Travel Smart, Save

Discover tips for saving and investing while exploring the world as a savvy nomad.

Travel Savings Solutions

💰 Saving and Investing While Traveling

Build Wealth Without Settling Down

🚨 Emergency Fund for Nomads

Why You Need It:
Unexpected costs (medical, theft, canceled flights, visa issues) can derail your trip. An emergency fund gives peace of mind and financial safety.

How Much to Save:

Minimum: $1,000–$2,000 USD (for sudden emergencies)
Ideal: 3–6 months of travel expenses (e.g., if monthly spend = $1,000, aim for $3,000–$6,000)

Where to Keep It:

In a high-interest savings account or multi-currency wallet like:
- Wise — instant access, low fees, multi-currency.
- Revolut — budgeting, currency exchange, vaults.

Pro Tip: Don’t carry all your funds in one card/account. Use two cards (e.g., Wise + Revolut) and store a virtual card for extra security.

📈 Investing Apps for Nomads

You don’t need to stop growing your money while traveling. Use global-friendly investing platforms.

1. Sharesies

Best For: Investing in US, NZ, and Australian stocks and ETFs with small amounts.
Features: Fractional shares, user-friendly, low fees, automatic investing.
👉 Sign up to Sharesies

2. eToro

Best For: Stocks, crypto, and copy trading.
Features: Commission-free stock trades, social investing (copy top traders), wide asset choice.
Good for nomads interested in crypto + traditional markets.
Note: Check country availability and withdrawal rules.

3. Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

Best For: Serious investors wanting global market access.
Features: Low fees, advanced tools, access to 100+ markets, multi-currency accounts.
Ideal if you want to invest from anywhere with high flexibility.
Mobile app available, but has a learning curve.

Bonus Apps:

Crypto.com — for crypto + DeFi with cashback card options.
CoinSpot — crypto investing for Australians.

💸 How to Save on the Road

Every dollar saved = more time traveling

1. Accommodation Hacks

Book longer stays (7+ days) for discounts on Agoda, Booking.com, or Hostelworld.
Use referral credits and loyalty rewards.
Try co-living spaces or house-sitting for free stays.

2. Flight Deals

Use flight deal trackers: Google Flights alerts, Skyscanner, or Kiwi.com.
Be flexible with dates and destinations for huge savings.
Consider budget carriers in Asia (AirAsia, Scoot) and book directly for better deals.

3. Transport Savings

Use local transport or apps like 12Go to book trains, buses, and ferries cheaply.
Walk or rent bikes where possible.
Travel slow to reduce transit costs and stress.

4. Food & Lifestyle

Eat at local markets or cook at home (many hostels and Airbnbs have kitchens).
Buy groceries at local stores, not tourist areas.
Budget with TravelSpend or a Notion budget tracker.

💡 Final Nomad Finance Tips

Automate savings — set up auto-transfer to your emergency fund or investment app.
Review your expenses monthly to stay on track.
Diversify: keep cash in bank + investing app + emergency fund.
Protect your accounts with VPN (Surfshark) and secure passwords.