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5. How can you make sure you don't overspend on your trip and stick to your budget?

Katerina Wildish

As a frequent traveler, staying within my budget is always a concern because it’s very easy to get swept away with all the exciting things to do and see on a trip. However, there are a few things that I do to ensure that I don't overspend during my travels and remain within my budget.

Firstly, I usually research in advance to know what to expect and to identify the major expenses on my trip. This typically includes identifying my transport options from the airport, figuring out the average cost on food, and setting aside a budget for activities. By doing this, I can tailor my budget to fit my interests and expectations of things I want to do and can then prioritize my spending.

One of my favorite things to do in travel planning is taking advantage of websites and apps for travel deals and promotions. There are countless websites available that help find cheap airfares, accommodation, and transportation options throughout my itinerary. And once I have arrived at a hotel or hostel, I check out their array of offerings and promotions, some of which include activities, and can opt for those that fit in my budget.

Another thing that has helped me stick to my budget when traveling is bringing some snacks from home. Notably, these snacks come in handy when I'm on the go and can't afford to buy food or drinks in expensive stores and restaurants. Also bringing a refillable water bottle with me has been helpful to have clean drinking water available for free.

In regards to activities, I try to find free things to do in the area whether it is visiting museums, attending concerts or exploring street markets. Also, tourist apps are a useful tool to find local discounts that I can take advantage of. For example, I might find discounted tickets for shows, tours, and other attractions that I wanted to visit.

Keeping tabs of my expenses, especially on the go, helps me to track everything I've spent. I update mobile applications like Excel or Google Sheets to keep track of my spending. This means I will always know when I'm getting close to my limit, and I can adjust my budget accordingly.

Finally, maintaining a strict budget doesn't have to imply that one can’t splurge once in a while. I always ensure that money is available for something memorable, such a special meal in a fine dining restaurant or taking that once-in-a-lifetime excursion. However, I set a budget for these "splurges" and prioritize which ones are most important for me.

Taking the time to plan before traveling, researching deals and staying organized with expenses helps me to minimize my debt and stick to my budget. While traveling can be costly, paying attention to one's spending ensures that the trip is fulfilling without any financial strains.