Prices vary based on many factors, including taxes, regulations, exchange rates and demand. However, savvy travelers will quickly realize that some destinations are cheaper than others.
Many Americans find this price difference effective “The Eras Tour” by Taylor Swift. Tickets to shows in some destinations in South America and Europe are significantly cheaper than in the US, causing some Swifties to fly to other countries to see shows.
But this phenomenon isn’t limited to Swifties or even concerts. Here are five ways traveling abroad can be cheaper than staying closer to home.
Concert
Concert tickets are not always significantly cheaper abroad. Sometimes tickets are more expensive in less developed destinations because logistics – from lighting and sound systems to crowd control and security – are more difficult.
However, as Swifties learned from “The Eras Tour,” some countries have resale regulations that allow you to buy resale tickets at or near original price. Our team found resale tickets for “The Eras Tour” in several European cities starting as low as $100 — significantly cheaper than many shows in the United States.
by TPG Gabe Travers met Dua Lipa in Bologna, Italy in 2022, and he paid just under 60 euros (about $65 USD) per ticket. He also saw that tour in America – paying more and having worse views. Still, he says meeting her in Italy “was a great excuse to explore a city that we wouldn’t necessarily have on our itinerary, but that ended up being one of our favorite stop on the trip.”
I go to at least a few concerts every year to meet some of my favorite electronic music producers. My first show abroad was the 2015 Above & Beyond show in Johannesburg, which I followed for a while. kruger national park and Cape Town. Since then, I’ve seen Above & Beyond in Hong Kong, New York City, Los Angeles, and many other cities. I’m even traveling to Mexico City later this year for another show.
Some music festivals with international editions can also be good opportunities to save money by traveling abroad. For example, Electric Daisy Carnival Mexico tickets are often significantly cheaper than the Orlando and Las Vegas versions. Other costs, including accommodation, food and transit, will also likely be cheaper in Mexico City. For some travelers, flights to Mexico City may even be cheaper than flights to Orlando or Las Vegas.
Related: Best credit cards for concert tickets and VIP access
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Skiing
Even if you look for cheap ways to ski in the US, it’s still not cheap. by TPG Summer hull spent $322.55 per person for one budget ski trip last winter despite her family’s efforts to minimize expenses.
It’s indisputable that skiing is cheaper in many international destinations. For example, a filling meal in the mountains at Niseko Annupuri in Japan it costs less than $10 per person, a day ski pass costs around $43 and a daily ski suit rental costs around $42. You can find accommodations a short bus ride from the resort for around $150 per night. The best part is you can find some for cheap bonus flights to Japan that may not cost you more than a domestic award.
If Japan seems far away, you can save money by going to Europe or Canada to ski. For example, a one-day cable car ticket in Bansko, Bulgaria, costs around $33 USD, and you can find many inexpensive accommodation options in Bansko.
by TPG Gabrielle Bernardini found a ski trip to Canada last winter that cost less than her previous ski trips in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. Here’s how her costs compare:
- Flight: In February 2024, round-trip flights from Fort Lauderdale to Alberta on WestJet cost $250 per person. On previous ski trips to Colorado, Utah and Wyoming, she paid between $350 and $500 per person for round-trip flights.
- Hotel: She used points to get a four-night stay at Blackstone Mountain Lodge in Canmore, Canada, which cost about $160 per night. This location is outside of Banff and about an hour from the Lake Louise ski mountain. By comparison, she typically pays at least $200 per night for a basic hotel room during ski season in the American West.
- Car rentall: Her 5-day car rental in Canada cost $136 all-in, while she paid $534 for a 5-day rental in Denver during ski season.
- Elevator ticket: She paid $112 for a one-day pass in Canada, when lift tickets can cost $200 or more to reach famous mountains in Colorado and Utah. For example, a one-day adult lift ticket in Park City, Utah is $242.
If you have one of these big ski slope, you can see it includes cable car tickets for some international destinations. For example, mine Ikon Ski Pass covers my cable car tickets at select resorts in the US, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Chile. This card, combined with the points and miles I can use for flights and lodging at pricey destinations, makes skiing a slightly more affordable hobby.
Related: How to plan your ski trip with points and miles
Disney
I didn’t understand the hype of visiting Disney parks abroad until I visited Tokyo Disney earlier this year (and then came back for a preview New Fantasy Springs port at Tokyo DisneySea last month). I love to visit Walt Disney World Resort in Floridabut I think time abroad is better spent experiencing local culture and places.
My opinion has changed since then and I now recommend that Disney lovers spend at least a day at DisneySea when visiting Tokyo. Visiting Tokyo Disney offers a unique glimpse into Japanese culture, but part of my reason certainly has to do with the fact that Tokyo Disney is surprisingly affordable.
One-day passes start at about $54 (less than half what you’d normally pay for a day at Disney World in Florida), counter meals start at about $6, and popcorn costs about $2. .50 USD. Hotels along the monorail – e.g Disneyland Tokyo Hotel, Tokyo DisneySea MiraCosta Hotel And Hilton Tokyo Bay – quite expensive. However, I stayed at the 3rd category Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay twice and found the hotel’s free bus service to both Tokyo Disney parks to work well.
As I stated above, award flights between the US and Japan can be modestly priced. But Tokyo Disney isn’t the only international Disney park; also Disneyland Paris, Shanghai Disneyland And Hong Kong Disneyland. However, if you’re looking for the best fit for your budget, Tokyo Disney is a great choice.
Related: How to save money at Disney so you don’t get ‘bibbidi-bobidi-broke’
Luxury hotels
I often write about how points and miles can help you stay at luxury hotels at the lowest cost. However, simply going to a destination with lower prices and a higher dollar can help you enjoy luxury hotels without breaking the bank.
For example, as Gabrielle noted when discussing her ski trip, finding a basic hotel in Colorado or Utah for under $200 per night during ski season can be difficult. That $200 could easily get you a night in Park Hyatt Chennai in India on most days; on expensive dates, you can redeem 3,500 to 6,500 points per night at this time Hyatt hotel category 1.
So if you want to experience luxury hotels at a lower cost, you should visit an international destination where you can. Book luxury hotels at affordable prices.
Related: 5 places your dollar will go further right now
Medical treatment
Finally, you may want to travel abroad for elective or non-emergency medical care if the price is significantly cheaper than at home. For example, women may want to go abroad to freeze their eggs or give birth if the cost is a fraction of what they would pay in the US. You can also seek dental treatment, cosmetic surgery, hair treatments, medications or vaccinations abroad if doing so is much cheaper than in the US.
In some cases, you can pay for round-trip flights, a two-week hotel stay, treatment and more for less than your out-of-pocket costs if you stay in the United States Ky. , procedures and facilities may be different from what you are used to, so make sure you are comfortable with the process before booking your trip.
Bottom line
After spending time abroad, I’m often shocked when I return to the US. Food, medical treatments, experiences, and hotels are often more expensive than when I return home.
So while I love the comfort and familiarity of skiing in Colorado and visiting Disney World in Florida, the cost savings and unique cultural experiences I can enjoy abroad are truly amazing. attractive. If you’re traveling with a group or family, the cost savings can add up — especially if you can Book a flight or leverage your points and miles to get to your destination at a modest cost.
