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Would You Like To Travel Internationally In 2023? Here Are Some Insider Tips For Saving Money, Staying Safe And Finding The Perfect Location
Now that the hectic holiday season is over, it is the perfect time to get back out there and see the sights! If you are one of the millions of Americans itching to travel but are unsure where to go or how to prepare, this article is for you.
From working in the currency exchange business for quite some time, I have a plethora of first-hand knowledge of some of the best international travel tips (and how to exchange currency when traveling abroad). Below are seven of my best travel tips for 2023.
1. Pick a location with a favorable exchange rate
Traveling is already costly as it is, so why not stretch your U.S. dollar by going to places with favorable exchange rates?
I recently traveled to Vancouver and right now, one Canadian dollar equals 0.75 USD (as of this writing). Because of the favorable exchange rate, I was able to stay in a five-star hotel for the price of a three-star one. The same held true at all the nice restaurants and local boutiques, too.
Let’s also talk about the fact that Vancouver is located super close to Banff, a major ski destination. If you are looking to book a ski trip soon, this could be a great place to go. There are seaplanes and car services to Banff from Vancouver so you wouldn’t have to worry about travel once you get there. Vancouver is a great alternative to heading all the way to Switzerland for U.S. travelers to enjoy world-class skiing on a gorgeous mountain — not to mention a much shorter flight!
As one investment strategist noted in a Forbes piece, the U.S. dollar “is providing an offset to inflationary pressures.” So despite talk about a recession and higher prices on goods, Americans vacationing abroad can still get incredible deals.
2. Let the seasons guide you
Many locations in the Northern Hemisphere with appealing foreign exchange rates have cold winters and while that might deter some, it is a huge perk for those willing to challenge the normal winter or spring travel trends.
Late winter and early spring are perfect times to travel if you enjoy recreational sports such as skiing. With a favorable exchange rate, a normal $100-200 Swiss daily lift fee could be substantially reduced. You’ll wind up with more money for the little “extras” like lessons or dining out. Booking against the “seasonal grain” could be perfect for couples and friend groups looking for both adventure and downtime.
3. Pay attention to all documentation needs
This should go without saying, but for any international vacation, be sure to double-check all your documentation needs. These include your Visa documents, passport, and other identification items. Not having proper documentation could turn a trip south quickly.
If you are planning on some international business travel while also taking advantage of the sights and sounds, you’ll be expected to declare that you’ll be doing business there. Because of this, you will need a business Visa as well as special forms. Keep this in mind for your next “bleisure” trip.
As far as your passport is concerned, always make multiple color copies and have one in every bag. You’ll thank me if you lose your original. Of course, try not to lose the original. Store it in your room or the hotel’s safe when you’re shopping, checking out the local flavors, and having fun.
4. Bring along some masks
You may be a little tired of masking, but Covid isn’t the only thing “going around” in 2023. The first few months of the year is a prime time for flu and cold viruses to circulate. So wear a mask to protect yourself whenever you’re in enclosed spaces like on a plane, in a crowded bus, or on a train.
Many indoor tourist attractions still require or suggest masking, so keeping a mask on you at all times is never a bad idea. Again, it’s a little way to cut inconveniences and keep you healthy during travel.
5. Exchange currency before the trip
One way to utilize technology is to order your foreign currency from a reputable United States-based company ahead of time and having it delivered to your house. Traveling with foreign currency is a huge time-saver. Nothing beats knowing that you got the best possible rates and didn’t have to stand at exchange counters or wander around to find an ATM en route.
6. Gift yourself some travel supplies
Don’t forget to pick up some travel items like small-size, flight-approved containers for your toiletries. It’s much easier to fill and pack flexible and reusable containers for body-care products like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. You’ll be able to use exactly what you use at home without dealing with bulky, leaky bottles or getting stopped in security.
7. Leave time for layovers
During the 2023 travel season, attempt to limit your layovers. If you can’t, opt for mid-length ones rather than layovers of 30 minutes or an hour.
The problem with a super-short layover is that if your initial flight gets delayed, you’re almost certainly going to miss the next flight.
Though it’s tough to set up a two-hour layover, it can give you the breathing room you may need when traveling internationally. Hundreds of flights get delayed and canceled due to weather and short staffing every day. In fact, around 23% of all flights were delayed or canceled in 2022. A longer layover can mitigate your risk of missing a flight due to factors outside of your control.
Whether you fly internationally solo, with friends, or as a family group in 2023, maximize the value of your travel and the value of your U.S. dollar by following the travel tips listed above. There is no better time than the present to save money and check some travel destinations off your bucket list.
