NEW DELHI: While booking for an international holiday includes booking flights and hotel, planning also involves much more. Selecting the appropriate airfares, lodging and even the currency exchange, shopping and packing, as well as other charges can make it easier for travellers to go overseas and manage on their budgets, if they plan in advance.
International traveller and solo traveler/content creator Jayant Sharma has shared his seven travel hacks in a video on Instagram. His recommendations include flight reservations, foreign exchange cards, lodging, tax refunds, foreign exchange rates, travel dates, packing and lesser travel expenses.
1. Compare flight fares before booking
According to Sharma, travellers looking for better airfare options should compare prices across platforms such as Skyscanner and Google Flights before making a booking.
He also suggests checking fares on different days of the week, noting that Tuesday and Wednesday can sometimes offer comparatively lower fares. Travellers planning ahead can also consider booking their tickets around six to eight weeks before the trip, while comparing multiple dates to identify suitable fares.
2. Choose the right card for international spending
Foreign currency transactions can add to the overall cost of a trip. Sharma recommends that travellers explore dedicated international or forex cards rather than relying entirely on regular bank cards.
He specifically mentions options such as Wise and Revolut, which travellers can consider when evaluating foreign-exchange and currency-conversion costs. The actual charges and availability, however, can vary depending on the card, country and applicable terms.
3. Consider hostels for solo travel
For solo travellers and backpackers, Sharma suggests considering hostels instead of hotels.
Apart from potentially reducing accommodation costs, hostels can provide opportunities to meet fellow travellers and make new connections. For people travelling alone, this social aspect can also become an important part of the overall travel experience.
4. Don’t overlook tourist tax refunds
Another tip highlighted by Sharma is to check whether a destination offers tax refunds or tax-free shopping for international tourists.
Using Japan as an example, he points out that a purchase such as shoes costing 11,000 yen may include consumption tax. At participating stores, eligible tourists may be able to present their passport and receive the applicable tax benefit at the time of purchase, subject to local rules and store eligibility.
Travellers should therefore check the destination’s current tax-refund rules and understand the eligibility requirements before shopping.
5. Compare currency exchange rates
Sharma also advises travellers to be careful when exchanging foreign currency at airports.
According to his tip, airport exchange counters may offer less favourable rates in some cases. Instead, travellers can compare rates offered by different authorised exchange centres in the city before exchanging a larger amount of money.
6. Be flexible with travel dates
The timing of a trip can have a significant impact on its overall cost. Sharma suggests checking flight fares for dates immediately before and after the planned travel date.
A difference of just one day can sometimes result in a different airfare, making date flexibility worth considering when planning an international trip.
7. Pay attention to small expenses
Travellers often focus on major expenses such as flights and hotels while overlooking smaller charges. Sharma recommends keeping track of costs such as ATM withdrawal fees, card-conversion charges and excess baggage fees.
Although each individual charge may appear small, multiple additional fees can increase the overall cost of an international holiday. Checking these charges before departure can help travellers plan their budgets more effectively.
Making international travel more manageable
From comparing airfares and choosing suitable payment options to exploring hostel stays, checking tax-refund opportunities and keeping an eye on additional charges, Sharma’s seven suggestions focus on practical aspects of planning an international trip.
For travellers preparing for an overseas holiday, the broader message is that small decisions made before departure — including the choice of travel dates, accommodation, payment method and currency exchange option — can influence both convenience and the overall travel budget.
With international travel becoming increasingly accessible, practical planning can help travellers approach their trips with greater awareness of the costs and arrangements involved.
