Want to save money on international travel? Beware of these 11 common travel mistakes

▲Save Money on Travel (Photo / Darzy / Illustration)

By Rita

Smart travel is definitely one of the most essential skills in this era—something schools don’t teach, but doing your homework can make your trip smoother and more budget-friendly.ThrillistThe website has compiled 11 common mistakes travelers often make, which can unknowingly waste a lot of money. See if you’ve fallen into any of these traps.

1. Not buying travel insurance
Many people assume that nothing will go wrong on a short-term trip abroad, but when accidents do happen, medical expenses can be huge and not worth the risk. Tip: Don’t skip travel insurance.

2. Only using domestic websites
Many people only rely on domestic websites for trip planning. Whenever possible, check international sites for comparisons—you might find some great deals.

3. Not planning your finances well
A lot of people prefer to exchange currency at the airport. In fact, check beforehand whether your credit card company has ATMs in your travel destination—you might avoid withdrawal fees altogether. Also, inform your credit card company in advance about your trip so they know you’ll be using the card overseas.

4. Booking flights too early or too late
It’s generally not ideal to book flights half a year in advance or wait until the last minute. A better time is around 2–3 months before departure.

5. Sticking rigidly to guidebooks
Be prepared for the possibility of overpriced food near tourist spots. Using websites like Yelp can help you find great local restaurants.

6. Asking questions the wrong way
If your question is poorly phrased, such as “Where can I eat?” locals might think you’re looking for a touristy spot. A better question would be “Where do you usually eat?”

7. Not visiting the tourist information center first
These centers often have the latest info, like local events. The staff are usually locals who know where the best deals are—don’t miss this important resource for travelers.

8. Not asking hostels about deals
Hostels often have activities available—if you don’t ask, you won’t know.

9. Not inquiring about hotel discounts
No matter what price you see on booking sites, call the hotel directly to ask if there are any discounts—especially during low occupancy periods, you might score a deal.

10. Not accumulating frequent flyer points
This is the easiest thing to do, yet it’s often overlooked. Remember to convert your miles into points—they could add up to free flights.

11. Not buying tourist passes
If you plan to visit many attractions, such as museums, day-pass style tourist cards are a great value—you won’t have to pay for each site individually.