The Ultimate Guide to Saving Big on International Travel Bookings Online

Meet Neha, a young professional from Pune eager to take her first trip abroad from India. She spent months saving and carefully choosing her destination. But as she started booking flights, hotels, and activities, she faced an unexpected challenge—high currency conversion fees at every step.

Since most bookings had to be done online from India, using cash wasn't an option. She explored different payment methods and initially considered prepaid Forex cards, thinking they were the most cost-effective. However, after researching the hidden fees, she realised they weren’t the best choice.

Instead, she opted for the FIRST WOW! Credit Card, which helped her save on forex fees, earn rewards and manage expenses efficiently. Let’s see how you can plan your international trips from India while avoiding unnecessary costs.

Why prepaid Forex cards aren’t the best for booking international trips from India
 

At first, prepaid Forex cards may seem like a good option for international trips from India, but they come with multiple hidden charges. Here’s a breakdown of the common fees –

As you can see, prepaid Forex cards involve multiple fees—issuance, reloading, markup on transactions, ATM withdrawals, and even refunds. In contrast, the FIRST WOW! Credit Card offers zero forex markup, no hidden charges, and interest-free ATM cash withdrawals for up to 45 days—making it a smarter choice for international trips from India.

Now, let’s go through a step-by-step guide to planning your trip while saving at every stage.

A step-by-step guide to planning your abroad trip from India
 

Step 1 – Define your trip goals
 

Planning an international trip from India starts with clarity about the destination, budget, and duration. This makes decision-making easier and prevents overspending.

a) Choose the right destination
 

Your choice depends on budget, interests, and visa requirements –

1. Budget-friendly trips – Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc.
   
   
2. Luxury getaways – Europe, USA, Australia, etc.
   
   
3. Purpose – Adventure, relaxation, shopping, or cultural exploration.
   
   
4. Visa process – Some countries offer visas on arrival, while others require prior application.
   
   

Pro tip – If you’re unsure, opt for international tour packages from India that bundle flights, hotels, and sightseeing into one cost-effective plan.

b) Set a realistic budget
 

The budget for your international trip from India should cover –

1. Flights – 35%
   
   
2. Accommodation – 25%
   
   
3. Food and transport – 15%
   
   
4. Activities and sightseeing – 15%
   
   
5. Emergency and miscellaneous – 10%
   
   

Pro tip – Use a credit card with reward points to offset travel costs. With the FIRST WOW! Credit Card, you earn up to 4X reward points on spends that can be redeemed for travel expenses later.

c) Set a realistic trip duration
 

The length of your trip impacts your budget. Shorter trips (4-7 days) are cost-effective, while longer stays (10+ days) require more planning and expenses.

Step 2 – Research and compare travel options
 

a) Book flights at the best price
 

Flights are often the biggest expense in international trips from India. To save –

1. Use flight comparison websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak
   
   
2. Book 2-3 months in advance for lower fares
   
   
3. Travel on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for cheaper tickets
   
   
4. Consider nearby airports or indirect routes for better deals
   
   

Pro tip – Use the FIRST WOW! Credit Card for flight bookings and earn reward points that never expire.

b) Choose the right accommodation
 

Your stay depends on budget and travel style –

1. Hotels – Best for families and luxury travellers
   
   
2. Airbnb and vacation rentals – Ideal for long stays
   
   
3. Hostels – Budget-friendly option for solo travellers
   
   

Pro tip – Use platforms like Booking.com & Agoda and look for bundle deals on flight tickets and hotel stays to save extra.

c) Plan activities and experiences
 

Find must-visit attractions using TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet, and travel blogs. Book experiences in advance for discounts.

Pro tip – The FIRST WOW! Credit Card offers discounts across 1,500+ restaurants and retailers worldwide, helping you save on dining and shopping. Know more here.

Step 3 – Time your bookings for maximum savings
 

1. Book flights & hotels at least 2-3 months in advance
   
   
2. Choose accommodations with free cancellation options
   
   
3. Look for discounts on booking platforms
   
   

Pro tip – Many travel websites offer extra discounts for credit card users—check if there are any exclusive deals available on the FIRST WOW! Credit Card.

Step 4 – Leverage the right credit card for payments
 

Since most travel bookings are online, choosing the right card can help you save. The FIRST WOW! Credit Card offers –

1. Zero forex markup, so there are no extra charges on your international transactions
   
   
2. Interest-free ATM withdrawals (up to 45 days) to avoid expensive currency exchanges
   
   
3. 4X reward points on travel expenses
   
   
4. Global acceptance with VISA Infinite
   
   

For instance, if Neha had used a prepaid Forex card for her international travels, she would have paid a 3% markup on ₹1,00,000 worth of bookings—₹3,000 lost in fees. With the FIRST WOW! Credit Card, she paid ₹0 extra.

Step 5 – Get travel insurance
 

Travel insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and travel delays. Purchase it as soon as you book flights for maximum coverage.

Step 6 – Plan your finances & currency exchange
 

Managing foreign currency is crucial. Here’s how to avoid high exchange fees for international trips from India –

1. Check exchange rates and use authorised providers (banks, forex dealers, etc.)
   
   
2. Avoid airport currency exchange counters as they charge higher fees
   
   
3. Use credit cards with zero forex markup, like the FIRST WOW! Credit Card
   
   
4. Notify your bank about your travel dates to avoid blocked transactions
   
   
5. Carry a mix of cash and digital payment options for flexibility
   
   

Here’s an example of how much you can save with the FIRST WOW! Credit Card –

• Prepaid Forex card – 3% markup = ₹3,000 lost per ₹1,00,000 spent
  
  
• FIRST WOW! Credit Card – ₹0 lost in forex fees

Ready to plan your international trip from India?
 

With the right planning and payment methods, you can save thousands on international trips from India. Want to avoid forex fees and earn travel rewards?

Get the FIRST WOW! Credit Card today and enjoy hassle-free travel savings!