MONEY SAVING TIPS WHILE TRAVELING
Vacation usually isn’t the time for pinching pennies. You’ve saved for this, and probably feel you’ve earned the right to splurge a little. But there’s a difference between being cheap and being frugal! There are ways to economize so that we have more in our pockets for recreational spending. With that in mind, here are some suggestions.
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All hotels have soaps and shampoos in the rooms. Unless you require a specific product, don’t waste money or space in the suitcase by packing your own.
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To avoid numerous service charges, withdraw cash only once or twice while on tour, keeping the cash in an under-garment money belt or the hotel safe.
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Keep track of your expenses in a small notebook, including cash withdrawals.
This will help to pace your spending and avoid surprises on your return home.
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Buy a filtered reusable water bottle before leaving home and refill it with tap water while on tour. Buying bottled water every day adds up. Especially if you travel a lot, the savings can be substantial and the bottle will quickly pay for itself.
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For individual exploration, public transportation is great. Subways and busses get you around far cheaper than cabs, and will give you a better taste of the city.
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Most hotels have internet service, usually located in the lobby. This is a far more economical way to “call home” than cell phones or pre-paid phone cards. Never call collect or use directory assistance except in an emergency. Every time you use operator assistance it costs you more. If you do use hotel phones be advised there may be a surcharge, even if you’re calling a toll-free number, so check with the front desk before you call.
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Save the plastic utensils from the airline meals and keep them in your purse or handbag; they will come in handy for impromptu meals while on tour.
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Supermarkets or those side-of-the-road convenience stores can be a great source for local olives, cheeses, breads, fruits, deli items, pastries and wines. An occasional picnic in a park or dinner in your hotel room can be had for a fraction of the cost of eating out. Besides, it’s great fun to shop in local stores -- not only for foods, but for inexpensive souvenirs as well. Mustards, oils, candies or small utensils and kitchen gadgets make great trip momentos for you or someone else.
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Lunch on the go is always more economical than a sit-down meal. A slice of pizza or a panini with a bottle of wine from the deli makes for a great lunch.
Consider substituting a dinner meal for an authentic Italian aperitivo, the equivalent to our Happy Hour. Many bars offer sumptuous hors d’oeuvres
and buffets tables that can stretch that 8 or 10 Euro drink into a full meal.