FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Trip Planning

  • Packing Tips to Save You Time, Hassle and Money

    On one hand, I love researching, planning and (of course) going on trips. On the other hand, packing has always been the bane of my existence. For years, not matter how far in advance I started packing for a trip, I always found it to be a stressful and aggravating experience for me: What to bring? What to leave behind? How many of these do I really need? A few times I packed so much that I ended up having to pay extra baggage fees because my suitcase was overweight. And then there were the trips where I ran out of clothes within three days (not because I had brought too few items, but because I had brought the wrong things for the type of trip I was on).

    To streamline my packing process (and save myself time, hassle and money in the process), I developed a series of guidelines. Of course, you can’t completely plan for any eventuality, but these general guidelines have served me well over the years. I hope they do the same for you.

    When it comes to choosing a suitcase, smaller is better. Especially if you’re going on a trip where you will be moving from place to place quite frequently, you’ll appreciate having a smaller bag (preferably one with wheels to save your back from having to lug it everywhere, or a large backpack if that is easier for you). Selecting your small or medium-sized suitcase before you begin choosing what to bring will force you to streamline your packing. Of course, if your bag is small enough (and you adhere to current air safety guidelines), you could avoid having to check it all together, which would save you time at the airport and once you reach your destination.suitcase photo

    Consider the climate you are going to. Do a quick forecast check to get a feel for what the weather will be like during your trip (keeping in mind, of course, that weather predictions aren’t always accurate). If you’re going to a place that is mostly sunny and warm during the month you’ll be visiting, then you can feel confident packing mostly warm weather clothes with a light sweater and a rain jacket (just in case).

    Keep in mind what types of activities you will be doing. It’s important to pack clothes that are appropriate for the types of things you will be doing on your trip. A bike trip across France will necessitate a different wardrobe than an art tour of Florence. However, there is one piece of advice that holds true for most destinations: pack comfortable walking shoes. I always end up walking (or sprinting to catch public transportation) more than I ever expected while on vacation. Pack at least 2 pair of shoes that will be kind to your hardworking feet.

    Consider cultural norms. It’s important to keep in mind the customs of the place you’ll be visiting (to avoid sticking out as the “ugly American”). For example, if you will be visiting places of worship, it is typically customary to wear long pants or a skirt and to keep your shoulders covered. If you are planning to eat in fancy restaurants, keep in mind that there will most likely be a dress code and plan ahead.

    Mix and match, re-use, re-wear. As you think about what clothes you’d like to bring on your trip, choose a color scheme and stick with it. That way you can mix and match different elements. While you may want to bring a different top for each day, most pants and skirts can be re-worn several times throughout a trip.

    Assess the laundry situation. Contact the hotel / hostel / lodging where you will be staying to see if there will be the opportunity to do laundry on-site or at a nearby Laundromat. While you don’t want to spend too much time on your trip doing laundry, taking an hour or two to wash your clothes mid-trip will save you from having to pack double.

    Do a cost-hassle analysis. Are there certain toiletries, etc. that you could buy on-site instead of bringing with you? Do you really need to bring that case of granola bars, or can you make do with snacks you buy at your destination. Think about the “negotiable” items on your list and whether or not you could buy them (at a reasonable price) once you arrive.

    Make a list, check it twice. To avoid forgetting any essentials (and being sorely disappointed when you discover they are missing), make a packing list and check off items as you put them in your bag.

    Give yourself time. Resist the urge to procrastinate and begin packing at least several days before you leave. This will give you extra time to double check your bag to make sure you’ve included everything you will need.

    Happy packing!

     

  • Time and Money Saving Tips: What to Do Before You Leave on Vacation

    Your flights and hotel have been booked for months, your bags are packed and you’re ready to embark on your adventure. But have you thought about what will be happening on the home front while you’re off galavanting around the world? I know, nobody likes to think about coming home from a wonderful trip, but the reality is that you will eventually have to. Wouldn’t it be nice to make that homecoming as smooth and hassle-free as possible? Here are some tips for things to do before you leave that will help you save time and money when you get back.

