From finding cheaper flights and choosing budget accommodation to avoiding hidden currency charges, a young travel creator shares practical strategies for exploring the world without overspending.
International travel is often associated with expensive flights, accommodation and daily expenses. However, 23-year-old travel content creator Jayant Sharma believes that exploring destinations abroad does not necessarily require an extravagant budget.
Sharma, who shares his travel experiences on Instagram under the handle @jaystravelvlogs, recently highlighted several money-saving strategies he has followed for more than two years.
His recommendations focus on smarter flight bookings, affordable accommodation, foreign currency management and avoiding additional expenses that can quietly increase the cost of an international holiday.
Compare Flight Prices Before Booking
One of Sharma’s primary recommendations is to compare airfares across multiple booking platforms rather than relying on a single website.
He suggests using Google Flights and Skyscanner together to identify competitive fares and compare available flight options.
According to Sharma, booking flights approximately six to eight weeks before departure can help travellers find affordable tickets.
He also recommends checking fares on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which he considers favourable days for booking.
However, airfare prices fluctuate according to demand, destination, travel season and airline pricing systems. There is no guaranteed cheapest booking day, making flexible travel dates and fare comparisons more reliable strategies.
Choose Hostels Instead of Expensive Hotels
Accommodation can account for a significant portion of an international travel budget, particularly in destinations with high living costs.
For solo travellers, Sharma recommends considering hostels as an alternative to traditional hotels.
He points to destinations such as Japan and Switzerland, where hostel accommodation may cost substantially less than private hotel rooms.
Depending on the location and season, choosing a hostel could potentially reduce accommodation expenses by nearly half.
Hostels may also offer opportunities to meet fellow travellers, use shared facilities and participate in community activities.
However, travellers should compare total prices, location, safety, reviews and available amenities before making reservations.
Avoid Unnecessary Foreign Currency Conversion Fees
Managing money abroad is another important part of budget travel.
Sharma recommends exploring international payment services such as Wise and Revolut rather than automatically relying on conventional bank cards.
Such services may offer competitive currency conversion rates or different international transaction fee structures, depending on the traveller’s country of residence and account eligibility.
He also cautions against exchanging large amounts of money at airport currency counters, where rates may be less favourable.
Comparing exchange rates and transaction charges before departure can help travellers understand the actual cost of using money overseas.
For Indian travellers, checking the availability and terms of international payment products is particularly important, as services and features differ by market.
Watch Out for Hidden Travel Expenses
While flights and accommodation are usually the first expenses considered during trip planning, smaller charges can quickly increase the overall budget.
Sharma identifies ATM withdrawal fees, foreign currency conversion charges and airline baggage fees as expenses travellers should monitor carefully.
For example, an inexpensive flight ticket may become considerably more expensive once checked baggage and other optional services are added.
Similarly, repeated cash withdrawals abroad may result in multiple transaction charges.
Reviewing airline baggage policies, payment card terms and withdrawal limits before travelling can help avoid unexpected costs.
Pack Smart to Avoid Expensive Purchases Abroad
Another simple recommendation involves preparing a practical packing checklist.
Sharma explains that forgetting essential items can lead to unnecessary spending after arrival, particularly in destinations where everyday products are more expensive.
Travel adapters, personal care products, weather-appropriate clothing and other frequently used essentials are worth checking before departure.
Travellers should also review baggage allowances and destination-specific restrictions to avoid packing items that cannot be carried internationally.
A little preparation can reduce the need for last-minute purchases and help keep spending under control.
Make the Most of Tax-Free Shopping
Sharma also highlights the importance of understanding tax refund opportunities when shopping overseas.
In some countries, eligible international visitors can claim refunds on certain purchases made during their trip.
He advises travellers to keep their passports accessible when shopping, as identification may be required to complete tax-free purchase documentation.
However, tax refund schemes vary considerably between destinations. Eligibility requirements, minimum purchase amounts, participating retailers and refund procedures differ by country.
Travellers should check the applicable rules before assuming that purchases qualify for a refund.
Spend More on Experiences Than Shopping
Beyond practical savings, Sharma encourages travellers to reconsider how they allocate their holiday budgets.
Rather than spending heavily on souvenirs or unnecessary purchases, he suggests prioritising experiences that create lasting memories.
Activities such as exploring local neighbourhoods, discovering regional food, visiting cultural landmarks and participating in community experiences can make a trip memorable without requiring luxury spending.
This approach encourages travellers to focus on what they value most while keeping discretionary expenses manageable.
Why Smart Planning Matters for International Travel
Affordable international travel is not necessarily about choosing the cheapest option at every stage.
It involves understanding where money is being spent, comparing alternatives and avoiding unnecessary charges.
Sharma’s recommendations highlight how decisions about flights, accommodation, payments and packing can influence the overall cost of a holiday.
While no single travel hack guarantees savings on every journey, combining careful research with flexible planning can help travellers make better use of their budgets.
For young travellers and first-time international visitors, these strategies offer a useful starting point for exploring destinations abroad without allowing avoidable expenses to overshadow the experience.
