Last month, I took the trip of a lifetime to Japan. While it was an unforgettable experience-it also pushed my budgeting and planning skills to the limit. While I made a few missteps along the way, but I also picked up some valuable financial lessons that I know will make my future travels—and hopefully yours—a whole lot smoother.
So whether you're planning your next international adventure or just daydreaming, these five takeaways can help you travel abroad with financial confidence.
1. Yes, Get that Travel Credit Card
I recently signed up for my very first travel credit card, and let me tell you - I was amazed at just how many benefits I received for doing what I was already planning on doing. Sure, the annual fee is $500, but the benefits easily make up for it: no international transaction fees, 3x–10x points on travel-related purchases, and a $300 annual travel credit that I could use on virtually anything (airport snacks included).
The catch? Like any credit card, it only works in your favor if you spend responsibly. Overspending can lead to interest charges and a dip in your credit score. But, if you can spend wisely, your money will go further than it would with cash or debit
2. Budget Beware
Ever heard of Taiyaki? Before my trip to Japan, I had no idea these cream-filled cakes existed—or that I’d end up spending $75 on them.
The truth is, no matter how well I plan, I always end up overspending when I travel abroad. There's always an additional fee, sudden itinerary changes, or surprise food obsession that makes my spreadsheets obsolete.
My advice: don’t guesstimate a budget. Research real costs, be realistic with yourself and your spending habits, and build in a buffer for the unexpected. Giving yourself wiggle room can mean the difference between a relaxed trip and a financially stressful one.
3. Take Advantage of Tourist Programs
Here’s a moment of vulnerability: I completely embarrassed myself the first time I took the train in Japan, getting lost inside what was probably the most organized subway system I’ve ever encountered. Jet lag is no joke people.
While public transport definitely took a hit to my pride, my wallet remained intact. Many countries, including Japan, offer special transportation programs for tourists that can help you save big on local and long-distance travel.
Traveling soon? Check out Japan’s Suica card for local commute and the JR Pass for intercity travel. For European adventures, the Eurail Pass is a great choice for efficient and cost-effective travel.
4. Embrace 'Travel Buddy & Money' Conversations
One of the least discussed—but most important—aspects of group travel is money. If you don't set clear expectations, someone might end up covering more than they can afford, or tensions can build over who owes what. Disagreements like these can create serious conflict and even damage relationships.
Avoid the awkwardness: talk openly with your group about budgets, how expenses will be shared, and how you’ll track spending. Apps like Splitwise make it easy to track expenses and offers transparency to hold people accountable.
IMO: If you aren’t comfortable discussing money with someone, you probably shouldn’t be traveling abroad with them.
5. There’s Very Few Universal Financial Truths
One of the greatest joys of traveling, in my opinion, is realizing just how wrong you are about the world. It forces you to confront your assumptions, especially when it comes to money.
In Japan, I found some of my favorite meals at local convenience stores. They were fresh, delicious, and shockingly affordable. Coming from the U.S., where over 34 million people live in food deserts, it was striking to see how accessible high-quality, low-cost food could be.
Money means different things in different cultures. What one society values or deems "essential" might not even be on the radar in another. Traveling abroad helped me see how malleable our financial norms really are, and how much we can learn from others.
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