Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare yourself for an international travel! Check out some tips and what steps you should take!

If you are thinking about doing an international trip, you need to plan everything ahead of time. Flights, accommodation, expenses, activities… all these things can cost a lot of money, and if you don’t have it figured out befiore boarding on a plane it can quickly snowball. So, today we are going to talk about the steps you need to take and give you tips on how to prepare financially for your international travel!

With no further ado, let’s talk about how you can prepare yourself for an overseas trip. Also, if you want to check out more financial tips on our website, you can click on this link!

How can I prepare myself for an International Travel?

The first step is crafting a realistic budget. We all know that when it comes to preparing for a trip is necessary to learn more about your destination and its average costs for accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. But other than that, there are other things to consider, like booking flights, travel insurance, money currency, right type of credit card and fees, and we are going to tell you all about it! Here are some tips for international travel:

Saving money towards your trip goals

Once you have a budget, it’s time to build your travel fund. Here are some tips:

• Aim to save X amount per week/month, considering your timeline and your budget goal
• Track your daily expenses for a month to identify areas where you can cut back
• If needed, explore side hustles, like freelancing, gigs, or even a part-time job
• Consider travelling during off-peak seasons. Spring and fall often offer cheaper flights and accommodation compared to peak tourist times

Saving on flights and accommodation

• Consider alternative airports or destinations with similar offerings. Be flexible with your travel dates to potentially score better deals
• Websites track your searches and can inflate prices. Use incognito mode when browsing flights and hotels
• Explore hostels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals for a more budget-friendly option
• Sign up for loyalty programs with airlines and hotel chains to accrue points and unlock discounts
• Credit cards often have reward programs and discounts for specific airlines and hotels companies. Choosing a card that aligns with your travel preferences can help you save money on flights, hotels, and even car rentals. And some can even provide travel insurance

Currency considerations

International travel often involves navigating different currencies. Here’s how to make the most of your money abroad:

• Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid blocked cards.
• Consider a travel debit card with low or no foreign transaction fees
• Travel credit cards can accrue points or miles redeemable for flights or accommodation. Also keep an eye out for foreign transaction fees
• Carry a small amount of local currency for emergencies or situations where cards aren’t accepted

Saving money during the trip

• Public transportation is often a cheap and efficient way to get around
• Research free things to do in your destination city. Many museums offer free admission days, parks are always a budget-friendly option, and walking tours often come with a “pay what you wish” model
• Avoid hefty baggage fees by packing light and versatile clothing. Utilize laundry facilities at your accommodation to freshen up

What are the best credit cards for international travelling?

• Best Overall and for International Travel Benefits: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for Luxury Travel Perks: American Express Platinum Card®
• Best for Travel Insurance: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for International Travel With No Annual Fee: Bilt Mastercard® and Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card