There’s something exhilarating about shopping in a foreign country. You usually get to find a lot of things that aren’t available back home—and many of them come pretty cheap. Even if you’re not buying anything expensive, it’s easy to go overboard once the expenses start piling up, and these three tips will help you keep things under control.
Suitcase Limit
The more things you buy, the more room it will require to pack them all up. If you’re paying extra to check your suitcase—you’re wasting money instead of saving it. Traveling with a half-empty suitcase is a good strategy, because you can wear new clothes you bought while traveling and save on baggage fees along the way.
Compare Prices
Don’t shop at the stores you already have at home, unless the prices are significantly lower. Many of the international fast-fashion stores have pretty much the same offer in every country, so there’s no need to waste precious space in your suitcase for things you can buy at home.
Set a Budget
Your shopping expenses will pile up pretty quickly, even if you’re buying cheap things. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a budget in mind. If you’re not sure about certain items, don’t buy them until the very last days of your trip, when you know if you’re close to crossing your limit.