5 tips for sticking to a budget while traveling by Katie Hammel on Nov 13, 2015, 3:37 PM  Shopping and traveling seem to go hand in hand. In fact, some of the very first travelers set sail on what could technically be called “shopping expeditions”, exploring the world in the hopes of returning home with exotic goods not available locally.
Many of today’s travelers are no different, though usually they’re searching for the perfect souvenir to remind them of their experiences. Whether you’re on the hunt for clothes, art, or home décor, shopping abroad the first time might seem daunting, and it can be expensive if you aren’t careful. Here are a few tips to help you save money and ensure you’ll return home with an affordable memento you’ll treasure for years to come. SEE ALSO: Travel pro Anthony Bourdain reveals his best tips for eating great when traveling abroad Find your sales  In some places (particularly in Europe), sales only happen at certain times of the year. For example, in Paris, sales take place twice a year over six weeks, starting at the beginning of January and the end of June. While you may not want to plan your entire trip around sales, it certainly helps to check out the schedule before you lock in your travel dates; if the sales start or end within a few days of your planned visit, you could shift your dates just slightly. If there are no big sales going on during your visit, check out the local weekly paper for notices of smaller sales, store closings, and flea markets. And don’t forget vintage shops, which are always selling gently used designer clothes at a discount.
Buy a local specialty  For many of us, buying something that’s particular to the local area — a maté gourd in Uruguay, a bottle of port in Porto — is a no-brainer. More than any other souvenir, this is what will most remind us of the trip once we’re back at home. Plus products made locally, especially if bought direct from the artisan, may be much cheaper without the middlemen, import taxes, and retail markups. Buying what’s local won’t automatically save you money though; Prada is just as expensive in Italy as it is in the US (maybe more depending on the exchange rate). If you have your heart set on a local big-name brand, check to see if they have an outlet where they sell goods at a discount.
Save a space  It’s disappointing to fall in love with something on a trip and then realize you don’t have the space to get it home. You can often ship it, either from the store (just pay with a credit card that offers protection in case the item never arrives) or the local post office, but that can be costly. Instead, leave room in your bag for a few souvenirs. I always travel with my rattiest socks and pajamas so I can toss them at the end of the trip and make room for new clothes, and I’ve left many a pair of worn out shoes at my hostel so I can wear my newly purchased boots home. Another option is to pack a small, empty collapsible bag in your suitcase so you’ll always have a second bag you can carry-on or check should you need extra space.
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