How to Save Money and Have a Safe Travel

Traveling is fun and doesn’t necessarily have to be costly. There are dozens of places in the world where you can visit on a budget even if you travel by air. However, it’s not only about the price you pay for your journey but also about your safety, especially during times of a pandemic. So how do you ensure affordable yet safe travel?

How to Save Money on Airfare

1. Shop around for the best prices. Travel websites and agencies like Expedia, Hopper, and eDreams, provide initial ideas of which airlines to fly as well as the going rate for tickets. However, you should also check if you can get a flight refund from a travel company before booking with them.

2. While visiting airline or travel websites, look for any sales or promotions they might be running.

3. If you happen to live near more than one airport, check fares at each one. Consider the cost of getting to the cheapest airport to help you decide if the lower price is the best one for you. Similarly, look for the cheapest destination. You may save a couple of hundred dollars by flying to a city that is close to your destination and renting a car to get there.

4. Buy your tickets as early as you can. A good time to reserve tickets is 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Most airline ticket prices go up in the last two weeks before the flight, so it pays to reserve flights early.

5. Be flexible. Late night and early morning flights often cost less. It might be worth getting up at 4 a.m. if you can save money on airfare. Another area where flexibility pays off is connecting flights. Direct flights can be costly. However, a stopover can sometimes save you money. Also look into booking two one-way flights instead of a round-trip ticket, as round-trip flights could end up costing more than one-way flights.

Remember that flying by air has its tips and tricks and can offer a comfortable and simple travel experience at a reasonable price.

Tips on Saving Money While Traveling Abroad

1. Search the Internet for the best places to exchange money for local currency. Know the rate for the country you are visiting before you arrive so you plan accordingly.

2. Do not exchange money at the airport.

3. Take pictures of your credit cards, passports, and insurance cards and keep copies in a cloud service in case your phone is stolen. If something is lost or taken, you at least will have information to provide to authorities.

4. Use cheap modes of transport. Walking is also a good way to explore a new place. When walking is not an option, opt for public transit instead of hailing a cab.

5. Research the museums and tourist sites you will be visiting and take advantage of any of their "free days" or discounted prices. Also, look for coupons in hotel lobbies and local venues for events or areas that you could visit.

6. Take advantage of credit card rewards and frequent flier deals. If you have a credit card that allows you to earn points or rewards, this is the time to cash those rewards in.

7. Carry bottled water with you.

8. Stock your hotel room mini-fridge with food and drinks. You can save money on meals if you think ahead and plan a picnic at a local park or at the beach.

General Safety Tips

No matter where you decide to travel, some safety strategies are universal. Make sure you protect yourself and your property by following some basic safety tips.

1. Make a detailed itinerary of when and where you will be, and give this information to a friend or family member. Be sure to keep them updated on changes to your travel schedule.

2. Keep your money and several copies of your travel documents in different places, and carry only small amounts of cash at a time.

3. Educate yourself on common scams and crime tactics in order to immediately detect and avoid them.

4. Create your own first aid kit, including any medications you may need.

5. Know where your embassy or consulate offices are located, and don’t hesitate to use their services. These places exist primarily to assist you when traveling abroad, after all.

Most injuries, illnesses, or problems that arise during an international trip are the result of a lack of proactive planning. Consider travel safety issues you may have overlooked, heavily research your destination ahead of time, and familiarize yourself with local customs and laws. This is the single best way to increase your odds of a hassle-free trip.

Things to Avoid While Traveling

1. Avoid tap water. The Food and Drug Administration advises against drinking any beverages with ice that could make from tap water.

2. Bypass raw fruits and vegetables if you are unsure if they haven't been rinsed with clean water. Similarly, don't eat raw or undercooked meat.

3. Don't carry prescription medications that are illegal in the country to which you are traveling.

4. Dress appropriately. Before your vacation, take a few moments to investigate the customs of the country you are planning to visit. Learn what cultures frown upon baggy or torn jeans, shorts and revealing clothing.

5. Leave your fancy jewelry at home. No need to risk having it stolen.

6. Don't put all your money in one place. Divvy up your cash so if your wallet is stolen, you are not left high and dry. Store some money in an under-clothing accessory. Keep small denominations of money handy and separate from large bills, so you won't be flashing $20 bills while paying for a $1.00 souvenir.

7. Carry a dummy wallet. A wallet filled with small bills and some expired credit cards could save you from becoming the victim of a pickpocket.

Finding the cheapest and safe destination for your vacation might take some work, but being educated will ensure that you won’t find yourself in troubling situations while away from home.

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