Soo… I just booked a trip to Copenhagen! I’m going with my friend in December, and the trip has been booked (and is continuing to be booked) on a budget.
Start researching your trip as early as possible.
This is the key to EVERYTHING. I started planning my trip about four months in advance. This gave me the freedom to track prices and get the best deal on flights, hotels and (soon) currency conversions. I wasn’t in a rush to book things, so I didn’t have to settle for high prices.
Plus, you allow yourself more time to start putting money aside so when you DO book the trip you’re not overwhelmed by the hit to your bank account.
Travel off-season.
I’m visiting Copenhagen in December, which is a great time to travel because of the winter festivities and holiday markets BUT it isn’t during spring break or summer, which is an even more popular time.
For more tropical destinations and for most destinations in general, traveling off-season is sure to save you money. Just be sure to check that the main things you want to see will actually be open for visitors.
Plus, off-season travelers can avoid crowds and enjoy some views that might be even more beautiful with a dusting of snow.
Monitor currency conversion rates.
Listen, I don’t know the terminology and intricacies of converting currencies. But, there’s a good chance you’ll have to convert your currency to match your destination’s. If you book your trip in advance, you have time to track the price dips and make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Make a spreadsheet to track costs
I wrote about this in more detail in my post 12 Tips for Traveling with Friends and it still reigns true. Whether you’re traveling alone or with friends, a spreadsheet can be easily accessed from your phone and can help you keep track of your expenses, your itinerary and all of your important information.
This is crucial when it comes to planning any trip! It’s made my planning process so much easier.
Check Scott’s Cheap Flights.
This handy email newsletter actually helped me figure out I wanted to go to Copenhagen. Though I didn’t end up booking the flight it advertised (it included nothing), I did end up getting some travel inspo and finding a flight that was under $500 roundtrip. But, remember to take this site with a grain of salt. Most of these prices don’t include carry-ons or checked luggage.
Ultimately, do your research. But, use this site while you plan to help you get some travel inspo and estimates of prices to expect. And…
Keep an open mind about your destination.
I didn’t ever expect to be visiting Copenhagen in December. It felt random…and it was. But the more I researched it, the more I fell in love. You don’t have to hit major destinations like Paris and Japan… remember to check out the smaller places, too!
Map out your meals.
Check menu prices for places you find to make an estimated food budget. Be realistic and give yourself wiggle room.
In Copenhagen, food is a bit pricey. So, we plan to enjoy a lot of street food and market food because it’s more exciting and more affordable. If we are going to a restaurant, we’re mapping it out in advance and budgeting for it (and making reservations, if possible).
For example, if we were to plan for 5 breakfasts at around $7 each, 4 lunches at $12 each and 4 dinners at $15, we’d be budgeting $143 for food, which I might round up to $180 just to be safe and to include snacks, and in case we splurge for some meals. It’s definitely better to overbudget than to underbudget, especially when it comes to food.
Break your budget into categories.
This is similar to what I mentioned above with the food budget. Create a transit budget for rental cars, trains, buses and Ubers. Have an entertainment budget for museum entry fees, plays, tours and events. Have a food budget. Have a plane and hotel budget (and a budget for getting to and from the airport). You might also want to create a shopping budget and a nightlife budget depending on where you’re traveling and what your plans are.
Narrow down your souvenir checklist.
Make a note of what you will spend money on, and make a note of things to avoid (like novelty shot glasses no one actually wants). For example, in Copenhagen, I want to buy one sweatshirt or an article of clothing I’ll wear again and a souvenir for my boyfriend. And, since I am traveling early December, I’m also keeping an eye out for Christmas gifts. I’d be spending money on them in the US so I might as well spend the money in Denmark and get something more unique. Because of this, I’m giving myself a bigger spending budget. But, I’m keeping things limited to one item for myself and gifts for my family and friends.
Know what you can and cannot bring.
When it comes to buying and bringing, check the lists very carefully for each airport. Having to toss the snow globe you just bought or throw away your full face wash at TSA will cost you and make you kind of upset.
Look at the credit card rules for where you’re traveling.
Does your destination commonly accept them? Which cards do they accept? If it’s not as common you’ll want to bring more paper money. But, you’ll want to bring some physical currency even if you plan on mostly using your card. You never know what could go wrong or which places won’t take credit.
Check if your credit card company charges foreign transaction fees, too. They can add up. Also, be sure to notify your bank and credit card company that you’ll be traveling. It’ll save you a hassle later on.
Where do you want to travel to next?
