Tips for Cheap International Travel

Pack Light

1. Packing Light -- As in "CARRY ON ONLY". Avoiding luggage fees is one major point; you also save time upon departure and arrival by not checking-in bags and/or claiming them. Taxis and shuttles sometimes charge you excess baggage fees, so this makes sense in a number of ways.

And if you happen to buy a few things overseas (who doesn't?), it helps to leave a little extra baggage room for those. Pack some laundry wash strips (which can be cut and divided for multiple loads), and wash/dry in your room... or use a coin-op nearby, if that's an option.

2. Do Your Own Homework. Look for recommended hotel, air and car rental sites -- like this site. Your savings will usually be proportionate to the work you put in. Compare several options, including venere and Kayak, and also Google for the actual site because savings and/or special deals may be available only on their own website.

Don't be a glutton!

3. CONTROL THOSE FOOD EXPENSES: For some folks, an all-inclusive  experience might be Savings... but for those of us who perhaps eat and/or drink a bit lighter, we avoid walking into the "tourist" themed food options and instead look to keep at least lunch OR dinner on the cheap. Finding one or two good bargain places to eat and repeat-visiting gives you the chance to try out more of the menu, as well as managing the flow of your cash. Find the places that the "locals" like by searching in forums -- usually great food at much lower prices -- plus the "authentic local flavor". Such options are both entertaining & priceless.

4. LEARN (AT LEAST SOME OF) THE LANGUAGE! A quick 6-month study (and using Internet TV to "get your ears" for a new tongue as well) can pay huge savings dividends. Ditto for using Google Translate or other tools to break down native-language sites when there is no English option... or even, sometimes, when there is.