What Not to Forget When Budgeting For A Trip Abroad

I recently took a trip to India. Per my usual modus operandi, I approached it from a standpoint of frugality. I booked a tour and flight through Student Universe, an organization that offers budget travel arrangements for students and young adults.

The tour and flight were relatively inexpensive, totaling about $1600.  I knew I'd have to budget some additional money for food and activities while abroad, but I didn't take into account some of the other costs associated with traveling.

Don't get me wrong, my trip was well worth every dollar I spent but as I plan for my next adventure abroad, I'll be sure to take the following expenses into account. If you're planning a trip in the near future, read on for a list of things you should be prepared to pay for...

1. Passport and Visa Fees- If you do not already have a passport, you'll need to apply for one. It'll cost you $110 plus an execution fee. The execution fee varies depending on where you apply. If you go to a nearby Passport Agency, you'll need to pay $60. If you choose to apply at an authorized acceptance facility (usually a post office, library, or municipal building) it's only $25. And don't forget that you'll need a passport photo. CVS, Walgreens, and Duane Reade all provide this service at about $10 per photo.

Visa fees depend on the country you are visiting but generally do not cost more than $50. ProjectVisa.com provides a searchable database of visa requirements and costs.

2. Transportation to and from the airport- Planning on taking a cab or renting an Uber? Budget enough money so that you're not stranded at the airport on your return. My suggestion is to take public transportation on your way to the airport and splurge on a taxi on the way back.

3. Vaccines-If you're going to a remote destination, take into consideration that you will need to be properly vaccinated against infectious diseases prevalent in the country you'll be visiting. Most health insurance plans do not cover travel-related vaccinations so be prepared to pay out of pocket. The CDC provides destination-specific information on required and suggested vaccines.

4. Travel Insurance- On the topic of insurance, travel insurance is an optional expense that may be a prudent option. Most plans are between $20 and $100 depending on how extensive your coverage is. It's a wise option if you're traveling out of the country for an extended period of time.

5. Pet Care-If you're a pet owner, this can be a hefty expense. I would suggest having a friend check-in on your furry friend as this is probably the most cost-effective option. If you're looking for a professional service, I personally recommend Throw Me a Bone. They are a fabulous pet care company that works throughout Manhattan. Just let them know the Penniless Prima Donna referred you!

How to Keep Your Tab Small When Dining with Friends

Let's be honest, having a social life and being on a budget is really hard sometimes. It seems like every time I hang out with my friends I end up spending money, especially on dining out. It's a tough situation because I don't want to miss out on spending time with my friends but I also know that I only have so much disposable income to spend on eating out.  When there's a get together at a restaurant that's a little out of my price range or if I've already spent the bulk of my "going out" money, I follow a few simple tricks to keep my dinner bill small so I don't have to miss out on the fun.

Enjoying a low-cost meal with friends...notice the bowl of soup!

1. Stick with water- That Sprite or Coke just tacks on an extra $2 to the price of your meal. You could buy a whole liter of the stuff for the same price!

2. Order an appetizer as your entree- Appetizers are almost always less expensive than entrees. Look for ones that are meant to be shared by the table like calamari or a pizzetta. You'll get an ample amount of food without breaking the bank.

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3. Order the soup!- I am a huge fan of ordering soup as my entree. Substantially cheaper than an entree, most restaurants feature a soup of the day that usually come in a hearty portion with a side of bread. 

4. Opt for dessert elsewhere- Yes, that cheesecake looks amazing, but is it really worth $5 dollars? Probably not. If I really need a sugar fix after dining out, I buy a candy bar on my way home. It's a much cheaper way to satisfy my sweet tooth.

There you have it, by following these tips you can enjoy the time you're spending with friends instead of worrying about how much it's costing you. And remember, don't over-restrict yourself. If you're dying to try a signature big-ticket dish at a new restaurant or heard rave reviews about a dessert on the menu, go for it!  Use these tips for those times when the food is less of a priority than the people you're with.