Traveling abroad can be a thrilling experience, but expenses add up quickly if you’re not careful. Fortunately, many destinations offer local discounts that can save you money on everything from attractions to dining and transportation. Here’s how to discover and take advantage of these discounts, so you can explore new places without breaking the bank.
1. Use Local Deal Apps and Websites
Just like in your home country, many regions have deal-finding apps or websites that offer discounts on attractions, dining, and activities. Familiarizing yourself with these resources before and during your trip can help you find hidden deals.
Top Apps and Sites to Check Out:
- Groupon and LivingSocial: These platforms are available in several countries and often feature discounts on activities, tours, and restaurants.
- Viator: Viator provides discounts on tours and excursions worldwide and frequently features local deals and flash sales.
- Klook: Especially popular in Asia and Europe, Klook offers deals on attractions, transportation, and experiences, often at discounted rates.
Checking these platforms regularly during your trip ensures you don’t miss out on available deals and last-minute discounts.
2. Check for Student, Senior, or Youth Discounts
Many countries offer discounts for students, seniors, or young travelers at popular attractions and even on public transportation. Even if these discounts aren’t widely advertised, it’s worth asking about them at ticket counters.
Tips for Accessing Age-Based Discounts:
- Bring Proof of Eligibility: Carry a student ID, youth travel card, or other documentation to prove your eligibility.
- Consider Youth or Senior Cards: In Europe, for example, the Youth European Travel Card and Senior European Travel Card offer discounts on travel, accommodations, and attractions.
- Look for Free Entry Days: Some museums and cultural sites have free or discounted entry days for certain age groups, so plan your visits accordingly.
Age-based discounts are an easy way to save on major expenses, so it’s worth checking each attraction’s policy to see if you qualify.
3. Take Advantage of City and Attraction Passes
City passes are common in major tourist destinations and often bundle entry to multiple attractions, transportation options, and discounts at participating businesses. While city passes usually require an upfront fee, they can provide significant savings if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
Popular City Passes Around the World:
- London Pass: Offers entry to over 80 attractions, including the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, along with discounts at select restaurants.
- Paris Pass: Includes access to the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and a Seine River cruise, plus discounts on dining and shopping.
- New York Pass: Covers more than 100 attractions, including the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, with additional shopping discounts.
Research the pass offerings in your destination to see if they align with your itinerary. Often, these passes allow you to skip long lines and get additional discounts on local experiences.
4. Follow Local Social Media Pages
Following local tourism boards, attractions, and popular restaurants on social media can give you real-time access to exclusive discounts, flash sales, and promotional events. Many places promote discounts directly through their social media channels.
How to Find Deals on Social Media:
- Look for Hashtags: Use hashtags like #TravelDeals, #LocalDiscounts, and #YourDestinationDeals (e.g., #ParisDeals) to find promotions.
- Follow Local Influencers: Local influencers often post about limited-time deals, events, and discounts at popular spots.
- Engage with Posts: Some places offer social media-only discounts if you follow or share their content. Keep an eye on posts for these exclusive offers.
Social media is also a great way to stay updated on local events and festivals, where discounts on admission, food, or souvenirs are often available.
5. Download Local Transportation Apps
Public transportation is often the cheapest way to get around, and local transportation apps sometimes offer discounts or special deals for tourists. Many cities have passes that provide unlimited travel over a set period, which can save you money and simplify your trip.
How to Find Transportation Deals:
- City Transit Apps: Apps like Citymapper and Moovit show public transit options and can notify you of deals or day passes available for tourists.
- Tourist Transportation Passes: Many cities have transit passes that cover unlimited travel on buses, trains, and trams for a set period.
- Rideshare Discounts: Apps like Uber and Lyft often offer discounts to first-time users in certain countries. Also, check for local rideshare apps that may have deals for tourists.
Using public transportation passes or finding rideshare discounts can cut down on transportation costs significantly.
6. Look for Free Walking Tours and Local Guide Services
Free walking tours are offered in most major cities around the world and provide a fantastic way to see the sights and learn about local history without spending a lot. These tours typically operate on a “pay-what-you-want” model, where you tip the guide based on your experience and budget.
How to Find Free Walking Tours:
- Use Websites like GuruWalk and Free Tours by Foot: These sites list available free tours in major cities.
- Ask at Your Hotel or Hostel: Many accommodations have information about free or discounted local tours.
- Visit Local Tourism Offices: Tourist information centers often offer free maps and have listings of free or affordable tours.
These tours give you an insider’s look at your destination without high fees, allowing you to save money while exploring.
7. Ask About Local Discounts at Hotels and Hostels
Many hotels and hostels partner with nearby businesses, tour companies, and restaurants to offer discounts to their guests. Even if discounts aren’t advertised, it’s worth asking the front desk if they have any recommendations or vouchers for local discounts.
How to Find Hotel-Provided Discounts:
- Ask for Partner Discounts: Inquire about partner discounts with local restaurants, attractions, or transportation providers.
- Look for Flyers in the Lobby: Many hotels and hostels have bulletin boards or flyers with exclusive deals for guests.
- Check for City-Specific Guides: Some hotels provide city guides with coupons, discount codes, or special offers at local attractions.
Staying at a well-connected hotel or hostel can make it easier to access exclusive discounts and save on local experiences.
8. Use Cashback and International Reward Apps
Some cashback apps work internationally, allowing you to earn rewards or cashback on purchases made while traveling. Additionally, many credit cards offer travel rewards, cashback on dining and accommodations, and more when used abroad.
Popular Cashback and Reward Options:
- Rakuten and ShopBack: These apps offer cashback on international purchases made at select retailers.
- Credit Card Travel Rewards: Many credit cards offer cashback on international purchases or allow you to redeem points for travel expenses.
- Hotel and Airline Loyalty Programs: Sign up for loyalty programs, which often offer discounts and exclusive perks for frequent users.
With these rewards programs, you’re effectively reducing your travel expenses every time you make a purchase.
9. Visit Local Markets Instead of Tourist Shops
Shopping at local markets instead of tourist shops allows you to find authentic souvenirs, food, and crafts at lower prices. Markets often have better prices and offer a unique opportunity to interact with locals, giving you a more authentic experience.
Tips for Saving Money at Local Markets:
- Practice Bargaining: In many markets around the world, bargaining is expected and can lead to better deals on goods.
- Ask Locals for Recommendations: Locals can recommend markets that offer good value and are less touristy.
- Avoid Buying at Major Attractions: Prices are often inflated near popular attractions, so explore further for better prices and a wider selection.
Shopping at local markets supports small businesses and allows you to bring home unique items at a fraction of the price.
10. Look for Seasonal and Local Event Discounts
Many cities offer seasonal promotions, such as discounts for tourists during off-peak seasons or special rates during local events and festivals. Visiting during these times can help you access exclusive offers and enjoy a festive atmosphere.
How to Find Event-Based Discounts:
- Check Tourism Board Websites: Local tourism boards often list seasonal events and any related promotions.
- Research Local Holidays and Festivals: Events like local fairs, cultural festivals, and holiday markets can provide special deals on food, activities, and attractions.
- Book Through Seasonal Sales: Some destinations have seasonal discounts on accommodations and tours, especially during less crowded times.
Attending local events can make your trip more memorable and save you money, as local vendors often provide discounts to celebrate the occasion.
Exploring discounts when traveling abroad can transform your trip, allowing you to experience more without overspending. From city passes and free tours to local deal apps and age-based discounts, there are numerous ways to save on activities, dining, and transportation. With a little planning and a willingness to explore local resources, you’ll find it easy to stretch your budget and make the most of your travel experience. Happy exploring!
