THE GLOBAL SNOWBIRDS
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How to Save Money
​While Traveling

We all want to stretch our dollar as much as possible in order to stay on the road longer.
​We’ve compiled a list of 26 ways you can save money while traveling, to travel longer – your wallet can thank us later.
  1. Be Flexible
    When booking your flights, use Skyscanner, search 'Everywhere' for the cheapest destinations, and 'Whole Month' to see the cheapest dates as well.
  2. Take Advantage of Your Currency
    Travel to countries where you will have more bang for your buck. Such as, Southeast Asia, South/Central America, vs. Australia, or Europe.
  3. Travel in the Off Season
    Avoid traveling during the high season, or holidays to avoid increased costs for both flights and accommodations. 
  4. Take the Longer Route
    Take the longer, slower and more uncomfortable route to your next destination if you’ve got more time than money, vs. a more expensive short flight.
  5. Travel Overnight
    Whenever possible, take the train, plane and/or bus overnight so you don't have to purchase a hotel for the night.
  6. Bring Snacks on Your Journey
    Don't purchase food at the airport - that's one of our rules! Instead, bring snacks or eat beforehand.
  7. Pack Light
    Only pack one week of clothing. That way you can save money by not checking your luggage., just make sure it’s under 7kg so you can carry it on.
  8. Bring Sunscreen/Aloe/Tampons From Home
    Purchase such things like sunscreen, aloe, and tampons in your home country, or they’ll be double the price.
  9. Try Couchsurfing
    Instead of paying for a hostel, try couchsurfing - it's free accommodations with a local. Then you can be taken to the best local spots, and have a new friend.
  10. Book Hotels That Include Breakfast
    Book hotels that include breakfast in the price so you only have lunch and dinner to pay for the remainder of the day.
  11. Get a Debit Card with Best Fees
    Before your trip sign up for a debit card with the best exchange fees. If you're from Canada we recommend Tangerine (Use Orange Code 39391539S1 to receive a $50.00 bonus), if you're from the States we recommend the Charles Shwabb
  12. Always Withdraw Money, Never Exchange
    When you arrive in a new country, take out your cash from the ATM at the airport, never exchange in your home country prior or it will cost you much more.
  13. Don't Catch a Taxi at the Airport
    When arriving to a new country, do not take a taxi at the airport. Walk outside of the airport and use Grab, Uber, Lyft or Ola if and when available. If not, chat with other tourists that are around and split a taxi – But still walk outside of the airport. Another tip, rip off the airport luggage tags on your suitcase/backpack, so the taxis don't assume you've come from the airport.
  14. Walk, or Use Public Transportation
    Opt out of hailing a taxi, and use your two feet and a heartbeat, or the local busses/trains when possible, at a fraction of the cost.
  15. Use a Reusable Water Bottle
    Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up whenever possible, instead of buying plastic water bottles all the time, every day. Then you're also helping the environment.
  16. Use a Portable French Press
    If you love coffee and can’t go a day without, travel with a portable French press, cheaper than buying a coffee at a café every day.
  17. Ask the Locals
    Ask a local how much things should cost such as, transportation, activities, entrance fees, and food. They'll provide you with the prices that they pay, then you know how much you should be paying. Also, learn the phrase in the local language, "I know the prices", and that will help you get by. 
  18. Research Tip Etiquette 
    Check in advance the tipping etiquette of where you're traveling to, chances are the 'norm' could be much lower than where you're from.
  19. Eat Street Food/Where the Locals Eat
    Instead of eating at restaurants, eat at your local mom and pop shops, street food carts, or where the locals are eating. In our experience, the food quality is just the same as the fancy restaurants, if not better.
  20. Shop at the Local Wine Shops
    Purchase your beer and/or liquor at the local 'Wine Shops' and bring them to the beach. Otherwise you'll be paying triple the price at the beach bars.    
  21. Haggle
    When shopping for souvenirs at markets, always haggle! The locals up-charge by about 50%, so do not accept the first price. Plus, that's part of the fun.
  22. Sit on Your Towel at Beach
    Use your own towel and/or blanket at the beach, instead of paying to lay on a sun bed.
  23. Attend Time Share Presentations
    If you've got the time, and are proposed a time share presentation, always say yes - We've received Tequila Tasting, Horseback Riding, ATVing, and a 14 Night Stay at a Resort in Goa, India! It's worth the 90 minute presentation - Plus, you also get to check out incredible accommodations, and have a buffet meal!
  24. Do Your Own Laundry
    Don’t bring your laundry in – purchase a string, small packages of detergent and fabric conditioner, and wash your own clothes in your hostel bathroom sink.
  25. Free Activities
    Take advantage of the free activities - Google, 'Free Things to do in, __________'. Also, if you stay at a hostel, a lot of the times they have free walking tours. Have a picnic at a park, or explore a museum for free.
  26. Take Photos, Not Souvenirs
    Souvenirs will not only cost money, but weigh your bag down. Take photos, they last longer!

