Most budget travelers do not blow their money on one big splurge. They lose it in a slow drip of small, avoidable mistakes. Here are nine that quietly add up, and how to sidestep each.

1. Exchanging money at the airport Airport currency desks and ATMs offer some of the worst rates anywhere. Withdraw from a bank ATM in town instead, and use a card with no foreign transaction fees.

2. Always choosing 'pay in your home currency' When a card machine offers to charge you in your own currency, decline. That convenience conversion bakes in a markup of several percent. Always pay in the local currency.

3. Booking everything at peak season Shoulder season, the weeks just before or after peak, brings thinner crowds and dramatically lower prices for nearly the same weather. Shifting your dates by a few weeks is the easiest saving there is.

4. Ignoring free city transit and walking Taxis and rideshares quietly devour a budget. Most cities have cheap day passes, and walking is free and often faster in dense centers.

5. Eating where the tour buses stop Restaurants beside major sights charge a premium for the view. Walk a few blocks out and prices fall while quality often rises.

6. Skipping travel insurance One missed connection or minor medical bill abroad can dwarf the cost of basic insurance. For longer or pricier trips, it is rarely worth skipping.

7. Over-packing Checked-bag fees, and the temptation to take taxis when overloaded, both stem from packing too much. A carry-on forces discipline and saves money.

8. Not telling your bank A frozen card abroad can mean emergency fees. A quick travel notice avoids it.

9. Booking activities on arrival Popular tours cost more and sell out at the door. Compare and book the essentials online in advance.