How to Save Money While Traveling

If you've been planning a vacation, you probably have a budget in mind and you're looking for a way to enjoy your trip without breaking the bank. After all, many people save for a year or more to build up funds for travel, whether it's your dream vacation or just getting away for a while, and you want to get the most bang for your buck — and you also want to avoid surprises that end up costing you more than you planned for.

Here are five easy tips to help you save money while traveling, whether at the airport or your destination.

1. Sort out Your Finances Beforehand

Avoid any potential freezes on your debit or credit card by clearing your travel plans with your bank or card provider ahead of time. Also be aware that foreign ATMs often charge additional fees, some of which aren't disclosed. You can also be hit with foreign exchange fees from your credit card, so you might want to look into opening a card that stipulates that it doesn't charge these fees.

If you bring cash, don't exchange currency at the airport — the rates there can cost you up to 8% of your total amount. It's much more affordable to use an ATM and avoid exchange rates entirely, although be mindful of the fees mentioned.

2. Pack a Water Bottle and Snacks

We all know how expensive airport and in-flight snacks can be. Keep yourself hydrated and save some cash by bringing an empty water bottle — you can't bring a full bottle through airport security, but you can fill it up as soon as you're at the gate. Keep this bottle with you throughout your trip and refill it wherever you have access to clean water. If you're unsure about water quality, bring some iodine tablets or other methods for water purification on-the-go.

Pack small, filling snacks like energy bars, nuts, trail mix, or anything else you prefer that keeps well and can be stuffed into your carry-on.

3. Bring Extra Medications

Many typical over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen are difficult to acquire in some places, not because of a difference in laws but because you can't always expect your destination to have a well-stocked drugstore. Even if there is one, the prices could be completely different from what you're used to. Cough drops, vitamins, and allergy medications are usually sold at a significant markup, especially in airports and tourist locations. Bring some, even if you don't think you'll need them.

4. Follow Precautions to Avoid Theft

We're not singling out any particular area, but petty theft is an unfortunate reality — especially while you travel. Crowded areas are rife with pickpocketing, so secure your wallet somewhere difficult to reach on your body and if you're carrying a bag, close it and keep it in front of you. You should also look into an RFID-blocking wallet to prevent a thief from scanning your card and stealing your payment information while simply standing next to you. Don't handle cash in public unless you're actively making a transaction. If you're staying in a hotel, keep your valuables in the safe, and always, always keep an eye out at all times.

Watch out for common scams that target travelers, too — the US State Department maintains a helpful list.

5. Rent Your Satellite Phone

Whether you want to keep in touch for safety reasons or access satellite broadband to live-blog your trip, you can do so frugally by renting your satellite phone from Outfitter Satellite. You should always have a means of calling for help at the very least, especially when you're far from home in an area unfamiliar to you. You'll enjoy your vacation much more if you know you'll have this means at your disposal should you need it. But if you don't travel frequently, you might not find it justifiable financially to buy a satellite phone and keep it loaded with airtime — which is why we offer rentals made just for your trip, complete with bundled minutes.

If you follow these tips, you're more likely to return home safely and with a little more cash in your bank account, and who doesn't want that? Now you can focus more on enjoying your vacation and get ready to have a fun (and safe) time, wherever you go.