How to save money on international travel?

If you want to spend less on your travels, find out in this article how to save money on international travel in a practical way!

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Have you ever wondered how some people travel the world without spending a lot?

Traveling internationally doesn't have to be expensive.

With planning and strategies, it is possible to have a economic international travel incredible.

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We'll show you tips for saving money, from planning in advance to choosing alternative accommodation.

These tips will help you have amazing experiences without spending a lot. Want to know how?

Como economizar dinheiro em viagens internacionais?
Image: Canva

Main Points

  • One economic international travel requires planning at least 6 months in advance.
  • Choosing destinations that offer free attractions can significantly reduce costs.
  • Consider alternative accommodations, such as Airbnb or hostels, to save even more.
  • Using credit card miles can turn airline tickets into great bargains.
  • The Nomad international account offers financial benefits in over 180 countries.

Advance planning: the key to saving

To choose plan your trip in advance opens doors to savings.

You can find cheapest airline tickets monitoring the offers.

Booking six months in advance can save you a lot.

Using comparison sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights and Hopper is very helpful.

They help you track prices and find the best time to buy.

Being flexible with dates and destinations can bring you incredible deals.

Planning ahead avoids high prices during peak season.

Traveling outside of this period incurs fares of airline tickets and accommodation become more affordable. This helps a lot with the travel budget.

Skyscanner
Google Flights
Hopper

See the benefits of plan your trip in advance:

BenefitDescription
Lower pricesAdvance bookings result in cheaper flights and accommodation
FlexibilityFlexible dates and destinations increase the chances of finding unmissable deals
Less stressAnticipation allows for calm and detailed planning
More optionsAdvance bookings ensure greater choice of flights and accommodations

So when thinking about your next destination, think about plan your trip in advance.

You will save on cheapest airline tickets and you will have a more organized trip.

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Saving Money on International Travel: Budget Destinations Worth Visiting

Exploring lesser-known destinations can be quite an eye-opener.

They offer amazing experiences at a lower price.

This helps you save money as you don't have to spend a lot in famous destinations like Paris and London.

Plus, not needing a visa in some places saves you even more.

Central America is a great place to spend money. Countries like Guatemala and Costa Rica have daily rates ranging from US$40 to US$135. And they don't require a visa.

Also, in South America, Bolivia is another good option, with a daily budget of US$$ 20 to US$$ 80.

In Europe, there are many places that Brazilians can visit without a visa.

As well, in Albania for example, hotels cost around US$$ 25 per night.

In Sofia, Bulgaria, staying in a hostel costs US$ 8, and in a hotel, US$ 35.

In Latvia and Lithuania, Riga and Vilnius have accommodation costs of US$15 and US$15 per night.

Como economizar dinheiro em viagens internacionais?

In Asia, many countries have low daily costs. In Thailand, a bed in a shared room in Bangkok costs US$$7. And a street food meal can cost as little as US$$1 to US$$5.

Cambodia is also a good option, with a daily budget that does not reach US$$ 35.

See a table with some destinations and their approximate costs:

DestinyAccommodation (per night)Meal (per person)Daily Cost
AlbaniaUS$ 25US$ 10US$ 40
BulgariaUS$ 8 – US$ 35US$ 10US$ 53
CambodiaUS$ 20US$ 10US$ 35
ThailandUS$ 30US$ 5US$ 50
GuatemalaUS$ 40US$ 10US$ 80

These budget destinations offer a unique trip.

It is full of culture, history and adventure.

Traveling to these places not only saves you money but also brings unforgettable experiences.

And all this without the stress of visas.

Alternative accommodation: houses and apartments

Platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com have changed the game of vacation rental.

They offer everything from rooms to entire homes, making them a cheaper option than hotels.

Airbnb has over 4 million hosts and six million listings.

Vrbo has two million properties. These platforms make traveling more affordable.

Renting for a season is a way to save money. And it also allows you to cook your own meals, which is rare in hotels.

PlatformGuest Service FeeHost Commission Rate
Airbnb14%3%
Booking.com12-15%15%
Vrbo14-19%3%
Agoda16%16%

The benefits go beyond savings.

Hosts can earn up to US$$ 924 per month. This model of vacation rental makes travel more accessible.

It also creates a sense of community. This fosters authentic and unforgettable life experiences.

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Use public transport whenever possible

Use the international public transport helps you save money on your trip.

In many cities, such as in Europe, public transport is cheap and efficient.

