Managing money while exploring offbeat destinations

Money, like emotions, is something you must control carefully to keep your life on the right track…

Exploring Offbeat destinations is a specialized travel activity which is very satisfying for a traveler. Being located in not so visited areas, it is not always possible to have first-hand information about the place. Due to this it is utmost necessary to keep yourself equipped enough financially for any unforeseen event. Unforeseen event is only running out of sufficient cash, you may have dozens of Credit/ Debit Cards which might not be accepted in these places.

Would like to share some money management experiences to keep handy while exploring Offbeat destinations:

1.      Cash Management: Money is the best friend which can rescue you in case of any unforeseen event, so: 

a.      Make sure that you carry ample amount of cash, atleast sufficient for fuel, food and accommodation requirements.

b.     Keep currency notes in smaller denominations too as getting change for bigger notes can be a problem for very small merchants/ shopkeepers in remote places.

                                                  i.      Indulging in shopping for the local delicacies/ special handicrafts is a sheer luxury, as you will not find such stuff in cities. However most of the merchants in these locations do not accept credit cards. So if you are out of cash at this moment, you are putting at stake the joy of your otherwise happening journey.

2.      Usage of Electronic Money (Credit Card/ Debit Card):

a.      ATM’s are not available everywhere and Credit cards are not so widely accepted

b.     Even many highway filling stations and hotels/ food outlets  at smaller places/ remote locations at times do not accept credit cards

c.      Take caution in usage of Credit cards/ Debit cards to safeguard yourself from any chances of fraud. I personally prefer to pay by cash for fuel stations which are located outside Tier-II cities.

3.      ATM’s: Always keep a note of last working ATM on your way, so that you can at least have an option of going back to fetch money. Will advise to also carry ATM cards banks like SBI, PNB, ICICI… as they have better penetration of ATM’s in remote places.

As offbeat destinations travel is gradually catching the fancy of the travellers, some of the prominent hotels/ resorts’ chains are setting up their properties in these locations. Pre-booking these can save a lot of money and also the hassles of paying by cash while checking out. Also you can earn cashback/ privilege points. Always check out with them for their affiliation with rewards program.

Please note some of these hotels/ resorts might not accept payment by Credit Card/ Debit Cards while checking out. However they are accepting payment by electronic means while booking. This I have personally faced, however the resort was co-operative enough to send a person with me till the next available ATM (approx. 35 kms from the resort’ location) to collect the cash.

Above all spend wisely to have non-stop fun during your explorations. Happy travelling friends...

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