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60. Another money strategy includes having a personal check or two with you.
They are not accepted any and everywhere, BUT where they are, they are cheaper than credit card transactions.
61. Giving tips are considered common courtesy and customary most places in the world. BUT as an expenditure category, it can add up quickly and substantially! If ever in doubt whether it is appropriate to give a tip, ASK! Ensure you set aside enough of an incidental budget to cover these and other daily expenditures covering the duration of your trip.
62. A minimum investment for maximum payback! Something as simple as clearly marking and tagging your luggage, can be the difference between no additional money spent and or possessions lost or misplaced, for lost ‘indefinitely’ or mishandled luggage seemingly nowhere to be found.
This makes it more traceable and easy to spot. Clearly, it is a worthwhile investment to buy a sharpie or permanent marker and some quality luggage tags. If your budget does not allow for this, consider using the airline or provider tags at your departure location. Never travel with an unmarked bag that does not carry your name and information on it. This ensures traceability and do not even hesitate to put some identifying characteristic element on it, like a colorful ribbon, sticker or other identifier that will make it stand out.
63. Carry-on luggage is a stopgap solution for inevitabilities and a safe haven for valuables. See it as your all-in-one solution to anything that can be thrown at you. Remember not to pack any dangerous or forbidden items in your on-flight baggage. It is a good idea to take a change of clothes in your on-flight bag for every person in your travel party.
64. As mentioned earlier rechargeable batteries and a charger kit are not bad ideas to avoid bulk and additional cost of replacing it or worse not being able to take the footage or pictures you want, because the power has run low or out. These priceless memories and their enablers need to be budgeted for as well by the money-wise traveler, taking care of even the littlest of details to ensure a memorable trip.
65. When we travel, we tend not to think too much about nutrition and good diet. The last thing you want to do is spend more money upon your return on a personal trainer or weight management program to battle the holiday bulge and extra vacation pounds you have gained.
Ensure a healthy, balanced eating style, habit and choices, with the occasional indulgence and treat as opposed to throwing all caution into the wind and making it all about the food. There are so many other activities to partake in, do not let boredom drive you to the only thing most people end up doing on vacation - eating and then way too much usually.
66. Arrange for house sitters and emergency contact numbers and information at home, while you are away. To save on costs for home security, burst pipes, fire and other emergencies or burglaries, ask a neighbor or close trusted friend to keep a watchful eye on your behalf and drop in from time to time to water plants, shovel driveways and collect mail, junk mail and newspapers. Reward them with a special and thoughtful memento or dinner invite or both (depending on your budget) upon your return. Leave your itinerary with your friends, relatives, neighbors, or co-workers. They may need to contact you. Smart travelers start at home!
67. Arm yourself with personal information. Having all your bank contact telephone numbers written down on a piece of paper, packed in your luggage and somewhere else on your person or in the hotel safe in an envelope with your other valuables you want under lock and key is the best way to protect your financial interest. Finding out in advance who to call in case your checks or credit cards are lost or stolen is very important and will save you time and money and minimize the impact of any theft and or aftermath of lost, misplaced or stolen cards, wallets and travelers checks.
68. Keeping valuables safe and have peace of mind at the same time. Hotel safes or security boxes or even in-room/wall-mounted, combination locks and safes are options for storing your possessions that your treasure and value.
69. Always layer and/or take a sweater or multi-purpose jacket with you, wherever you go. It can get cool pretty fast and a tourist location is not the place to have to buy this item. They will be priced a little higher obviously and you would probably spend too much without a second thought just because you need one! Not a good decision for your travel budget necessarily - especially if it is an unbudgeted item. That is where the checklist comes in handy when packing your suitcase in the first place. Planes can also be very cool spaces, so ask for a blanket and pillow when you sit down in your seat.
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