5 things to budget for when travelling overseas

Travelling to and exploring new places can feel exhilarating. The various travel experiences uplift you as a person. However, it can feel equal parts intimidating, especially when you are travelling overseas and have to stick to a pre-determined budget. That being said, it is essential to save money while travelling and stay mindful, else you may end up going overboard with your finances.

Here are our two cents on how to travel abroad on a budget and a few travel tips that can come in handy, no matter where you go!

Avoid travelling with only cash

Having cash on you is a good idea when you travel. You can easily pay for things and buy them at your own convenience. However, it is very easy to reach into your wallet every time you need it and lose track of your expenses. Since cash is highly liquid and is an accepted form of exchange almost everywhere, spending money in the form of cash feels easier. But, avoiding travelling with only cash is advisable if you have a budget in mind. Use other digital modes of payment, such as credit cards, mobile wallets, payment apps etc., to have a better overview of exactly how much you have spent at exactly which locations. By doing so, you become much more mindful of your spending, try to cap your expenses, and ultimately save money.

Travel in the off-season

One of the best travel tips is to plan your travel during the off-season. Firstly, you can enjoy travel without too many people crowding the location and can take your good time and explore with no worries. Secondly, everything is cheaper than during the main season when the place buzzes with many tourists and your overall travel costs become low. You can even get your flight/train and hotel bookings at a considerably lower amount. Even the prices of local attractions and places to visit will be lower, helping you stick to your budget.

Minimise dining outside

The best way to save money while travelling is to minimise dining outside. Avoid expensive hotels for eating, which may have exorbitant charges and may also require tipping. Instead, explore the place like a local and enjoy local and street food. Do your research and figure out the must-try local eateries which are iconic or famous for their dishes. This will go a long way in saving your money.

Use your credit card points

There are different types of credit card points that you can use to pay for your travel, such as reward points, airline miles, cash back offers etc. Every time you use your credit card to make purchases, certain points get deposited in your account, which accumulates over time, and can be redeemed to pay for various expenses such as dining at hotels, grocery stores or even a movie theatre. Choose a credit card company or a bank that offers different reward and loyalty programs for using their credit card and earning points that you can later redeem.

Buy travel insurance

Do you know how to travel worry-free? By buying travel insurance! Travel insurance helps you save money by covering you against unforeseen circumstances. You may find yourself caught in a medical emergency overseas. Your flight may get cancelled. You may be travelling to not so developed countries where any logistics issue can arise, and your baggage may get lost. There may occur a natural disaster at the place of your visit. Having travel insurance covers you against expenses that may arise due to any of these reasons. On the other hand, not having travel insurance may lead to a huge out-of-pocket expense, depleting your savings.

Travel budgeting in a stress-free manner is now possible with the IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card. With features such as zero joining fees, zero annual fees, low APR, airport and railway lounge accesses, 0% interest on cash withdrawals up to 48 days, and exciting reward points programs, IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card is a must-have to make your travel more enjoyable.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.