    Pay your bills in advance. I know, nobody likes to think about paying bills before going on vacation – especially if you’re planning on spending some money while you’re there. But, it is best to pay your bills in advance or set up an automatic withdrawal so that you don’t get penalized by late fees. If you decide to do automatic withdrawal, keep in mind the dates that your bills will be paid so that you don’t overspend and overdraw your account while you are gone.

    Contact your bank and credit card company. There is nothing worse than trying to pay for something in a far off land and having your credit card declined because your company thinks it was stolen. Be proactive and contact your bank (if you plan on using a debit card) or credit card company to let them know when and where you’ll be traveling. You also might want to think about removing the daily spending limits you have on your cards. It is nice to know you that you can have access to your funds if you really need them. On a related note, check with your credit card company to see how much international transaction fees are. That way you can plan accordingly and use cash to avoid having to pay these fees. See: How to Pay For a Vacation post.

    Insure yourself. Make sure that you have travel insurance (in case you need to change your travel plans) that will reimburse you for the partial or full cost of your plane ticket. Also, check to see if your medical insurance will cover you abroad and/or how to submit claims when you return.

    Check with your cell phone company. It is a good idea to check with your cell phone company to see what the charges will be for making and receiving phone calls while abroad (including roaming fees). There are few things worse than coming home to a massive phone bill.

    Stop your mail. To avoid a cramped mailbox (or potentially lost important pieces of mail), make sure to stop your mail before you leave for vacation. You can do this online.

    Ask someone to check on your house. It is a good idea to have some check on your house at least a few times while you’re gone. They could water your plants and just do a general walk-through to make sure that there aren’t any problems (like a flooded basement, an electrical fire, etc.). It’s much better to catch potential issues early on than discovering them when you get home.

    Give a few friends your contact information. Make sure a few people  (including the person who is taking care of your house) know how to get in touch with you while you are gone in case there is an emergency and they need to get ahold of you.

    Enjoy your trip. You’ve done everything you can to ensure a great trip and a smooth re-entry. Now it’s time

  • Tips for Traveling Green on a Budget

    I read a lot on travel blogs and in travel magazines about traveling green or low-impact travel. However, did you know that traveling green also tends to be less expensive than more conventional modes of travel? From transportation to lodging, here are some helpful tips for traveling green and saving money in the process. After all, what could be better than that?

    Transportation: Moving Around Ecologically Flights It’s true that flying is not exactly eco-friendly. Do your research before you book to make sure you are flying with airlines that recycle at least some of the waste created when serving food and beverages during the flight.  There are certain airlines like British Airways and Southwest Airlines that maintain a strong commitment to environmental health through a variety of initiatives. An easy way to do your part to help the environment when booking a flight is to use electronic tickets (e-tickets) instead of paper ones. Public Transportation It’s time to start thinking outside the box when it comes to transportation. Instead of automatically renting a car when you travel to a different place, check out the public transportation system in that location. From trains to subways to buses, most cities have the infrastructure to help you get where you need to go while saving the earth and saving money. If you’re worried about getting from the airport to your hotel, call ahead to see if they offer a complimentary van pick-up at the airport. [caption id="attachment_5511" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Biking is an eco-friendly form of transportation that allows tourists to remain autonomous and connect to people and places in deeper and more meaningful ways."]biking vacation photo[/caption] Biking and Rentals Another option is to consider a bike tour. This can be a great way to really see the area you’re visiting and connect with places and people on a deeper level (not to mention the fact that it’s great exercise). In addition to being useful on longer adventures, bikes are a great way to get around a city (European cities are known for their “bike friendliness”) autonomously.  Many cities, such as Paris, now have user-friendly public bike rental programs that allow you to use a bike for as long or as short a time period as you would like. Walking and Hiking Walking tours are a great way to really get to know a city. In addition to going on guide-led walking tours, I’ve discovered many gems on my own by simply walking around a city (things I never would have found if I had been concentrating on driving a rental car). Going for a walk once you arrive at your destination is also an excellent way to stave off jetlag and sore muscles. If you’re into spending time in the great outdoors, considering a hiking trip (or at least make hiking a portion of your trip). Of course, it’s important to respect the local ecological system by not picking plants or wildflowers and staying on the marked hiking paths. Lodging: Staying Green Resorts and Hotels Low-impact lodging has become a buzz phrase in the travel industry. As a result, many hotels and resorts have adapted their daily practices to become more environmentally friendly. Do your research before you book a room to make sure the hotel or resort recycles and participates in energy saving programs. Even if you find yourself staying somewhere that is not exactly green, you can still do your part to reduce your impact on the environment. Let the hotel management know that it is not necessary to change your towels and sheets every day while you are staying with them. Do the same things you would at home to save energy: turn off the AC/heat, lights and TV if you are not using them. Also, if you decide not to use the complimentary bottles of shampoo and soaps, leave them on the counter so that they can be passed on to the next guest. Staying with Friends Of course, few options are more eco- and budget friendly than staying with friends or acquaintances when you travel. And if they happen to be green as well (they recycle, engage in energy saving practices, drive hybrids, etc.), well that’s even better. Camping Of course, camping is generally a low-impact and inexpensive lodging option. If you don’t want to bring all of your camping gear with you, you can always rent tents and such on-site. Only camp in designated camping areas and make sure you leave the campground site exactly how you found it.

