Making your money go further when globetrotting

As I've already mentioned it is important to have a realistic budget, but travelling on a budget can be hard work so here is some helpful (and rather obvious at times) information to make sure your money isn't going down the drain (or out of the window).

1.  Don't get swept away with the currency

Although you may feel you want to have all your money with you before you set off travelling, you will find that buying your currency in the country you're travelling to usually works out cheaper. Most airports have at least one bureau de change in their airport so you can get money exchanged as soon as you arrive. Failing that, you can withdraw money from a nearby ATM at a better rate than the Post Office, Travelex, etc are able to offer (but beware of charges on your card).

2. Money, money, money

Withdraw large chunks of money from ATMs at once rather than many withdrawals of smaller amounts to avoid several transaction charges by your bank

3.  Are you booking mad?

Don't be tempted to book everything before you go. Yes, you might want to scubadive, trek, sail, skydive and all the rest, but you may get better deals from companies when you can talk face to face and compare them against each other to get the best price.

4. Do your research! 

Calculate a rough sort of budget before you go by talking to friends who've travelled, reading blogs (woooo you're doing your homework now) and good old googling. For example, per week in Thailand I spent around £200 on accommodation, food, local travel, trips, excursions, gifts, etc.

5. Finally, when in Rome...

Particularly in Thailand and South East Asia, it is part of the culture to barter. If you don't laugh in the vendor's face when they pluck a ridiculous random number out of the air and suggest paying a fraction of the price, you will seem a foolish tourist, instead of a wised-up traveller.

You do not want to offend the locals when bartering so keep a smile on your face throughout and a few phrases to suggest a good relationship such as "help me out, friend" won't go amiss. However, do NOT resort to begging. No one is going to have sympathy for a bratty teenager from Europe who simply cannot live without the ornate hand-carved shell encrusted necklace.

However, don't be a pushover. If the vendor just won't budge, and you aren't prepared to pay their asking price, be prepared to walk away. 90% of the time you will find they chase you down the street and try to steer you back to their stall to 're-negotiate' as they've had a sudden change of heart.


Any more ideas on how to make money go further? Please let me know! I always want to make my budget last as long as possible without having to sacrifice plans.