Here's 5 Simple Tricks to Save Money While On Vacation

Vacations are well known for two things, having fun and spending money. But what if you could maximize the fun you have while spending less than you expected? Expenses aren’t only about the large sums spent, as it's the little expenses that can really add up on you. Meals, snacks, tickets to museum, souvenir, etc... You can still have the trip of your dreams while staying on budget. Here are 5 simple tricks to save money while on vacation.

1. Pack a Medicine Kit

We usually visualize vacations as something perfect, but the truth is that illness and discomforts can appear out of nowhere. It’s well known that medicine is overpriced in airports, hotels and touristic pharmacies so you can save paying double for your medicines if you pack some of it at home. Make sure you bring Ibuprofen, vitamins, cough drops, stomach aid pills, and band aids.

2. Select Your Payment Method Ahead of Time

If you’re planning to travel outside the U.S. you should take some time to decide which method of payment you’ll be using for the trip. If you’re planning on using your credit or debit card be sure to check with your bank and let them know thee dates you’ll be outside the country so they don’t block your card. Be aware of the terms and fees of your card while using internationally: ATM fees, international purchase fees, cash advance fees, etc. If you plan to use cash you should research the conversion rates and change your money in the service with the best rates, also be sure to take precautions on storing your money safely.

3. Don’t Buy Souvenirs Until the End

The most common way of buying souvenirs is as soon as they catch your eye, but most likely, later on you will find the same object at a much lower value and you will not be able to do anything about it other than to regret the purchase. Try not to buy souvenirs until you looked around a variety of stores and scoped out the best deal on it.

4. Bring Snacks and an Empty Bottle

You and your family will need snacks and water while you're on vacation, don’t forget to bring snacks and an empty bottle for the plane. Make sure the bottle is empty until you pass airport security. If you do this you will save $3 or $4 every time that each one of you have a snack or a bottle of water. Remember to bring your snacks and bottle also while you’re exploring during vacation.

5. Communicate through Free Wifi

If you’re traveling abroad, make sure you know your cell phone carrier policies about international calls and texts before you go out so can take your precautions. Communication through your cell phone during your trip may give you an unpleasant surprise when your bill comes in. Try to turn off your cellular data until its required and then turn it back off. Aim to communicate through free wifi spots (hotel, airport, attractions, parks, etc.) that also includes the use of Facebook and other apps.