  • Designing Your Own Art Tour on a Budget

    There are lots of travel companies out there that charge big bucks for “customized” art tours (these are especially prevalent in Europe).

    An art lover who usually travels on a budget, I have often been tempting by these offerings, until I saw the price, that is. While many of these art tours are wonderful experiences, they can definitely take their toll on the old bank account. Not to worry. You can design your own artistic voyage for a fraction of the cost of one of these pre-planned tours. In this post, I give you some tips for designing your own tour on a budget. Besides the obvious financial benefits of designing your own tour, you can truly customize the experience because, well, you’re the tour guide. Another perk is that you can travel on your own schedule and not be tied down to a group.
    • Choose a destination with a rich arts scene. This may seem like an obvious piece of advice, but it’s important that you do a bit of preliminary research on various places to determine whether or not the artistic offerings of a certain area will be enough to hold your interest. Of course, places like New York, Paris, France or Florence, Italy jump to mind right away, but there are loads of other options. For example, Los Angeles has a great museum scene. Berlin, Germany is now considered to be a European arts mecca. And don’t forget about Detroit…yep, Detroit is now home to a thriving arts community. So, you don’t necessarily need to stray that far from home (which can be easier on the budget).
    • Determine your priorities. What do you want to experience? Are you most interested in visiting museums? Then you’ll want to choose a destination that has plenty to choose from. Are you more into the independent gallery scene? Then be sure to choose a destination that is known for its smaller galleries. Are you an artist yourself who is interested in doing bit of creative work while you’re on vacation? Then choose a destination that’s sure to inspire you (and be sure to pack your art supplies). Perhaps you’d like to attend a lecture or class by a famous artist? Find out where these opportunities are being offered. Are you interested in public art? Choose a location that’s known for its public sculpture gardens and murals.
    • Ask like-minded travelers to share in the adventure. Travel is usually more fun (and more budget-friendly) when you can share the experience with a travel partner or a group. Ask some of your fellow art lovers or artists to come along with you. Some of the more obvious benefits include being able to share accommodations and having someone who can help you remember the name of incredible up and coming artist you discovered.
    • Research opportunities at your location based on your art priorities. Now that you’ve established your priorities, the real research begins. Search for museums that suit your tastes. Scour the Internet for galleries and artist co-ops. Identify lectures and classes that will be happening during your trip. I think it’s helpful to organize this information in an Excel file or some other document. Make note of the opening hours of museums and galleries and contact information for all of the places you’re interested in visiting.
    • Make reservations far in advance. If you’re looking to take a class or attend a ticketed artist lecture, it’s best to make reservations or purchase tickets as far in advance as you can.
    • Be ready to roll with the punches. In addition to bringing your passion for art, you should also bring patience and a sense of humor. As with any trip, the best laid plans don’t necessarily guarantee 100% success. However, if you look at mishaps/miscommunications as opportunities instead of disappointments, you’ll get a lot more out of the experience. If a museum is closed on the day you want to attend, think of it as a great excuse to discover some public art around the city. It’s helpful to bring along a smart phone or tablet so you can do research on the fly if you have a change of plans.

