Budgeting abroad

DebtFreeMonkey

I'm going to Paphos, Cyprus for 2 weeks at the end of this month and have a healthy amount of spending money. This was planned before my 'wake up' call of how important it is to clear debt and whatnot. I'd rather not be going and putting this savings to debts but alas, it is what it is. I haven't been abroad in 10 years and it might be nice before the grind of getting debt free begins.

Anyway...

Any tips for cutting back and saving money? I'd like to come back with some of my spending money so I can add to my emergency savings and pay off some debts...

Voyager2002

Top tip for any destination is to get hold of a guide book: you might be able to borrow one from your local public library, or pick one up in a charity shop. You can get more useful information from the Lonely Planet website, including the discussion forum they call the Thorn Tree.

Unless you have already booked airport transfers, check whether you can use public transport to get from and to the airport. In most countries this is very much cheaper than a taxi or shuttle service.

Explore local shops, and consider replacing restaurant meals with picnics based on traditional bread; cheeses; fruit and salad; and so forth. Big savings can be made in this way. And of course wine out of a bottle bought in a local grocer is every bit as good as wine served in a bar, and very much cheaper.

onwards&upwards

Don’t drink, or just have one.

What’s your accommodation? Any meals included?

Duckyduck

using the local bus/walking rather than taking taxis can save a huge amount, also organising your own day trips rather the hotel organised excursions can represent a massively savings. You can use their trips for inspiration, but just go there yourself rather than booking through them.

Also stocking up in a supermarket the locals would use to get drinks and snacks to keep in the room and take with you and breakfast/lunch items will be much cheaper than buying things out everytime you’re hungry.

DebtFreeMonkey

Thanks for the reply, guys.

Hotel accommodation with breakfast included. I'm a vegan so there's lot I won't be able to have but lots I will, too. Hummus to save the day! Haha. That and fruit/veg.

Yes, I thought doing my own picnics would be a better idea. The people I'm with aren't vegan but they can do their own thing, too.

MovingForwards

I used to work out how much money I had and split it over the days, plus some for emergencies.

Eg £500 - £50 for emergencies = £450 ÷ 7 days = £64.28 a day for travel, food, drink, outings.

strawb_shortcake

My friend went to Larnaca earlier this year on a very tight budget, breakfast was included so she had lunch and dinner to pay for. Lunches were supermarket picnics and she was able to eat out each night for £10 or less. She used buses or walked to attractions mostly free attractions. I think she only had around £30 A day and managed to bring money home with her so it is doable.

TELLIT01

Avoid taxis in Paphos particularly for comparatively short journeys. Reading on Trip Advisor, the taxis have earned a reputation for ripping people off unless the price is agreed before travel.
For saving money, buy the makings and have a filled roll at lunch to fill you up. Look for places with set menus, some of those can be very reasonably priced. Avoid cocktails.

maman

If you like a drink then definitely keep a bottle in your room and then just buy mixers or buy beer from the supermarket. We always have a drink before going out in the evening and maybe a nightcap as well.

I don't know Cyprus at all but in Turkey it's definitely cheaper to eat where locals eat than in fancy restaurants particularly those at the water's edge. Food can be better and more authentic too.

Take some basic picnic stuff with you in your hold luggage. I'm thinking of a knife for cutting/peeling fruit. Help yourself to some napkins at breakfast and take wipes and/or hand sanitiser.

Buy suncream from Aldi bed before you go.

Have a good time.

Voyager2002

maman wrote: »

Take some basic picnic stuff with you in your hold luggage. I'm thinking of a knife for cutting/peeling fruit. Help yourself to some napkins at breakfast and take wipes and/or hand sanitiser.

Buy suncream from Aldi bed before you go.

Good advice to someone who has already paid for checked luggage. However, the savings from doing this (as opposed to buying the needful in local shops) is likely to be less than the cost of paying to take a suitcase in the hold.

maman

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Good advice to someone who has already paid for checked luggage. However, the savings from doing this (as opposed to buying the needful in local shops) is likely to be less than the cost of paying to take a suitcase in the hold.

Of course. This poster may/mato not have paid for luggage or it might be included in a package.

I always think it is worth posting tips that other readers might find useful.