Purchasing weekly or monthly passes can be very economical.

Furthermore, the public transport applications help you plan your trips. They show you the best routes and times.

The use of public transport is recommended instead of relying on taxis or private transport services.

In cities like London, Paris and Amsterdam, public transport is used a lot.

This helps you save money as you don’t have to use Uber and Lyft.

You public transport applications They are practical and provide information about routes and fares.

CityPublic TransportAverage Monthly Savings (€)
ParisMetro & RER Navigation55
LondonUsing the Oyster Card70
AmsterdamGVB Tickets45

In many cities, you can find cards that combine transportation and access to tourist attractions.

This helps you save even more.

Additionally, traveling on a budget and adjusting travel dates for lower fares are good strategies.

Renting bikes or walking around the city is also an economical option.

This, in addition to being cheap, allows for a more authentic experience of the place.

Save Money on International Travel: Save on Food While Traveling

Finding ways to save money on food while traveling can be a life-changing financial experience.

To choose economical meals It's not just about avoiding expensive restaurants.

It's also about exploring local markets to buy fresh and cheap ingredients.

Como economizar dinheiro em viagens internacionais?

Many places in the world have affordable food options.

In the United States, for example, many restaurants have lunch specials.

These options are cheap and of quality.

Avoiding restaurants in tourist areas helps you save money.

These places charge more because of the high demand. In Italy, asking for water can significantly increase the price of your bill.

So, think carefully about drinks and desserts.

Discover local cuisine in immigrant neighborhoods.

These places have authentic dishes at low prices. Eating outside the tourist areas is more economical and authentic.

If your accommodation has a kitchen, visit local markets.

Cooking your own meals is cheaper and allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Taking snacks on your trips also helps you save money. This prevents you from spending a lot on expensive snacks.

By following these tips, traveling without spending a lot becomes easier.

Daily BudgetMeal Options
US$ 50An economical meal and a complete meal
US$ 75Two sit-down meals, including alcoholic beverages

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Save Money on International Travel: Take Advantage of Free Tourist Attractions

It is possible to travel in an unforgettable way without spending a lot.

This happens when you choose free attractions for your script.

Museums with free entry on specific days, parks and markets are great options.

They help you save money without compromising the quality of your trip.

Walking around the city reveals secrets and incredible views.

These things are often overlooked when using fast transportation.

Walking through historic neighborhoods and visiting free tourist attractions is very rewarding.

To help with organization, we have made a list of free activities.

See below:

Attraction TypeExample
MuseumsLouvre Museum, Paris (free entry on the first Sunday of every month)
ParksCentral Park, New York
SquaresPiazza Navona, Rome
Street MarketsSan Miguel Market, Madrid

Add these free attractions to your travel plan is very advantageous.

They enrich the cultural experience and help control the budget.

This way, you can save up for other important experiences, like a special dinner or a trip to a faraway place.

Avoid using international credit cards

Using an international credit card can be complicated.

Exchange rate fluctuations and IOF rates can significantly increase the cost of travel.

To avoid this, consider using cash or an international debit card.

Global cards, launched in 2021, are a good option.

They have lower rates, from 1.5% to 2%, much lower than bank rates. This makes the dollar cheaper.

The IOF for international transfers is 1.1% with these cards.

For credit cards, it is 4.38%. This difference is big and helps you save money.

Global cards also allow withdrawals in local currency and adding money via PIX.

This makes shopping easier and reduces the risk of theft.

TypeIOFSpread
Credit card4,38%4% – 6%
Global Card1,1%1,5% – 2%
Cash1,1%

Using an international credit card may seem easy, but there are better alternatives.

They help you save money and avoid currency problems.

Travel with more peace of mind and control over your expenses by choosing the best financial option for your international adventure.

Saving Money on International Travel: Cheapest Ways to Exchange Currency

Choosing where and how to exchange money wisely can save you a lot on your trip.

Avoiding the tourist exchange rate, which is more expensive, is a good idea.

Exchanging currency in advance and in places that use the commercial rate helps you save money.

International digital accounts such as Nomad, Wise and Revolut are a good choice.

They charge only 1.1% of IOF, much less than international credit cards.

Changing small amounts at different times can bring a better quote.

Banks can charge up to R$$ 60 per currency exchange.

It is best not to exchange money at your destination.

Currency exchange offices in Brazil usually give better prices. However, selling dollars after your trip is not always the best option.

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