How to Save Money When Buying Your Travel Essentials
Travelling requires you to spend money, but this doesn't mean you should go overboard with your travel budget. While there are many ways to save on your travel and stick to your planned budget, one major solution is to spend wisely on your travel essentials.
Here are some ways to minimise your spending when travelling.
1. Get A Reliable Cabin Luggage
If you're going on a short trip, you should be able to pack all your needs in one cabin luggage. This will help you avoid the trouble of checking in plenty of bags. At the same, you'll be able to save on fees that some airlines charge for checked luggage.
Keep in mind that not all luggage is the same; some bags are more space-efficient, which allow you to maximise the space given by airlines. Choose a suitcase that can contain all your clothes, your camera, and other things without it being overstuffed. You don't need to splurge on a suitcase but ensure that it's made with good quality materials to last you several years. You can choose from various suitcases online in Australia for quality options.
What's more, buy backpacks and luggage during holiday sales for even more savings. The best times to shop are around Labor Day, Memorial Day, New Year's, and Christmas.
2. Buy Only What You Need
It's tempting to bring everything with you when you're travelling, just to make sure you'll stay comfortable even when you're in a different place. However, to keep your budget in check, it's better to bring only the essentials with you. Doing this will let you travel light, saving your precious energy for all the sight-seeing.
Here's a list of basic travel essentials that you'll need, along with additional tips:
-
Toiletries
- Bring your own - While you can find these at any grocery store in the place you're going, it's better to bring along your own stash to avoid allergies and other side effects of using new products.
- Transfer liquid essentials into smaller refillable bottles - Don't forget to place your toiletries in a separate bag and have some in your carry-on bag.
- Go through a checklist so you don't forget anything - Certainly, you have your own products at home, so you don't need to buy everything on the list below. But if you haven't stocked up, here's a list of things that you might have to buy:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash or bath soap
- Mouthwash, toothbrush, toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Deodorant
- Lip balm
- Comb
- Hand sanitiser
- Insect repellent
-
Medical supplies
If you're visiting a place abroad, it can be a challenge to get prescription medicines for your health conditions. To save money and time, it's important to stock up on your medicines and take enough with you on your trip. Even if you're healthy enough and are not taking any medicines at all, you still need to bring first-aid supplies for emergency cases.
Here's a list of basic medical supplies for every need:- Paracetamol for pain relief and fever
- Loperamide for upset stomach
- Ibuprofen for muscle and joint pain
- Antihistamines for allergies
- Motion sickness tablets
- Band-aids, gauze, antiseptic, and adhesives
- Prescription medicines, if applicable
-
Other essentials
To make travelling more comfortable, ensure that you pack along a water bottle, ear plugs, eye mask, and a travel pillow. The water bottle will come in handy if you visit some place where drinking water is expensive. A travel pillow, ear plugs, and eye mask should help you get some comfortable sleep while travelling. These are items that many people forget to bring along on their trip, but prove to be helpful if they do remember to bring them.
3. Save Money on Travel Clothes
Taking the right set of travel wardrobe doesn't require spending a lot. Most of the time, you should get everything you need from your own closet. Only decide if you need to buy new clothes once you've checked your closet for clothes you can use.
Here are some ways to avoid unnecessary expenses on travel clothes:
- Pack light by creating your own capsule wardrobe.
- List down the types of clothes you need to bring along on your trip.
- List what you already have and what you need to purchase.
- Check your closet for pieces you can use.
- Set a budget for clothing or gear you need for your trip. Try signing up for newsletters from retailers to be informed of their latest sales.
- If you're always travelling, try shopping off season for clothes you can bring on your travels. Shopping after winter and summer can give you great savings.
Final Thoughts
Travelling is fun, but without planning, you might spend more than needed on travel essentials. To minimise your spending, ensure that you bring your own toiletries, medicine, and cosmetics. Not only will this help you save time and money, but it will also minimise your chances of having allergic reactions to new products. Planning and bringing your own set of clothes will also help you avoid the hassle of having to shop during your travel. Using the above tips should keep your travel budget on essentials to a minimum.
Kristie
Kristie was bitten by the travel bug when she was young and the more places she visits and people she meets, the more she wants to explore the world.