Don’t exchange money at the airport.

If you need to change currency because you’re traveling overseas, don’t do it at the airport—it’s one of the most expensive ways to trade U.S. dollars for foreign money. Instead, order currency at your bank or credit union. Alternatively, you can use a debit card that has no foreign transaction fees or ATM fees.

        Take advantage of special occasions for special perks.

Celebrating a birthday or anniversary? Tell the world! Or at least the hotel staff. You might be gifted a surprise upgrade to your hotel room or get a fun perk, like a bottle of champagne or chocolate covered strawberries in your room when you check in.

        Call your debit card company to authorize use for foreign travel.

To avoid a hold being put on your debit card when you try to buy margaritas in Mexico, call your bank or visit the website to authorize foreign travel transactions before you travel. Just don’t forget to notify the bank when you get home.

        Travel during “shoulder season” to get lower rates.

The shoulder season is typically April through mid-June and September through October in most areas of the world. You’ll get decent weather, fewer crowds and enough daylight to still enjoy tourist activities. And the good news is travel rates will generally be lower during this time.

        Bring your own reusable water bottle.

This is one of my favorite travel hacks: Pack your own reusable water bottle. You can carry it into the airport (empty, of course) and fill it up at a water fountain or tip an airport bartender to fill it. Voila! You just saved about $8 on a bottle of water. And you can keep refilling it throughout your trip to cut back on paying for more water bottles (unless you’re traveling somewhere where you definitely don’t want to be drinking the water).