More info: xchangeofamerica.com
RELATED:
Travel internationally
Now that the hectic holiday season is over, it is the perfect time to get back out there and see the sights! If you are one of the millions of Americans itching to travel but are unsure where to go or how to prepare, this article is for you.
From working in the currency exchange business for quite some time, I have a plethora of first-hand knowledge of some of the best international travel tips (and how to exchange currency when traveling abroad). Below are seven of my best travel tips for 2023.
1. Pick a location with a favorable exchange rate
Traveling is already costly as it is, so why not stretch your U.S. dollar by going to places with favorable exchange rates?
I recently traveled to Vancouver and right now, one Canadian dollar equals 0.75 USD (as of this writing). Because of the favorable exchange rate, I was able to stay in a five-star hotel for the price of a three-star one. The same held true at all the nice restaurants and local boutiques, too.
Let’s also talk about the fact that Vancouver is located super close to Banff, a major ski destination. If you are looking to book a ski trip soon, this could be a great place to go. There are seaplanes and car services to Banff from Vancouver so you wouldn’t have to worry about travel once you get there. Vancouver is a great alternative to heading all the way to Switzerland for U.S. travelers to enjoy world-class skiing on a gorgeous mountain — not to mention a much shorter flight!
As one investment strategist noted in a Forbes piece, the U.S. dollar “is providing an offset to inflationary pressures.” So despite talk about a recession and higher prices on goods, Americans vacationing abroad can still get incredible deals.
2. Let the seasons guide you
Many locations in the Northern Hemisphere with appealing foreign exchange rates have cold winters and while that might deter some, it is a huge perk for those willing to challenge the normal winter or spring travel trends.
Late winter and early spring are perfect times to travel if you enjoy recreational sports such as skiing. With a favorable exchange rate, a normal $100-200 Swiss daily lift fee could be substantially reduced. You’ll wind up with more money for the little “extras” like lessons or dining out. Booking against the “seasonal grain” could be perfect for couples and friend groups looking for both adventure and downtime.
3. Pay attention to all documentation needs
This should go without saying, but for any international vacation, be sure to double-check all your documentation needs. These include your Visa documents, passport, and other identification items. Not having proper documentation could turn a trip south quickly.
If you are planning on some international business travel while also taking advantage of the sights and sounds, you’ll be expected to declare that you’ll be doing business there. Because of this, you will need a business Visa as well as special forms. Keep this in mind for your next “bleisure” trip.
As far as your passport is concerned, always make multiple color copies and have one in every bag. You’ll thank me if you lose your original. Of course, try not to lose the original. Store it in your room or the hotel’s safe when you’re shopping, checking out the local flavors, and having fun.
4. Bring along some masks
You may be a little tired of masking, but Covid isn’t the only thing “going around” in 2023. The first few months of the year is a prime time for flu and cold viruses to circulate. So wear a mask to protect yourself whenever you’re in enclosed spaces like on a plane, in a crowded bus, or on a train.
Many indoor tourist attractions still require or suggest masking, so keeping a mask on you at all times is never a bad idea. Again, it’s a little way to cut inconveniences and keep you healthy during travel.
5. Exchange currency before the trip
One way to utilize technology is to order your foreign currency from a reputable United States-based company ahead of time and having it delivered to your house. Traveling with foreign currency is a huge time-saver. Nothing beats knowing that you got the best possible rates and didn’t have to stand at exchange counters or wander around to find an ATM en route.
6. Gift yourself some travel supplies
Don’t forget to pick up some travel items like small-size, flight-approved containers for your toiletries. It’s much easier to fill and pack flexible and reusable containers for body-care products like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. You’ll be able to use exactly what you use at home without dealing with bulky, leaky bottles or getting stopped in security.
7. Leave time for layovers
During the 2023 travel season, attempt to limit your layovers. If you can’t, opt for mid-length ones rather than layovers of 30 minutes or an hour.
The problem with a super-short layover is that if your initial flight gets delayed, you’re almost certainly going to miss the next flight.
Though it’s tough to set up a two-hour layover, it can give you the breathing room you may need when traveling internationally. Hundreds of flights get delayed and canceled due to weather and short staffing every day. In fact, around 23% of all flights were delayed or canceled in 2022. A longer layover can mitigate your risk of missing a flight due to factors outside of your control.
Whether you fly internationally solo, with friends, or as a family group in 2023, maximize the value of your travel and the value of your U.S. dollar by following the travel tips listed above. There is no better time than the present to save money and check some travel destinations off your bucket list.
More info: xchangeofamerica.com
RELATED:
Travel internationally
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