  • Student Discounts While Studying/Traveling Abroad

    Many of the years I spent living abroad were when I was either an undergraduate or graduate student.

    I was relatively clueless about all of the student discounts that are available (for flights, museums, ground transportation, etc.) the first time I lived abroad, but by the time I was doing my dissertation research in France, I was a seasoned pro at cashing in on student discounts at museums, theaters, restaurants, on rail passes, flights, you name it. The more I learned, the more money I saved. Here are some general tips and resources for making the most out of student discounts while studying, traveling or living abroad (many of these student discounts also apply to students living in the U.S.).
    • Get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). This will open the door to over 40,000 discounts at home and abroad. They partner with various organizations (Target, AMC, Virgin, to name a few) to bring an excellent array of discounts (from spa services to accommodations) to students. The organizations that partner with ISIC will require this specific card in order to get discounts, so it’s best to get your hands on one before embarking on your international journey. Any full-time student in an undergraduate or graduate program is eligible to get a card. If you are a part-time student and you are under 26 years old, there is another discount card you would be eligible for, the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC). The IYTC card offers similar benefits, services and savings to the ISIC card. See http://www.isic.org for more information and to order a card. You can also sign up for their email list to get weekly alerts on new deals in your city/country. [caption id="attachment_5459" align="alignright" width="189" caption="The International Student ID Card will save you money in Paris and other international cities."]Eiffel Tower photo[/caption]
    • Always carry your ID card from your home college/university. To be able to prove your status as an American student, it’s a good idea to have your college/university ID card in your wallet at all times. This, combined with your international student ID card, will be enough proof to garner you all of the discounts for which you are eligible.
    • It never hurts to ask. If a museum, theater, cultural center, etc. does not have student rates posted, it’s always a good idea to ask about them anyways. You never know what they might say, and asking could save you quite a bit of money over the long run. Of course, be prepared to prove your student status by showing your student ID card. Many museums have days or evenings that are free for students, so be sure to ask about those as well.
    • Check out student discounts on flights and vacation packages. There are a number of organizations that offer discounts on flights, accommodations and vacation packages specifically for students. STA travel is a great site to check out for student discounts on airline tickets, rail passes, hotels, car rentals, hostels and tours. I know many students who have found some great package deals for spring break on this site. Other reputable student discount sites include: Smarter Travel, Student Universe, ISTravel, CheapoAir and the International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC). I’ve found quite a few good deals on intra-European flights and rail transportation on some of these sites.
    • Don’t forget about restaurant discounts. There are a variety of restaurants throughout the U.S. that offer student discounts. In addition to discounts on entrées, some places offer a free appetizer or drink for students with an ID. When in Europe, ask if there is a “prix fixe” or set meal price that is lower for students. Again, just because you don’t see it on the menu doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. It’s always good to ask.
    • Get the most bang for your buck with other discounts as well. Sites like LivingSocial and Groupon have now gone international. Sign up to get deal alerts from both of these sites that will help you make the most of your budget while traveling or studying abroad.
    • Share the love! Pass along discounts you learn about to students you meet while studying abroad. I am grateful for the many discounts I learned about from other student travelers.

  • Designing a Custom Culinary Tour on a Budget

    There are lots of travel companies out there that charge big bucks for “customized” culinary or wine tours of a specific region.

