Travel Tips to Save You Time and Money

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Dress in Layers

Unless you'll be going somewhere extremely hot, wearing layers will make it easier to quickly change due to the temperature or activity you're doing. On the plane or train, wear a lightweight jacket or even a scarf to stay warm during your journey. When you arrive and find the weather warmer, you can quickly take the jacket and scarf off and be ready to explore without having to rummage through your luggage for a new outfit.

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
With all the exploring you'll be doing, you're bound to get thirsty. Don't waste your money on tiny $10 plastic water bottles that you'll go through in a few gulps. Invest in a reusable water bottle that you can fill up over and over. Ones that roll up are even better, as they take up little space in your luggage when you're traveling.

Use Local Currency
If you're going to be in one place for more than a few days, it's worth it to take out cash in the local currency. Credit cards may seem convenient, but there's many fees associated with them. There's usually a currency conversion fee, as well as a foreign transaction fee your bank will charge you. These can add up really fast, so swallow the one-time ATM fee (usually not more than $5 USD) and take some cash out that you keep in a safe place.

Take Public Transportation
A cab may seem convenient as it's quicker, but can add up faster than you can raise your hand to hail one. While it sometimes is necessary if you're somewhere unsafe at night, for the most part public transportation should always be the go-to choice. Systems like the Tube in London have color-coded, easy to read maps and self-kiosks to fill your Oyster card (the magic key to getting into and out of the turnstiles on the Tube). Take the time to familiarize yourself with where you are and where you're trying to go, and you'll end up savings hundreds of dollars in the long run. It's a much better way to see the city and interact with the locals anyways.

Pack Light
You've probably heard this time and time again, but always end up bringing multiple bags for one trip. How often do you actually wearing every single item you brought though? Most people only wear half of what they brought, if even that. Bringing less bags ends up saving you money with having less baggage fees to deal with. It also saves you a ton of time to only have to look through one or two bags to find the clothing you need instead of guessing which one it's in out of three or four.

Marissa is an outdoor enthusiast from Seattle with a passion for traveling. She is a contributor to Global Travel Plus's Travel Blog. To follow her adventures, be sure to check out her blog at PostcardsToSeattle.
Posted: 4/29/2016 2:23:18 PM