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Headed overseas? Here’s how to eke out some savings.
Key points
- Many people are eager to travel overseas this summer.
- Be selective with your destinations, airport, and ground transportation to make your trip more affordable.
- You can save money by renting a private home and using the right credit cards.
International travel is something a lot of people put on hold during the pandemic. But at this point, you may be eager to explore an overseas destination. If so, the last thing you want is to come away from that trip loaded with debt. And with the right approach, you won’t have to. Here’s how to spend less when you’re traveling outside the U.S.
1. Visit less popular destinations
Some international hotspots are booming with tourists during the summer. Those are the ones you may want to avoid if you’re not looking to spend a fortune on travel. Find a European city to explore that’s off the beaten path, or choose a country to visit that’s not on most people’s radar.
2. Choose the right airport for your flight
You might snag a better deal on an international flight at a major airport or hub than by traveling out of a smaller airport and having to connect. It pays to price out your options and see what makes the most financial sense. If spending an extra $160 round-trip on a ride to the airport shaves $300 off the cost of your flight, it’s worth spending a little more time on the road.
3. Learn to navigate public transportation
If you’re visiting a city overseas that has a solid public transportation network, grab a map and familiarize yourself with it early on. Doing so could save you a lot of money compared to the cost of hailing a taxi every time you need to get somewhere.
4. Rent a private home
Lodging overseas can be costly, and in some cases, it can mean having to stay in cramped hotel quarters. A better bet may be to secure a short-term rental through sites like Airbnb. The upside of going this route isn’t just potentially saving money on your nightly rate. Having access to a functional kitchen could make it so you’re spending a lot less on food.
5. Use the right credit cards
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