What's the most frugal way to spend abroad?

[ceejay74]

The last time I went to England I wasn't the frugal gal I am today. So I used credit cards and ATMs indiscriminately, not really wondering which was a better deal. But we're going again in May, and I want to keep finances charges and poor exchange rates to a minimum. Has anyone done the homework or tested various theories? What's the cheapest way to spend my money in England?

[sweeps]

Normally I would never say this, but Capital One is the way to go. If you use CapOne's credit card abroad, you do not pay any currency conversion fee AND they don't even pass along the 1% fee charged by M/C and Visa.

Compare that to the 2% and 3% fees that other companies charge.

[sweeps]

Choosing the right currency for your trip

[ummabdullah]

Obviously the currency exchange really hurts americans traveling abroad at the moment. And unfortunately their is very little one can do about it.

however, their are a few tips..

One is try shopping at tescos for food and bread. Most of the mini tescos found all over the country including London have freshly baked bread and croissants which are some of the most delicious I have ever tasted. They also have tons of sale items on some older stock.

Another way to cut down on the food budget is by grabbing a pasty for less than a £.70. It is a very filling lunch time sandwhich and paired with some veg and fruit will make a very satisfying meal.

Also don't worry about the water as it is fantastic in the uk. Very clean and healthy. And their is absolutely no need to waste your money on bottled water.

[speakmato]

Like ummabdullah said, being as frugal there as you are here can make it easier. But in my book it's a bit boring to be overly frugal while on vacation (assuming that you're on vacation). Ideally I establish a daily spending limit and do whatever I like within that limit. Otherwise I don't go actively looking for the cheapest place to do. But then you might be staying a while, in which case you're really looking to save.

[Safiya]

Hello

Can't help with currency (am Australian) but here are some frugal tips.

Go to the UK website called moneyexperts and look at the daysout forum for all manner of coupons/discounts and huge amount of great advice.

Have a look at reduced entries via membership of the heritage organisations - CADW is the cheapest one to join and a year's membership entitles you to free entry of all Welsh properties and half price entry to all English Heritage and Scotttish properties. Better yet, join for two years and you get free entry to all three agency's properties. THe other heritage organisation - National Trust - can be joined in Australia or New Zealand by outsiders and allows you reciprical rights for free entry into all National Trust properties in the UK. SO by joining National Trust and CADW (Welsh Heritage) you get access to almost all British heritage properties. There is also a Great British Heritage pass that is a good deal but I personally like having the choice of anything on the map!

Hire a car from Peugot if you are staying for 30plus days - they gain a tax advantage by hiring out new cars - look at the 'driveaway' website to see how much you can save. No extra insurance, no extra charges for extra drivers etc. Can be a really good deal depending on your time frame.

Travel opposite to the tourist season. The same cottage can cost 1200pd in high season and 300pd in low season. If you do the highlands and more remote areas in high season, you'll pay a lot less money and then start doing the more tourist oriented traps towards the end of high season - save hundreds and hundreds of pounds.

Stay in cottages for self catering or get hooked up to the Travelodge sites which have rooms for 15pd plus a night, as do Formula 1 and a few other bit hotel chains. As they charge per room and not per bed, is a great rate. Can be in pretty yucky places though.

Anyway, they are some of our frugal tips - will save thousands on our upcoming holiday - at 1pd = $2/$3 aussie dollars, makes a big difference.

x

[mishi07]

I love Asia so its relatively cheaper than Europe. I usually time my travel when there are air travel promos or discounts because they usually come in packages and includes hotels etc. A daily budget also helps me not to go overboard with the spending.

Hope you have a great time in your trip!

[ParsnipsRhubarbCelery]

It's been a while since I have travelled abroad, but I remember that I got a pretty good exchange rate when I used my credit card.

[marvholly]

Friend & I spent 1 week in Vienna & 1 week in Prague in 2006. We were able to rent a small apt. for LESS than a hotel room. Since we have dietary restrictions (veggie) this was GREAT.
We were able to shop at local stores (street marrket, Aldi & Tessco) expecially for breakfast/lunch/snack stuff.
We did NOT shortchange ourselves. We enjoyed coffee & pastries, ate dinner out most nights but were able to control our costs.
Also, we used public transportation and a BUNCH of foot power to get around and see the sights. No cabs. No car.