    A consummate foodie who usually travels on a budget, I frequently drool over the descriptions of these tours while simultaneously starting woefully at my bank account balance. While many of these culinary tours are wonderful experiences, they are, without a doubt, hard on the budget. One day it dawned on me that, with a little planning and foresight, I could plan my own culinary trip. In this post, I give you some tips for designing your own culinary tour on a budget. Besides the obvious financial benefits of designing your own tour, you can truly customize the experience because, well, you’re the tour guide.
    • Choose a destination with a rich culinary culture. This may seem like an obvious piece of advice, but it’s important that you do a bit of preliminary research on various places to determine whether or not the culinary or wine culture is rich and varied enough to base an entire trip on. Of course, places like New York, France, Italy or Napa Valley jump to mind, but there are loads of other options. For example, Spain’s Basque region is home to unique culinary traditions, and many places throughout the U.S. (such as Minneapolis) have become havens for chef-owned restaurants. So, you don’t necessarily need to stray that far from home (which can be easier on the budget).
    • Determine your priorities. What do you want to experience? Are you most interested in where food/wine comes from (the agricultural aspects)? Perhaps you’d like to visit some farms or vineyards. Is restaurant dining your passion? Then you’ll most likely want to spend most of your time eating out. Is cooking your passion? You should concentrate on identifying opportunities for meeting chefs or taking a cooking class or two. Do you like to shop and prepare your own food while traveling? Then you’ll no doubt be visiting local specialty food shops and markets.
    • Ask like-minded travelers to share in the adventure. Culinary travel is more fun (and more budget-friendly) when you can share the experience with a travel partner or a group. Ask some of your fellow foodies to come along with you. Some of the more obvious benefits include being able to share appetizers and a variety of dishes at restaurants (being able to try a lot of different things without breaking the bank) and having someone who can help you remember the name of that delicious wine you tried during your vineyard tour. [caption id="attachment_5444" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Touring a vineyard and attending a wine tasting can be a fun, educational part of a custom culinary tour on a budget."]Travel to Chablis photo[/caption]
    • Research opportunities at your location based on your foodie priorities. Now that you’ve established your priorities, the real research begins. Search for farms or vineyards that offer tastings and private tours. Scour the Internet for restaurant reviews, locations and menus. Identify chefs you’d like to meet (if possible) or cooking schools in the area. Find out what types of specialty food shops or outdoor markets are at your destination. I think it’s helpful to organize this information in an Excel file or some other document. Make note of the opening hours of restaurants and markets and contact information for all of the places you’re interested in visiting.
    • Make reservations far in advance. It’s best to secure reservations for restaurants, tours and classes as far in advance as you possibly can, especially for popular destinations.
    • Be ready to roll with the punches. In addition to bringing your appetite you should also bring patience and a sense of humor. As with any trip, the best laid plans don’t necessarily guarantee 100% success. However, if you look at mishaps/miscommunications as opportunities instead of disappointments, you’ll get a lot more out of the experience. If a restaurant loses your lunch reservations, just think of it as a great excuse to try some of the excellent street food the area is known for.

  • Planning a Bike Trip Across Europe

    Transportation costs (whether you’re traveling by plane, train or automobile) can eat up a large portion of one’s travel budget. A great way to save on transportation while in Europe is to consider a bike trip. The options are endless (depending on where you want to go and your level of fitness) as are the rewards (experience the beauty of Europe close-up, regular exercise means you can eat even more regional specialties, you have more control over your schedule). Here are some things to consider when planning a bike trip in Europe.

