Planning an international trip is exciting, but figuring out how to afford it is a completely different feeling. Between flights, lodging, food, and activities, the costs add up quickly if you’re not careful. It'd be silly to abandon plans for your dream trip. There are some ways you can stretch your dollar further to give you that vacation you want so badly. With a little effort, it’s entirely possible to experience new cultures, cuisines, and sights without blowing your budget. We're going to go over 10 ways you can get your vacation and save some money along the way. Your wallet will thank you.

1. Research the Exchange Rate Before You Go

A strong exchange rate can turn an affordable destination into a financial stressor. Knowing the currency conversion in advance helps you plan your budget properly and avoid sticker shock. Apps like XE Currency keep you updated on real-time rates, making it easy to spot red flags in costs.

Using cash instead of credit cards in certain countries saves you from additional foreign transaction fees. Withdraw currency from ATMs once you arrive to get the bank’s official exchange rate. Avoid kiosks at airports or tourist hubs, as they often inflate their rates or charge high commissions.

2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

The price of flights, accommodations, and even activities fluctuates depending on days and times. Flying midweek, like on a Tuesday or Wednesday, usually costs less than weekends. Going during shoulder seasons, such as early spring or late fall, helps you avoid peak-season markups and still enjoy decent weather.

Tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to view price trends for flexible dates. Adjusting your plans slightly, such as flying out two days earlier than planned, can lead to hundreds of dollars in savings.

3. Pack Light to Avoid Luggage Fees

Overpacking leads to unnecessary costs. Many budget airlines have strict luggage policies, charging passengers high fees for overweight or extra bags. A carry-on and a personal item are often enough for trips under two weeks. Roll your clothes, use packing cubes to create space, and get travel-sized toiletries to maximize your packing efficiency.

Checking your airline’s specific baggage rules beforehand prevents surprises. Some airlines may require you to purchase luggage allowances in advance, and doing so online is cheaper than paying at the airport.

4. Look Beyond Big Cities

Tourist-heavy hubs are often the most expensive parts of a country. For a more authentic and budget-friendly experience, focus on smaller towns and secondary cities. Instead of staying in London, consider a base like Brighton or Bristol, which costs significantly less in terms of lodging and dining.

Local transport links, such as buses or regional trains, make smaller towns easily accessible without the need for expensive inner-city accommodations. You’ll also avoid inflated tourist prices by experiencing daily life in less commercialized areas.

5. Consider Hostels, Homestays, or Serviced Apartments

Budget lodging doesn’t always mean scrimping on comfort. Hostels with private rooms or boutique dorm setups, like those offered by chains such as Selina, combine affordability with a social atmosphere perfect for solo travelers.

Homestays, which allow you to live with a local family, provide cultural exchanges and insider tips about the destination at a fraction of hotel costs. Serviced apartments, available on websites like Plum Guide, work well for families or groups, offering kitchens that help save money on meals.

6. Prioritize Public Transportation

Taxis and rideshare services can drain your wallet quickly, especially in areas with heavy traffic or high surge pricing. Public transportation, like buses, metros, and trains, offers inexpensive and reliable alternatives. Systems in cities like Berlin, Tokyo, and Bangkok are incredibly efficient, often costing a few dollars per ride.

Purchasing a day or weekly travel pass saves even more money, giving unlimited rides for set periods. Travelers nervous about getting around should download apps like Citymapper or Rome2Rio, which provide step-by-step instructions for using public transport in cities worldwide.

7. Find Local Eats Away From Tourist Zones

Restaurants around top landmarks often charge inflated prices for average meals. Wandering a few blocks outside tourist zones leads to authentic, budget-friendly dining options. Local eateries, food markets, and street vendors are cheaper and give you a taste of regional cuisines.

Apps like EatWith connect travelers with local hosts offering home-cooked meals or culinary tours at reasonable prices. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations. Cab drivers, hotel staff, or shopkeepers often know the best hidden gems.

8. Take Advantage of Free Activities

Many cities worldwide offer free attractions that rival paid experiences in quality. Checking out public parks, wandering urban markets, or strolling iconic streets like Paris’s Montmartre can fill your itinerary without costing a penny.

Visiting museums on free-entry days is another smart idea. Cities like London don’t charge for admission to most major museums. Others, like Madrid’s Prado Museum, offer free access during specific hours. Some destinations, such as Vienna, sell city cards bundling free or discounted access to attractions and public transportation.

9. Keep an Eye on Flight Deals

Scouting deals months in advance increases your chance of securing cheap international flights. Signing up for alerts through platforms like Going (previously Scott’s Cheap Flights) or Airfarewatchdog notifies you instantly when ticket prices drop. Flash sales by carriers like Norwegian Air or Icelandair often come with steep discounts but require quick decision-making.

Booking error fares is another way to score deals. Travel apps like Skiplagged specialize in finding “hidden city” tickets, where connecting flights are cheaper than direct ones. People do this, but everyone needs to understand that doing this can come with risks, such as losing loyalty points or having segments canceled.

10. Use Travel Rewards Programs

Frequent travelers save significantly by using airline or hotel loyalty programs. Programs like Delta SkyMiles, Southwest Rapid Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy allow you to earn points that reduce future travel costs. Travel-focused credit cards sweeten the deal by offering sign-up bonuses large enough for free flights or hotel nights.

Co-branded airline credit cards, like the American Airlines AAdvantage card, often waive foreign transaction fees, earning miles on every purchase. Keeping watch for limited-time bonus offers helps you build your points bank faster.