Tips for the Frugal Traveler

We all have our own style of traveling. Some prefer staying at 5-star hotels, while others are perfectly happy renting a small Airbnb room. My husband enjoys dining at popular restaurants, but I don’t mind grabbing a quick meal at McDonald’s. However, one thing we can both agree on is that we don’t want to be broke when we return home! This doesn’t mean we’ll be living on bread and peanut butter or cramming our three kids and grandma into one room. With a little planning, you can travel like a movie star without breaking the bank.

Here are a few tips to help you plan ahead and save some money along the way:

CARRY-ON IS THE WAY TO GO!

If you can travel light, carry-ons will save you money on baggage fees. To maximize space, wear your bulkiest shoes and pack your sandals in your carry-on. If you’re bringing a sweater or a heavy coat, wear it! This will leave you with more room to fit a pair of jeans, a few shirts, and of course, your underwear.

Most airlines have weight limits, so pack only what you need. If you have snacks, medications, or other items you’ll need during the flight, place them on top of your second carry-on. Store everything else at the bottom.

SHOULD I DRINK WATER?

Of course! We can’t survive without it. Summer in Israel can get quite hot, so staying hydrated and cool is important. While small shops sell bottled water for convenience, it can add up quickly. The good news is that tap water in Israel is safe and drinkable (except in the Dead Sea area). To save some money, we recommend packing a reusable water bottle with a filter. Affordable Brita bottles are available on Amazon or at Target.

FIND SOMEONE TO TRAVEL WITH YOU

Most tour companies base their pricing on double occupancy, meaning solo travelers often face a “single supplement” fee. Save that money by inviting a friend or family member! You’d be surprised how many people on your Facebook list have always wanted to visit the Holy Land.

AVOID EXPENSIVE SERVICE CHARGES

Using your ATM abroad can be tricky and costly due to foreign transaction fees, exchange rates, and ATM service charges. You’ve saved up all this money to enjoy your trip—why give it back to the bank?

Before you travel, contact your credit card company and bank to ask about those fees. Consider choosing a credit card or bank that offers a Global ATM Network, which might allow you to withdraw cash without extra fees. Many credit cards charge an additional 3% on overseas purchases, so look for one that won’t charge fees for international transactions. Also, clean out your wallet and only take a few credit cards to avoid the temptation of overspending.

AVOID ROAMING CHARGES AND EXPENSIVE CELLPHONE BILLS

Before leaving, check with your mobile provider to see if you need an international calling plan. Many online services such as Facetime, Google Hangouts, Skype, and Snapchat allow you to call friends and family for free, helping you avoid expensive roaming fees. Once you arrive at your hotel, ask for the Wi-Fi password! The city of Tel Aviv also offers free Wi-Fi throughout the streets, so make sure to connect to the nearest signal.