Author: Rainna Suler

Hey there folks! If you’re wanting to travel but your wallet’s holding you back, this one’s for you. Whether you’re off studying abroad, on an internship, a digital nomad or off with a backpack for pure adventures sake, we here at mindhamok got your back. Abroad on a Budget: Travel Smart, Stress Less! Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean all hope is lost; all you need are some smart strategies and a few resources. So, let’s travel smart, stress less, and not send our wallets into panic mode! Looking for study abroad and internship opportunities?

Here are a couple of options to peruse through:

1. Accent Global Internships
2. AIFS Internships
3. AES Internships

Set Your Budget

We all wish we had a money tree in our backyard, but unfortunately money doesn’t grow on trees— trust me, I want one too! First things first, let’s get real about budgeting; it’s not always easy. Decide how much you can realistically spend. Break your budget into categories: food, fun, and emergencies.

• Food: Street food is our best friend—cheap, local, and often the most delicious.
• Fun: Prioritize experiences over material things. Memories last longer than souvenirs.
• Emergencies: Always have a backup plan for the unexpected—lost luggage, medical issues, or that must-see concert ticket. Do you know your insurance details?

Track Every Penny

Abroad on a Budget: Travel Smart, Stress Less with an expense-tracking app. Say hello to financial peace of mind. Managing your budget can be a bit overwhelming—but no worries! These expense tracking apps can help set budgets for different categories, and help us think twice about those impulse buys. Seeing where your money goes helps you adjust on the fly. Whether you’re using the popular Monzo app in the UK, relying on international banking apps like Citibank, or tracking expenses with an app in the US called Copilot, you can easily keep tabs on your spending. To make it even easier within the apps, designate money into specific pots. Think: food and dining, travel expenses, sight seeing, emergency fund, and shopping. Remember, small daily expenses add up quickly, so keep it simple with budgeting apps and enjoy your stress free adventures!

Pack Smart, Pack Light

Airlines love to charge for extra baggage—don’t give them the satisfaction. Before you fly, pack wisely. What’s your baggage allowance? Pack only what you need. Think versatile clothes, multipurpose shoes, and ditch the “just in case” items. The less you pack, the less you pay—and the less you have to pull around!

Eat Like a Local

Skip the tourist traps. Eating where the locals eat is cheaper and gives you an authentic taste of the culture. Visit local markets, try street food, or cook if you have a kitchen. It’s healthier for your wallet and wellbeing. Plus, you get to enjoy authentic delights like tapas in Spain, pasta in Italy, or croissants in France. Bon appétit!

Use Student Discounts

Your student ID is your golden ticket. Flash it everywhere—museums, transportation, and attractions. Many places offer a sizable discount to students. It’s one of the perks of studying abroad, so use it for all it’s worth!

Walk or Use Public Transport

Cabs and Uber are convenient but they can be pricey. Public transportation is cheap and often the best way to explore. Even better? Walk! It’s free, good for our mental health, and we might stumble upon some secret treasures. But remember, walking is great, but safety always comes first. If you don’t feel safe and something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. Send your location to a friend, consider an alternative way home and don’t be afraid to ask for help if something doesn’t feel right. Here at mindhamok, safety is our top priority — check out our blog on safety at night.

Set Up Alerts

Enable transaction alerts on your banking app. It’s a good way to keep an eye on your spending and catch any suspicious activity. Looking for some peace of mind? Check!

Use Local Currency

Whenever possible, pay in the local currency. Some merchants offer to charge your card in your home currency—don’t fall for it! They usually come with pricey fees.

Trust Your Gut

If something feels off, it probably is. Avoid overly pushy salespeople, unsolicited offers, or deals that seem too good to be true. Our intuition is a powerful tool—let’s use it & take care of ourselves. Check out our blog on safety at night and being streetwise.

Make a List

Before you go, list your must-see and must-do activities, but stay open to spontaneous adventures. Sometimes the best experiences are unplanned and free—like a sunset on the beach, a wander in the park or a local festival.

Spend on What Matters

Indulge in experiences that mean the most to you. It could be a cooking class in Italy, a scenic spin on The London Eye, or touring the Eiffel Tower in France. Cut costs elsewhere to make room for the moments that matter.

Free and Low-Cost Activities

Research free things to do. Plenty of cities provide complimentary tours, sneak peeks into museums, and hiking or camping through nature with no cost! Sometimes the best things in life (and travel) truly are free. While you’re at it, stop and meet new people along the way. You never know, you might meet lifelong friends or even meet someone special. Check out our blog on dating as a student — because who doesn’t love a good travel romance story?