It is nearly the end of the first quarter of the year and if you’re like me, I’m pretty sure your travel destination list for the year is longer than your resolutions. There is no harm in that, but if you want a lifestyle that is sustainable – one that you can afford, you have to make some changes in spending habits. Throughout my travel, I have learned a thing or two useful money-saving travel tips for the occasional traveler as well as the seasoned veteran while on the road.

Check Your Phone Before Your Flight

Roaming is expensive. Double check your phone settings to make sure that your not connected to the internet using your cellular network and connect to local WIFI or internet connection in the hotel or establishments. Nothing nice getting home to an excessive bill for connecting online on your cellular network. You can also buy a local SIM card if you must, or rent a WIFI router (e.g. FlytPack, myPAL Roam, Skyroam Hotspot, etc).

Invest In A Good Luggage

There is nothing worse than broken luggage on a long trip. For a few extra hundred pesos, get an indestructible one worth the investment. Make sure that is is versatile to bring anywhere with you be it business travel or a vacation. Look for something that is big enough to carry all that you need but light, and compact enough to not be a heavy drag when on transit. Make sure to invest in neutral or solid coloured luggages – that way you do not have to buy another one for personal to business trips because the prior is just too loud in colour or print for you to be taken seriously in your business trips.

Eat Where The Locals Eat

Eat where the locals eat. Do not be snobbish when it comes to food. It is always fairly safe to assume that it is safe and affordable to eat where and what the locals are eating – especially if everyone is ordering it off the menu. Most local foods cost cheaper. If your looking for money-saving travel tips – you just have to make sure it is well cooked and locals eating it as well.

Bring Your Own Water Canister

If you are lucky the accommodation you’re staying in can refill your water canister and save you the expense to buy one every time you go out. In some countries, bottled water can be expensive. The best way to go around it is to refill at water/drinking fountains that are fairly safe to drink water from.

Take The Cab As A Last Resort

Taxis are hands down the most expensive form of transportation in most cities. They’re convenient for short distances if traffic is not terrible but public transportation is best. Do some research and use the subway, metro or underground. You’ll save a ton of money and get to see the city this way. Or better yet, if you can time your meetings appropriately and if weather permits, take long walks to experience the country you’re visiting.

Choose Affordable Hotels

You can always save with cheaper accommodation. Consider renting out in AirBnb than booking in a hotel. It will not only be cheaper but some AirBnb units have an operating kitchen that you can use to cook and prepare meals. You can also book at the outskirts or outside the city proper or business district if that can be an option. Accommodation will be affordably priced than the city proper counterparts.

There are tons of money-saving travel tips that you can find or your friends may have already shared. It is best to know for yourself which works and which doesn’t. You may not also be in the mood to go cheap sometimes, especially if you prioritize convenience over how much money you can save. However you go about your travel, it is best to once in awhile save when we can and splurge when we want to.