    • Itinerary: For ease and peace of mind, it’s best to plan your general itinerary first. Think about your priorities (certain countries, landmarks, etc. that you want to see), logistics (how far you want to travel, for how long, etc.). Be realistic about your fitness level and how many kilometers you are willing to bike in a day. Consider the landscape(s) you will be traversing (are they hilly or flat, smooth terrain or rough, etc.). It may be a good idea to “pad” your itinerary with extra days, just in case you experience fatigue. Also, consider the general climate of the region you’ll be traveling in during the season/time frame of your trip. As a general rule, stick closer to the Mediterranean if you want sunny skies. Once you have identified these general elements, then it’s time to do some research. Most countries in Europe are “cyclist-friendly,” but it’s a good idea to do research online to make sure your plan is feasible. Now might be a good time to invest in some maps or a GPS system (on your smartphone or tablet, perhaps) to help you chart your course.
    • Supplementary transportation: Of course, as soon as you get to Europe you can hop on your bike, but you have to get there in the first place. Consider how you will get there (plane, boat, etc.) and if you will need to take public transportation or trains to get you everywhere you want to go. Do you need to book tickets/reservations? If so, it’s best to do that as far in advance as you can. The good news is that bikes are relatively easy to bring on public transportation (including trains) in Europe. Also, since bikes are a daily part of European culture, you won’t get any strange looks when you board your train with a bike in tow. For longer train rides, some rail companies will require you to pay an extra fee for your bike. Make sure you check this out before you board the train.
    • Lodging: Many people I know who have biked across Europe bring camping gear as well. Camping is, of course, inexpensive and relatively easy. If camping does not appeal to you, research hotels, hostels, or alternative lodging options in the region you’ll be visiting. Review your itinerary and figure out where/when you need to book accommodations. Depending on the season, you may be able to “wing it” a bit and find lodging as you go. However, if you plan on traveling during the high tourist season, it’s best to book accommodations in advance. Be sure to carefully record all of your lodging information (as well as phone numbers for other lodging options in the area) and bring it with you in case you fall behind on your itinerary and need to cancel reservations/change your plans.
    • Gear: Generally speaking, you have two choices when it comes to gear: Bring it with you (pros: you know your own gear better than rental gear, it may be cheaper; cons: lost baggage, extra airline fees) or rent/purchase gear on-site (pros: allows you to travel lighter and avoid extra airline fees; cons: can be more expensive, you won’t really know the quality of the gear until you pick it up in Europe. Needless to say, it’s important to have a good bike (with a comfortable seat), anything less is sure to drain the enjoyment from your trip. Do some research on your options for renting/purchasing gear in Europe. Make sure you know exactly what you are getting.
    • Extras: As you pack for your biking adventure, keep in mind that you will be spending the majority of your time outside, on a bike. Pack light, comfortable clothing, rain gear, sunscreen and good biking shoes. Think through the logistics of each day and pack accordingly.
    Happy cycling!

  • Making the Most of Your European Hostel Experience

    There’s no quicker way to eat up your European vacation budget than by booking an expensive hotel.

    Luckily, there are plenty of inexpensive alternative lodging options in Europe, the most popular of which are the many hostels found in most major (and some smaller) European cities. “Hostel culture” varies from city to city and establishment to establishment, but most hostels offer sparse, comfortable accommodations (and sometimes even a continental breakfast thrown in) for reduced rates. After all, why should you spend the big bucks on a deluxe hotel room if you will be out and about sightseeing most of the time anyways? Here are some guidelines for finding and booking hostels, as well as making the most of your European hostel experience.
    • Start your search early. As is the case with reasonably priced hotels, hostels fill up quickly, especially during the high tourist season. Although I do have a lot of friends who “hostel it on the fly” (booking accommodations a day in advance as they go), I would suggest reserving a bed in advance to give yourself some peace of mind. Helpful websites for finding hostels in Europe include: www.europeanhostels.com,  www.hosteleurope.com, www.hostels.com and www.famoushostels.com.
    • Read reviews, ask around. Before booking your hostel, try to find reviews of it online (the sites mentioned above have reviews for most of their listings). Even better, ask if any of your friends have stayed in hostels in your destination city and ask them for recommendations. There are some hostels that look great on line, but are unsanitary or unsafe in reality. It’s best to avoid this unpleasant experience by doing your research ahead of time. [caption id="attachment_5344" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Staying in a hostel is a great way to save money and meet other frugal travelers."]Europe hostel photo[/caption]
    • Find out the specifics regarding the accommodations. Each hostel is a little different, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into before you commit. Most hostels offer individual rooms with shared bathrooms (located in the hallway), double rooms, quad rooms or “dorms” that sleep 8 or more. Of course, the fewer people to a room, the more expensive the rates are, but sometimes it’s worth it for the guaranteed privacy. Some hostels provide linens (sheets, towels, etc.) and some don’t, so it’s a good idea to ask (especially if  you’ll be traveling from afar and don’t want to or can’t bring your own linens with you. It’s important to understand exactly what you’ll be getting for the price.
    • Find out about the area surrounding the hostel. As is to be expected, most hostels aren’t located in the “swanky” parts of the city. Do a little research on the area in which the hostel is located to make sure that you will feel safe when you’re walking to and from the hostel at night. This is especially important if traveling alone.
    • Enjoy the hostel culture. Hostel “dwellers” are a diverse group, and most are excited to share their travel knowledge if asked. If you’ve just arrived, strike up a conversation with a friendly looking traveler and ask him or her about his or her experience in the city. You’re sure to learn a lot and perhaps even make some friends who will make your trip even more enjoyable. Some hostels have bars or cafeteria-style restaurants attached to them. Hang out in these public places to meet new people and enjoy the hostel culture.
    • When you get home, review the hostel online. Throw fellow travelers a bone and review your hostel experience online. Remember to be honest and include the good, bad and the ugly.

