This Financially Naked: Stories From The Financial Gym episode is hosted by two of our Level 3 Certified Financial Trainers, Jenny and Kadri. They’re here to talk about traveling on a budget, offering tips and insights beyond credit card points and hacking.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing the richness of your experiences; it’s about embracing the idea that there’s no wrong way to explore the world. Travel is a highly personal journey that should be tailored to your unique preferences and values. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply searching for affordable ways to explore, today’s discussion will empower you to consider different travel styles, prioritize what truly matters to you, and make every journey memorable.

Podcast Notes

There is no wrong way to travel. Your travel journey is uniquely yours, which makes it special. Start with the big picture, know yourself, and plan accordingly.
Where are you traveling, and what about this experience are you the most excited about? Is it food, accommodations, excursions, or seeing as much as possible? Travel is about your preferences and what you value most in your experiences.
It’s not about how much money you spend but rather the experience and memories created along the way.
Budget traveling does not mean you have to sacrifice comfort. It’s about prioritizing the parts important to you and being frugal in other areas. You can make budget-friendly choices with intentional splurges and adapt your plan as needed.

Getting There

Flights and train tickets can be significantly cheaper on certain days and non-peak hours if you can be flexible with your travel dates and times.

Travel comparison websites like Kayak and Google Flights can be a great tool to help you find deals on flight prices. Once you find the flight, book directly through the airline’s website.
Plan and book your tickets as far ahead of time as you can. For flights especially, purchasing tickets early can result in better prices.
Avoid checked bag fees by traveling light with a carry-on only.
If you have points you want to use, websites like PointsYeah or point.me can help you use your points efficiently.

Getting Around

Do your research ahead of time. Look at Google Maps and get a feel for the place. You don’t have to have an exact plan, but a general idea of how things work can save you time and money.
Some cities are walkable or have robust public transit. If you plan on walking, make sure to pack the right sneakers.
In some places, you can rent a bike or scooter to get around the town. In other places, hiring a driver who will be with you the entire trip is worth it.

Lodging and Accommodations

Tap into your network to see if you can stay with friends, family, or acquaintances in the area. Even staying with someone for one night can save you hundreds.
Options like couchsurfing, house-sitting, home exchanges, or hostels can be great options depending on your comfort level.
Airbnb or VRBO can provide budget lodging options, especially for larger groups or extended stays. Accommodations like a kitchen and laundry room can save you money on your trip.
Similarly to transit, booking accommodations in advance can save you money.

Fees and Currency Exchange

Let your bank know your plans. This can prevent card issues due to your bank suspecting fraud.
Some credit and debit cards have no foreign transaction fees. Check if any of your cards do and opt to use those! You can also opt for a prepaid multi-currency card.
Do your homework by comparing currency exchange rates before you go so you know how much your dollar is worth and can plan accordingly.

If you want to work with a Certified Financial Trainer to help budget for your dream vacation, schedule a free warm-up call today! If you have any ideas or questions for the show, send an email to trainerpodcast@fingyms.com.

Resources

Meet The Trainers

Meet Jenny Harp, Level 3 Certified Financial Trainer
Meet Kadri Augustin, Level 3 Certified Financial Trainer

Travel On A Budget with Jenny & Kadri