Planning a trip?

Let us help you with our How To's, Saving Tips, and Packing Lists!
How to Plan a Backpacking Trip
If you're about to embark on your first backpacking trip, we can give you a helping hand with the planning process.

​​Backpacking Essentials
Everything you need to pack for your trip.
​
How to Save Money for Travel
Now that you've started the planning process, here's how you can save for that trip.
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • About The Global Snowbirds
    • FAQ's
    • Meet Us
    • Personal >
      • How We Afford To Travel
      • Justin's Packing List
      • Meagan's Packing List
      • Our Cost of One Year in SE Asia
      • Our Travel Horror Stories
      • Our Vlogging Gear
      • Why We Decided To Go Backpacking
  • Destinations
    • Asia >
      • Cambodia >
        • Cambodia Itinerary
        • Cambodia Vlogs
      • India >
        • India Itinerary
        • India Vlogs
      • Indonesia >
        • How to Extend Your Indonesia Visa
        • Indonesia Know Before You Go
        • Indonesia Itinerary
        • Indonesia Vlogs
      • Laos >
        • Blue Lagoons Guide, Vang Vieng, Laos
        • Tubing Guide, Vang Vieng, Laos
        • Laos Itinerary
        • Laos Vlogs
      • Philippines >
        • How to Extend Your Philippines Visa
        • Philippines Itinerary
        • Philippines Vlogs
      • Sri Lanka >
        • Sri Lanka Itinerary
        • Sri Lanka Vlogs
      • Thailand >
        • Thailand Know Before You Go
        • Thailand Itinerary
        • Thailand Vlogs
      • Vietnam >
        • Vietnam Know Before You Go
        • Vietnam Itinerary
        • Vietnam Vlogs
    • North America >
      • Mexico >
        • Mexico Itinerary
    • South America >
      • Colombia >
        • Colombia Travel Itinerary
      • Ecuador >
        • Ecuador Itinerary
      • Peru >
        • Machu Picchu on a Budget
        • Peru Itinerary
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Guides >
      • Blue Lagoons Guide, Vang Vieng, Laos
      • Tubing Guide, Vang Vieng, Laos
    • How To's >
      • How to Get to Machu Picchu on a Budget
      • How to Plan a Backpacking Trip
      • How to Save Money for Travel
      • How to Save Money While Traveling
      • Visas >
        • How to Extend Your Indonesia Visa
        • How to Extend Your Philippines Visa
    • Lists >
      • Packing >
        • Top 25 Carry-On Essentials
        • Top 35 Backpacking Essentials
        • Men's Packing List
        • Women's Packing List
      • Travel Apps
  • Resources
    • Accomodations
    • Flights
    • Packing >
      • Backpacking Essentials
      • Carry-On Essentials
      • Men's Packing List
      • Women's Packing List
    • Transportation
    • Travel Apps
    • Vlogging Gear
  • Shop
  • Contact Us