  • Tips for Not Breaking The Bank on Spring Break

    March is here, which means students and educators everywhere are anxiously eying the calendar, counting down the days until a much deserved week break.

    By this time, most people have booked their spring break travel plans, either close to home or in a far, far off land with sun and sea. No matter what you do over break, here are some tips for not “breaking the bank” and having to take on a part-time job to pay down your credit card bill from one week of revelry. With a little vigilance, you can have a great time while not spending excessively. 1)   Cook some meals at your rental to save money. If you’re staying somewhere that has a full or partial kitchen, it’s fun and easy to make at least some of your meals there. This will save quite a bit of money over eating out, since food and alcohol costs will be lower and you won’t have to tip servers. If you’re renting a place with several other people, an easy way to do this is to assign each person (or you can work in pairs) to a night when they do the grocery shopping and cook. Making coffee and eating a simple breakfast “at home” in the morning will save you quite a bit of dough as well. 2)   Make wise choices when dining out. If you eat in a restaurant several times, consider spitting appetizers, entrées or desserts to save money. Keep in mind that it is typically less expensive to split a bottle of wine than to order individual glasses. Also, do a bit of research on various restaurants/bars in the area before deciding where to eat/drink. Nothing’s worse than throwing away your hard-earned cash on bad or even mediocre food and drink. [caption id="attachment_5339" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Following some basic guidelines will help you avoid spending excessive amounts of money during your spring break vacation."]spring break photo[/caption] 3)   Take public transportation as frequently as possible. Before you leave, do a bit of research on public transportation options in the city you’ll be visiting. Knowing what the options are will help you avoid giving in to spending a lot of money on cab fare. If you do need to take a cab, make sure you share it with at least one other person (preferably someone you know), so that you can split the fare. 4)   Work your student (or faculty) discount. That’s right, you should bring your student (or faculty) ID with you on vacation. Many international museums, transportation companies and restaurants offer discounts on entrance fees for students and teachers (especially over spring break). Some people I know carry an international student ID, which can easily be acquired at http://www.istc.org/. 5)   Take a moment to think before making a purchase. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve purchased something (or several things) on vacation simply because I was on vacation. I lived to regret these purchases because a) they were overpriced and b) I never used them again after my vacation was over. Avoid buying souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, etc. “in the heat of the moment,” and definitely exercise caution when shopping under the influence! Before making a purchase, now I always ask myself 3 questions “Would I buy this if I weren’t on vacation?” “Is the price reasonable?” “Is this really something special that I will use and enjoy in the future?” If the answer to any of these is no, I keep on walking. Note on VAT: If you are traveling in Europe and purchase something expensive (over 100 euros), it’s worth it to have the VAT (value-added tax) refunded. European VAT rates hover around 20% and foreigners do not have to pay it. It’s not worth getting reimbursed for small purchases, but getting the VAT back on “big ticket” items definitely pays off. Ask the vendor for an itemized receipt and a VAT form (they’ll know what you’re talking about). VAT can be recuperated at the airport or via mail after you return (though it’s easier to do it at the airport before you leave). 6)   Enjoy the people you’re traveling with and the experiences you are having. If I’m truly having a good time with the people I’m traveling with and experiencing wonderful things, I end up spending less money. Why? Because I’m living fully in the moment and enjoying the experience instead of searching for ways to enhance it through purchases.

