Traveling full-time seems like an attractive lifestyle. And while it certainly has that perk, I have discovered that being financially aware is the only way that can make it work in the long run. I’ve been a full-time digital nomad for about three years now, and I’ve learned the hard way that making travel a sustainable lifestyle looks very different in terms of economic terms than taking long vacations.
The next budgeting tip is something I personally put into practice for regular trips. And for the record: my budget is modest. I chose these tips and tricks while traveling like digital nomads, but it can easily be translated into making the trip a little more affordable.
Avoid airport cash exchanges
The first thing you should avoid when you get off the plane is to exchange currency at the airport. While you tend to use your credit and debit cards mostly while traveling, if you know you’re in a place with lots of cash-only venues, you’ll always wait until you’re in the city centre before you exchange your cash. This allows you to compare exchange rates and avoid being used for convenience.
Select e-sim on your home phone
Depending on your home phone plan, roaming fees between overseas and over $5 to $20 per day can cost you. I don’t suggest that I forget to use my data while traveling. I couldn’t imagine not having Google Maps and WhatsApp while I was out.
Instead, always select e-sim with data from backhome. I use the brand Airalo and the prices vary depending on the country I’m in, but I’ve never spent more than $10 on my entire trip. The best part is that the SIM is automatically added to your smartphone. So you don’t have to worry about tracking physical SIM cards overseas.
Find what locals are eating and drinking
The hotel’s food and drinks are attractive. The rooftop bar, colorful brunch menu and room service are always a fun experience. However, hotel food and tourist restaurants are usually much more expensive than eating local haunts and the way the locals do.
For example, while living in Istanbul, I always bought morning simits (Turkish bagels) from the street cellar, as my local friends did. Eating a real Turkish breakfast costs less than a dollar, while a touristy Turkish breakfast restaurant costs over $50.
Use credit card points
I don’t recommend going beyond your budget just to get credit card points, but putting everything on your credit card and paying it back fully at the end of the month has proven to be a great way to earn points that allow you to go on a free flight.
Many credit cards offer great welcome bonuses, so you need to choose a co-branded airline credit card to make sure you shop before opening anything (such as enough bonus points on multiple free flights).
Book a accommodation with a kitchen
It doesn’t matter if I’m traveling for the long term or short term. I’m always trying to book accommodation in the kitchen. Although I don’t always cook while I travel, having space to store coffee, wine, beer, fresh fruits, breakfast pastries, etc. means I don’t want to spend on unnecessary food while exploring while I’m out.
According to Digital Nomad, five ways to maximize savings while traveling abroad first appeared in Retailmenot’s Real Deal.
Source: The Real Deal by RetailMeNot – www.retailmenot.com
