Did you know that about 1.5 billion people went abroad in 2025? Lots of countries saw an increase in the number of travellers and tourists arriving, as more and more individuals from all over the globe look to see more of the amazing planet we live on. While there’s plenty to be said for a short getaway near home, there’s also a huge amount of joy in seeing what the wider world has to offer, and that joy has tempted people to brave crowded airports, long layovers, jet lag, and all the other inconveniences of travelling internationally.

However, there are lots of tools that modern travellers can turn to in order to make their time abroad more enjoyable and relaxing, perhaps even more luxurious. We live in one of the best possible times to be an international traveller. Better mobile services, better data, more convenient check-in options, Airbnb, thousands of travel guides – there are just so many tools that transform modern travel into something amazing.

And one that is still getting overlooked in spite of all the benefits it offers? Crypto.

It’s a word that leaves some people feeling daunted or alienated, one that still often gets associated with computer buffs, despite the fact that as of 2024, around 12% of adults in the UK owned cryptocurrency. However, I’m here to explain to you why this could be one of the best new tools in your luxury holiday toolkit.

No Currency Exchanges

Handling currency exchanges can still be a surprisingly clunky process in today’s world. If you want cash in the local currency, you’ll need to buy it from a bank or travel exchange, which can be more of a headache than you’d expect, and often won’t have a great exchange rate. And if you’re not planning on cash, you still need to inform your bank you’ll be abroad and hope you don’t end up flagged by a computer as “suspicious activity” when you try to check into your hotel. Not to mention the fees for foreign transactions. It’s really not ideal, but up until relatively recently, there weren’t many good alternatives.

Enter crypto. Crypto has no borders. It’s a decentralised form of money that doesn’t “belong” to any country, meaning that you can use it across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond, and it doesn’t need to be converted. You won’t get hit by extra fees. It just works.

Of course, not everywhere accepts crypto yet, although you might be surprised by how many places do. You’ll need to do some research in advance – and it’s always wise to have some local currency/a working card as backup anyway – but this can be a great option. 

Make sure you have done a decent amount of reading up on crypto in advance, however, so you understand the different coins and their pros/cons, as well as what’s going on in the market, plus any recent developments. You can use a crypto resource like Alpha Wire for this kind of research; it provides a dedicated platform for understanding everything about the crypto world, from news on specific coins to valuations to market movements. There are even podcasts for those who would rather learn on the go.

Better Security

If you’ve ever felt uneasy about using your card in a foreign country, or worried about losing a wallet full of cash in a crowded square, crypto could be the simple answer. With value being stored on the blockchain and a strong passphrase protecting your account, crypto is famously secure, which can make it ideal for folks travelling in an unfamiliar place. 

It also means you don’t need to worry about storing bank details on your phone, a process that makes some travellers uneasy. After all, your phone is very often in easy-to-access places, whether that’s a pocket or a small bag. Sticking with crypto eliminates this risk and lets you focus on having a good time. Just don’t write your passphrase on your phone or carry it in an obvious spot; leave it in the hotel room or avoid writing it down entirely.

Alongside that, you should still take other basic security steps; use two-factor authentication and avoid public Wi-Fi networks when you’re handling any sensitive info on your device. Don’t assume crypto is automatically safe just because it’s usually safer than fiat!

Faster Transfers

It’s worth noting that sometimes, you just want to book something as quickly as possible, especially if you’re attempting to snap up a luxury experience at a good price. Lots of cryptocurrencies prioritise fast transfers, making them far more suited to this than a traditional bank transfer would be, especially for international transfers.

So, all in all, crypto offers a lot of benefits that fiat simply can’t for the savvy luxury traveller – and once you’ve grasped the basics, you will barely notice you’re using it on holiday. There’s no need to learn complicated algorithms, figure out intricate market movements, or memorise all the lingo. Simply do enough research to find a coin that suits you, practice making payments a few times, and then have this as an option when you’re on the go.

What’s more, it won’t take away from the magical moments of a holiday by making them feel sterile or computer-focused. It works away quietly in the background, as unobtrusive as a debit or credit card, letting you give all your attention to wonderful experiences, whether you’re trekking through highland mountains or exploring wintry Tallinn. 

Disclaimer: This post is a collaboration