  • Seven Travel Products to Save You Time and Money

    As you know, there are plenty of useless travel products on the market. However, there are also some products that are incredibly useful and will save you time or money (or both!) while traveling or planning your travel adventures. Here are seven “basics,” that will serve you well no matter where you’re headed.
    1.     Smartphone or tablet. Whether you’re an Apple person or an Android person, a smartphone or tablet (like the iPad) will allow you to run myriad travel apps that will help with travel planning (in advance and on the road). Since most mobile phone travel apps are updated regularly, this information is often more current than information found in guidebooks. Also, many famous sites around the world (the Eiffel Tower or Louvre Museum in Paris, for example) are creating apps to guide tourists on a more complete visit. You can also use your smartphone or tablet as an alarm clock and calendar while on the road. Related: See our Paris on the Cheap article 2.      Water bottle. It’s important to stay hydrated while traveling. This may sound painfully obvious, but thousands of tourists are hospitalized each year for complications due to dehydration (and few things cost you more money or time than being hospitalized abroad). A simple refillable plastic water bottle will do the trick if you’re going somewhere with potable water. If the water quality is questionable, you can purchase tablets or water bottles with filters to combat some of the harmful effects. Carrying a water bottle will also help you save money, since you won’t be tempted to buy a beverage from a street vendor or sit-down restaurant each time you get thirsty. [caption id="attachment_5303" align="alignright" width="163" caption="Whether you’re an Apple person or an Android person, a smartphone or tablet will allow you to run myriad travel apps loaded with current information about various destinations. "]travel app photo[/caption] 3.     A cross-body purse or satchel. I don’t know about you, but I carry much more with me when I travel than I do on a normal day. This means that I typically have a larger purse (or bag) on me to accommodate things like water bottles, tablets, basic first aid supplies, passport, etc. A cross-body purse or satchel (meaning you can wear the strap across your chest instead of slung over one shoulder) is harder for pickpockets to remove. I always keep one hand at the base of the strap as well, or draped over the whole purse if I’m in a crowded area (such as when I’m on public transportation). Washable bags (such as those made from nylon or polyester) are great, especially since you never know what you might spill on them or set them in while traveling. 4.     Basic first aid kit. Over the years, I’ve shelled out much more than I wanted to for band-aids at tourist kiosks (they know you’re desperate if you’re buying band-aids at a tourist shop, so they can charge you more. Bringing your own small first aid kit will save you both time and money when minor injuries occur (I always end up with lots of blisters due to increased walking while traveling). 5.     Voltage converter and adaptor set. It’s important to invest in a good voltage converter and adaptor set so that you are able to safely use your electronics while abroad. Using a converter/adaptor could potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run (but not having to replace fried computers or buy small electronics - like an alarm clock - on site). Plus, you’ll need to charge your smartphone or tablet, right? 6.     A sleepsack/lightweight sleeping bag. If you're staying in hostels (or any other “bring your own sheets” type of accommodation - like camping), it's a good idea to carry a lightweight sleeping back that you can easily stuff into a backpack. This will save you money (you won’t have to rent sheets) and time/worry (you are at less of a risk of acquiring bedbugs or something much worse from less-than-clean hostel linens). 7.     Earplugs and an eye mask. Traveling means sometimes having to sleep in less than ideal circumstances. Earplugs and an eye mask can mean the difference between a restful overseas flight and a sleepless one. Earplugs are also especially useful if your travel companion snores. By getting a good night sleep, you’ll enjoy your trip more and save both time (you will be energized and be able to see more in a day - and won’t have to take naps) and money (you’ll consume much less coffee if you are well rested!) in the long run.