country can leave you short on options. Major tourist attractions might be completely booked up, leaving you with hotel options that are out of your price range, with low-rated reviews, or far away from your actual destination. Reserve your hotel or hostel rooms in advance, and avoid making common mistakes when booking your stay. Not only can it be less stressful when you know where you're going to sleep for the next week, but it can help you catch discounts, long-stay deals, and accommodations that are right by popular attractions. 
Look for Entertainment Deals Before You LeaveCities that see lots of tourists have many deals and advertisements to catch your attention as you walk down the street. But these spur-of-the-moment tickets, offers, and entertainment deals are often pricier than they are if you go search for them on your own. Before you finalize your travel plans, look for tour offers and tickets to must-see attractions. Searching on your own means you can research your options. You can find more ideas and search for coupons or off-peak prices. Ultimately, planning your itinerary ahead of time saves you money.
Talk to Your Credit and Debit Card CompaniesWhile it's important to carry local cash for the countries you plan to visit, you don't want to carry a bunch of cash with you everywhere you go. That's where your credit and debit cards come in. With a little bit of prep work, you can save a lot of money and hassle. Take these steps:
 

1. Make sure your card is accepted internationally, as not every card is accepted abroad. If you have a credit or debit card that isn't even accepted by every store where you live, consider applying for more accessible cards. If that's not an option, knowing your cards will have limited utility still helps you plan ahead. 

 

1. Let the company know about your travel plans. Suddenly spending money in a completely different country is a red flag to credit card companies. They may lock your card to prevent more potential fraud. While that preventative step is usually helpful, it can wreck your holiday plans. So talk to your provider ahead of time. Let them know where you're generally going. Also, get a list of what you may need to do to unlock your credit card if it gets unexpectedly declined. 

Don’t Forget About Your HomeBefore traveling, make sure you have your home prepared so that you can avoid costly repairs and unnecessary expenses. If you’re traveling during the winter, insulate exposed pipes so they don’t freeze, and check that your gutters are cleaned out. Unplug any devices or appliances that don’t need power while you’re gone so you can save some on your electric bill.
 
 
Vacations are fun, but they can also be expensive. Organizing your accommodations, entertainment, and finances ahead of time will help you stay in your budget. 
 

There are some great deals for late 2020 and beyond. It is not too early to start planning ahead. Book your 30 minute Exotic Travel Planning Session done by phone Now.
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