Tag: save money

Money Saving Tips to use while Abroad in Spain

Zev Feldman is a First Time Traveler Winner and participant on Greenheart Travel’s Teen Summer Language Camp Spain Program

Salamanca, a historic city in western Spain, is renowned for its beautiful architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant student life. While traveling to such an enchanting destination can often seem costly, there are numerous ways to explore Salamanca on a budget without missing out on its many charms. Here are some money-saving tips that will help you enjoy your trip to Salamanca without breaking the bank.

Cost-Effective Transportation

Salamanca is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot. Walking not only saves money but also allows you to fully appreciate the city’s historic streets and architecture. For longer distances, the local bus system is efficient and inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs only a couple of euros, making it a very budget-friendly option. Additionally, renting a bike can be a fun and cost-effective way to see more of the city. Several rental shops offer reasonable daily rates, and the flat terrain of Salamanca makes biking an enjoyable experience. With many attractions close to each other, walking or biking around Salamanca will keep your transportation costs minimal.

Free and Discounted Attractions

Many of Salamanca’s iconic sights can be enjoyed for free. The Plaza Mayor, a grand square surrounded by impressive buildings, is a perfect example. It’s a great place to relax, people watch, and soak in the atmosphere. The Plaza also has lots of free concerts and spectacles The old and new cathedrals, though there is a small fee to enter, can be appreciated from the outside at no cost. The Casa de las Conchas, known for its unique façade adorned with shells, is another stunning sight that doesn’t require an entry fee. It is also the public library for the other book people out there.

Salamanca also boasts several beautiful parks and public spaces, such as the Huerto de Calixto y Melibea, a romantic garden offering panoramic views of the city. Additionally, if you’re a student, carrying your student ID can provide discounts at various museums and attractions. Many institutions offer reduced prices or even free entry to students, making it easier to explore the cultural richness of Salamanca on a budget.

Another great way to explore Salamanca is by joining free walking tours. These tours, usually operated by knowledgeable locals, work on a tips-only basis. They provide insightful introductions to the city’s history, architecture, and culture, and are a fantastic way to get acquainted with Salamanca without spending much money. One of the tours that I went on is the walking Graffiti tour, here are a few of the graffiti that I saw:

General Money-Saving Strategies

Using discount cards such as the Salamanca Tourist Card can provide savings on attractions, tours, and dining. These cards often include entrance to multiple sites and discounts at various restaurants and shops, offering excellent value for money.
To avoid extra charges, consider using a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees. These cards can save you a considerable amount on currency exchange fees and are widely accepted throughout Spain. It’s also wise to withdraw cash from ATMs sparingly, as frequent small withdrawals can lead to high fees.
Planning and budgeting your trip carefully can also help you save money. Research and list the must-see attractions and look for any free events or festivals happening during your stay. This way, you can allocate your budget effectively and ensure that you don’t miss out on any key experiences.
By implementing these money-saving tips, you can fully enjoy the wonders of Salamanca without straining your budget. Whether it’s cost-effective transportation, exploring free attractions, or utilizing general savings strategies, there are plenty of ways to experience Salamanca’s rich culture and history while keeping expenses in check. So pack your bags, plan smartly, and get ready to discover this beautiful Spanish city without breaking the bank. Happy travels!

January 13, 2025
How to Maximize Your Budget While Traveling in Europe

While in Europe, whether working or teaching in a homestay or school, you will find plenty of opportunities to backpack. Backpackers and travelers who come to Europe all have diverse backgrounds. They come from different countries, speak different languages, and have different personalities. However, there is one thing that almost all of them have in common. They’re on a tight budget. Knowing how much money you need to bring with you on your trip is one of the hardest parts of planning a great travel experience. Making your money last and spending it effectively once you are already in Europe is even harder.

Before getting into the specifics of budgeting while you’re in Europe, there is one important thing to factor into your budget; incidentals. Depending on how long your trip will be, it’s best to factor in an extra $50-$100 dollars for unexpected expenditures. Examples of this could be having to take a cab from the airport because the public transportation employees are striking or having to pay a fee to the hostel for losing your key card. If your trip goes off without a hitch, then you have a little extra cash at the end to put towards your next adventure.

Let’s start off with a few things that are worth spending a little extra money on.

Hostels and Number of Beds in Your Room

Hostels can be great places to meet people and enhance your overall experience in any city. They also can be a nightmare. A great resource to make sure you get the best hostel possible is www.hostelworld.com. I never had a hostel horror story because I never booked a hostel that had a rating below 9. Always book hostels with a 24-hour receptionist. It’s safer, and if you have travel delays you won’t be locked out when you show up at 1:30 am. While not as important, if it’s not too much more to book yourself in a room with 4 beds compared to 8 I would do it. The fewer people there are in your room, the better you will sleep.

One Authentic Meal in Each City

I’ll talk a little more about how to save on food later, but it’s important to have authentic meals as food culture is such a large part of a true European experience. Spend a little at an authentic Italian restaurant. Go somewhere upscale in Paris. These experiences will be some of your favorites when looking back on your trip. Ask around to see where the locals eat, but some tell-tale signs of tourist trap eateries are places with pictures of the food as well as menus with English if you’re in a non-English speaking country.

Flights, Trains, and Buses That Depart at Normal Times

Yes, I know that Ryanair flight to Prague is ridiculously cheap, but sometimes paying a little extra is worth not having to catch a flight that leaves at 5 am. There are a few reasons for this. First, some cities may not have public transit available or running frequently in the morning. Therefore, you will end up spending more money on a cab which could offset the money you saved by choosing the early flight. It’s also just better for your overall energy level. The less tired you are the more fun you will have, and more importantly reduce your chances of getting sick. It’s up to you to decide how much you’re willing to pay for a later ticket, but if it’s only about $20-$50 more I would recommend it.

Cabs

Unless necessary try to avoid cabs at all costs. They will notice you’re not a local, and often upcharge your fare. European public transportation systems are generally great and should get you everywhere you need to go for a fraction of the price. Also, walk! It’s a great way to find hidden gems to circle back to on the way to your destination.

Breakfast and Lunch

A lot of Europeans do not typically eat breakfast, so you might find yourself skipping it. If you are the type of person who absolutely needs to eat something in the morning, buy some breakfast bars to carry around with you easily. A good way to save on lunch is to find a grocery store and just get some bread, meats, and cheese to brown bag it. Most hostels will have a fridge you can store your groceries in. I had a lot of fun just making simple lunches and people watching while eating them in city parks.

Buying Souvenirs

Obviously, you will want to bring something back home with you, but it’s important to think about what you want to buy ahead of time. Impulse purchases are almost always regretted later. You will live without buying the homemade Irish tweed cap that costs 45 euros. It’s important to also consider not buying anything too big, such as beer mugs or framed pictures. Some good souvenir options that are small and won’t break the bank are shot glasses, magnets, or postcards.

Hopefully, these tips help, but they definitely are not the only ways to save money. If you have any tips for saving money while traveling leave a comment! We would love to hear from you.

February 12, 2019