How I Traveled with (-$12) in My Bank Account

Hello there! My name is Gia Silver and welcome to my travel blog where I share my experience of traveling abroad as a college student with a negative balance in my bank account.

Picture this: you’re at Target buying last-minute items for your trip, and your card gets declined. You check your account, and to your horror, you see a negative balance. That was me a year ago when I was about to embark on a trip abroad in just 48 hours. But I didn’t let that stop me from exploring the world and learning valuable lessons about budgeting while abroad.

Are you ready to learn some cost-saving ways to travel abroad? Let’s dive in!

Before I left for my trip, I had already prepaid for some trips, had meal cards from my study abroad host, and brought 325 Euros as emergency money. My housing, transportation, and some meals were already covered, but I still had to budget for other expenses such as food, sightseeing, shopping, and even bathroom costs.

Here are some money management tips I learned that you can apply too. First, follow the 50/30/20 rule where 50% of your budget is allocated for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings or paying off debts. Create a spreadsheet to outline your needs and wants, review your spending, and find ways to cut costs.

Traveling with a companion can also help you split costs for meals and drinks. Look for “happy hours” or local specials to save even more.

Another tip is to research your destination, learn about their culture and customs, and buy essential items beforehand. For example, when I was in Italy, I brought toiletries and medicine that I needed to avoid buying them at higher prices or struggling to find them.

Finally, live like a local as much as possible. Go to local restaurants, shops, and ask for recommendations from locals. This way, you can have unique experiences while saving money.

Now let me take you to my trip and some lessons I learned abroad

Host city: Florence, Italy

1- Asking for a to go box at a restaurant is an insult to the chef

I have never finished a full plate of food so I always get a to go box. In Italy this an insult that you didn’t like your food so you didn’t finish your plate. The food is amazing there so just eat it all and don’t insult your chef.

2- Tipping is not expected

I always tip 20% because I have worked in the food industry and lived off tips when I was younger. In Italy tipping just even a small 5% is stating the service was beyond expectations and the best the customer has received. Save your money for other things and don’t give out 20% tips at all the restaurants you dine in.

3- Drinking is a part of the culture not a part of party culture

When abroad a lot of students were excited to be of legal age and drink anytime they could. Italy uses wine and drinks to enhance their taste of food and to enjoy it while spending time with friends, not to indulge too much. When traveling you have to remember you are a target since you are new to the area, drink with caution and with care. As well as enjoyment! — the wine in Italy is to die for

4- Meals are not rushed

In Italy there is a saying, “dolce far niente” meaning the sweetness of doing nothing. This is very much the thought when it comes to dining. Restaurants are for leisure and spending time with friends and family and being present. Be prepared to sit there for hours and for food to come out slowly, because it is made freshly. Enjoy the sweetness of doing nothing in Italy

I hope you found these tips and lessons helpful. Remember, traveling doesn’t have to be expensive, and with some research and planning, you can have a fantastic trip on a budget.

Safe travels, Gia!