Ways to Save

Seeing more of the world doesn’t have to mean spending more than you planned. Cosmos combines expert planning with incredible value, arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, and experiences in advance so you can enjoy more of your vacation—and spend less time worrying about the details.

And smart travel doesn’t stop when your Cosmos tour begins. Discover simple ways to make your vacation budget go even further before you leave and while you’re exploring.

Before You Go

Plan Smart

A little flexibility can go a long way when planning an affordable vacation. Consider these simple ways to make your travel budget work harder:

• Travel outside peak season. Shoulder- and off-season departures can offer attractive prices, fewer crowds, and a different perspective on popular destinations.
• Be flexible with your dates and destinations. Comparing departure dates, itineraries, and destinations can help you find a vacation that fits your budget.
• Watch for Cosmos deals and promotions. Check current offers when choosing your vacation to see what savings may be available.
• Consider a guided tour. With transportation, accommodations, sightseeing, and other inclusions arranged in advance, a Cosmos tour makes it easier to understand what your vacation includes before you go.
• Travel together. Planning a vacation with family or friends? Check available group travel options and savings for your party.
• Compare the total vacation value. Look beyond the starting price and consider what's included, such as hotels, transportation, sightseeing, and meals.

Look Ahead

Save yourself money—and a few headaches—by taking care of the practical details before departure:

• Check your passport early. Make sure it meets the entry requirements for every destination on your itinerary and has enough validity remaining for your trip.
• Review international phone and data options. Check your mobile provider's international plans or consider other connectivity options before leaving home.
• Learn the local currency. Familiarize yourself with exchange rates, payment methods, and tipping customs at your destination.
• Check your card fees. Know whether your credit or debit cards charge foreign transaction or international ATM fees.
• Set a spending budget. Decide what you'd like to spend on meals, souvenirs, optional experiences, and free-time activities before you leave.

Pack Smart

Packing thoughtfully can help you avoid unnecessary purchases and extra baggage fees along the way:

• Check your airline's baggage rules. Size, weight, and fee policies vary by carrier and ticket type.
• Check the forecast. Pack for the expected weather so you aren't shopping for a raincoat, sweater, or umbrella after you arrive.
• Bring everyday essentials. Pack the toiletries, chargers, adapters, and other necessities you'll need while $traveling], following current airport security requirements.
• Leave a little room. If you plan to shop, save some suitcase space for the treasures you pick up along the way.
• Keep valuables secure. Use a secure bag and stay aware of your belongings, particularly in busy tourist areas and on public transportation.

Spend Savvy

A vacation budget doesn't have to take the fun out of vacation:

• Use a travel budget as a guide, not a rulebook. Set aside money for the experiences that matter most to you and leave a little room for spontaneous discoveries.
• Track purchases as you go. Keeping an eye on daily spending can help prevent surprises when you get home.
• Understand currency conversion. Know the local currency and pay attention to the exchange options you're offered when using cards or withdrawing cash.
• Research tipping customs. Expectations vary widely from one country to another, so knowing what's customary can help you budget appropriately.

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Now That You're Here

Dine Wisely

One of the best parts of travel is tasting the destination—and delicious doesn't always have to mean expensive:

• Venture beyond the busiest tourist areas. Neighborhood restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and markets can offer memorable local flavors away from the main attractions.
• Make lunch the main event. When available, lunch menus can be a great opportunity to try a restaurant you've been eyeing.
• Visit a local market. Pick up bread, cheese, fruit, pastries, or other regional specialties for an easy picnic in a park or scenic square.
• Ask for recommendations. Your Cosmos Tour Director or Local Guide can be a great resource for places to eat during your free time.
• Mix splurges with simple meals. Save for the dining experiences you really want and balance them with casual cafés, markets, and quick local favorites.

Get Around Like a Local

Free time is your chance to explore—and getting around doesn't have to eat up your vacation budget:

• Walk when it makes sense. Exploring on foot costs nothing and can reveal neighborhoods, shops, cafés, and details you'd miss from a vehicle.
• Consider public transportation. Buses, trams, metros, and local trains can be convenient and affordable ways to explore many cities.
• Plan before you set out. Check routes, fares, operating hours, and return transportation before heading off on your own.
• Ask your Tour Director. They can offer helpful suggestions for navigating your destination during free time.

Find More for Less

Some of the best travel experiences don't come with a big admission price:

• Seek out free attractions. Parks, public squares, markets, waterfronts, gardens, and historic neighborhoods can offer hours of exploration.
• Check local event calendars. Festivals, concerts, markets, and community celebrations may be happening while you're in town.
• Look for museum offers. Some museums and cultural attractions offer discounted or free admission at certain times.
• Enjoy the atmosphere. Street performers, bustling piazzas, scenic overlooks, beaches, and public parks can deliver some of the most memorable moments of a trip.
• Ask the experts. Your Tour Director may know about free or inexpensive experiences you wouldn't have discovered on your own.

Shop Smart

A souvenir should remind you of a great vacation—not an unfortunate spending decision:

• Decide what matters. Instead of collecting something everywhere, save your souvenir budget for items you genuinely love.
• Shop local. Markets, artisan shops, and independent stores can be great places to find something connected to the destination.
• Compare before buying. Prices for similar souvenirs can vary significantly, especially around major tourist attractions.
• Know when bargaining is appropriate. Haggling is customary in some destinations and inappropriate in others, so follow local customs.
• Remember the practical stuff. Consider size, weight, fragility, customs restrictions, and available suitcase space before making a purchase.
• Collect memories for free. Photos, ticket stubs, maps, and other little keepsakes can sometimes become your favorite souvenirs.