Back at it again with more things that I learned the hard way so that you don't have to! After living and traveling abroad on a budget for almost 3 years, here are my tips and giggles that might save you a buck or two.
1. Save those free sugar packets and utensils.
A flight attendant once inspired me to always hoard little freebies, because when you're traveling you just never know when you're gonna need a little salt, a little sugar, or a spare fork. Example: I can't go a day without coffee but I refuse to drink just straight espresso powder, so I stash the extra creamers from the plane and they come in handy weeks later! More than saving money, this one is just going to help you out a ton when you're traveling alone and need something in a pinch, or need to eat a ramen noodle on the side of the road 🤷♀️
2. Use the restroom while you can. Hydrate accordingly.
Okay this might seem intuitive but most touristy areas and countries outside the US charge you to use the public restroom! Those 50 cents or a dollar add up over time, so always take care of your business before you leave your hostel/hotel and take advantage of being a patron at restaurants. This also means sometimes I actively choose not to hydrate knowing I'm not going to find a bathroom for a bit... not saying you should follow my lead here, just trying to keep things efficient, eh?
3. No more spending with a foreign currency
The majority of countries are still very cash-based! But my fellow Americans, bringing US dollars to most foreign countries will at best get you a bad exchange rate, and at the worse will have you paying with your dollar bills and getting ripped off (or absolute worst, what happened to me when I nearly lost a wallet with $400 USD that I had brought and had no use for!!!)
Instead, invest in a card that doesn’t have steep international fees. My bank charges the same withdrawal fees as in the US, or you can look for a travel credit card that lets you earn back for using internationally. Having a spare $100 USD on you for emergencies can't hurt, but don't intend to use it unless you really need it.
4. Research when you should and shouldn't travel with equipment
I used to think I was traveling smart and cheap by renting surfboards wherever I ended up, but when I looked at the relatively cheap cost to bring a surfboard from home, I reconsidered!! Certain airlines, such as American, United, and Alaskan Airlines will have discounted equipment fees to and fro
m my California home base, so checking a surfboard is just $30! Buying an inexpensive used surfboard can be about $100, so it's kinda hard for me to dish out a big sum of money just to rent one for a few hours. Last time I was in Baja California it was $30 to rent a surfboard for just a day, so obviously the cost to haul your board pays off instantly!
And on the contrary, some airlines will charge you $150 for a board, regardless of your route and destination, which is so not worth it! Do your research so you know exactly what you’re getting into. Of course, my *niche* is surfboards, but the rules can also be very different depending on the airline for things such as instruments (guitars), skateboards, snow equipment, etc.
5. Make friends with cars.
If you've ever been a high school or college student, you already know this one. Of course you should pay people for gas, but overall you are lessening your carbon footprint, cutting costs, saving time, and making memories.
6. If your stuff can't fit in your luggage, use the plastic bag trick.
Grab a plastic bag and partially fill it up with whatever overflows from your carry on/checked luggage. Airlines are stingy with how many items you carry on these days, but a plastic bag makes it seem like you just bought it at the airport and they probably won't wanna nab you for that. (See above photo lol!)
What else am I missing from these tips? Comment below :)
