All too often inexperienced travelers plan what they think are affordable trips abroad with the purchase of cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms or cheap vacation packages only to later be surprised by the total cost of their trips.
The following are steps that can be taken to help keep a trip within a budget:
Do not overpack and do your best to travel with only carry-on luggage or no more than a single checked bag per person so you can minimize airline checked baggage fees. The key is to plan your wardrobe in advance and pack versatile clothing such as a black dress or mix and match clothing.
Research exchange rates in foreign countries you are interested in visiting before purchasing airline tickets. Destinations in Australia and most of Western Europe currently have strong currencies, meaning U.S. dollars are worth less. Instead of going to Paris look into Budapest. Instead of London consider Prague. Do not plan on exchanging currency at the airport where you will typically be given a very poor exchange rate.
Be certain you check out the weather at your destination before leaving. The last thing you want to do is buy overpriced clothing at your destination because you did not pack correctly.
If you want to use your cell phone overseas, contact your cell carrier and upgrade temporarily to an international calling plan, use local Wi-Fi or invest in a SIM card at your destination.
Before departing make a written list of the tech items you will want to bring as well as their accessories to ensure you carry the needed charges, batteries, earbuds, and any power adapters that will be needed.
Consider being a contrarian traveler and avoiding high seasons of destinations. By taking a ski vacation in British Columbia in the spring you can realize significant savings vs. Januarys overcrowded mountains. Similarly by taking your kids out of school for a long weekend to visit Disney World you can achieve measurable savings vs. visiting over the summer months.
Be aware that tipping policies tend to vary by country and should be researched in advance. Mexican waiters expect tips between 10 to 15 percent for sit down service whereas tipping in Fiji is discouraged and bartenders do not expect tips in British pubs.
Research the availability of public transportation at your destination vs. simply catching expensive cabs. www.cheapfares.com