Mid-year break is dawning over the horizon of meltdowns, procrastination, and last-minute cramming sessions — travelling is the silver lining we’re all looking forward to.

Whether you’re planning a European escapade or seeing the sights in Asia, here are three tips to beat those tourist traps and stretch your holiday budget further.

#1 Scrapbook In Lieu Of Buying Lame Souvenirs

When I board a plane and leave home sweet home, my credit card goes into overdrive and I buy pointless shit — bookmarks, keychains, fridge magnets, etc.  Usually this stuff is conveniently inscribed with my holiday destination just in case I forget where I’ve been to. Even though it’s written all over my bank statement complete with international transaction fees (boooo!).

Nowadays, I prefer to sub my lame souvenirs with a bespoke scrapbook, hoarding little tickets, receipts and unusual mementos I collect as I complete a journey. You can even get strangers to sign the pages a travel guest of honour.

The best bit is it doubles as your travel journal if you’re diligent at scribing everyday.  All you need is a notebook, glue stick, pen and small folder to create a little book of memories.

#2 Ciao With Confidence

A good effort to learn the basic local language will put you in good stead. When I travelled to Italy a couple of years ago, I noticed the locals very much appreciated my effort to speak their language. In Rome, tourists reign supreme, so even the smallest effort goes a long way.

The locals might let you in on some other benefits of attempting the local language include getting better tourist treatment and free wine (always a plus). 

#3 Hunt Down The Grocery Store

Just like vegemite and cheese is a iconic Aussie combination, you’re sure to discover something real at the local grocery store. I always get a kick out of taking a trip to visit the local produce store.

A good rule of thumb is to pick whatever is least in stock because you know that’s the popular stuff.  If the packing is in a foreign language, interpret the pictures, font size, and price to determine if it’s the right thing for you. If it’s not, it’ll make a good story!

If you’ve got a little extra time up your sleeve, see if there is a local market to swing by, they always have the most interesting fresh fruit and veg and it’s a great way to interact with locals. More signatures for your scrapbook!

Travelling is so much more fun when you purposely veer off the beaten track. It usually starts with ignoring all the touristy shams and tossing your Lonely Planet guide in the bin.  While there may be some value in keeping your gram fresh with stock standard “I’m jumping off a boat into the Mediterranean” pictures, real moments are unexpected, original and priceless.

Jessica Marcellienus enjoys writing and feeding ducks at the park in her spare time.  She also looks forward to completing a law degree while working full-time in the aviation sector. Check out more of her stories here.

(Lead image: Friends/NBC)