There's a ton of advice out there on how to get the cheapest airfare, hotel or packaged deal for your next vacation. Instead of seeking out that great deal, clipping coupons, or scoring a half-priced special, consider these everyday habits that will help you be a more frugal traveler.
Think like a local.
Do you throw buckets of money away when you're at home? No. You probably live frugally, responsibly and you seek out the best value for your money. Don't throw all these great skills away when you're out in the world. Before you leave, educate yourself as much as you can about how people live where it is you're going to visit. Where do they go out for an inexpensive dinner? What's the best place to grab lunch on the run? And be sure to bring along those things from home that you use every day to save you money, such as a reusable water bottle or shopping bag.
Lighten your load.
Take the time to teach yourself to be a better packer. If you overpack, you often end up settling for more expensive modes of transportation or find yourself getting tired more quickly from lugging around those heavy bags. What does a tired and frustrated traveler do? They spend money they didn't need to spend.
I've had to teach myself (and remind myself) to be realistic when it comes to what I think I need to pack versus what I actually end up using. You don't need to go out and buy every packing aid that exists either, just so you can fit more in. Instead, spend the time to figure out a system that works for you. I find the times when I leave the house thinking that I didn't pack enough are when I've actually packed just right.
Get in shape.
This goes hand-in-hand with packing lighter, get yourself lighter as well. Travel takes endurance, stamina and a ton of energy. Get yourself in shape so you can delay the inevitable cranky, tired, and frustrated traveler feeling. Plus, I don't know about you, but I always end up covering an entire city with my feet. Getting in shape means you can (and will be excited to) walk if you need to without suffering the next day.
Become a better photographer, writer, or artist.
Souvenirs are heavy, bulky, and expensive. What is it that we really want out of souvenir anyways, but a way to record the memory of the place we've just visited? Hone your skills of recording and do the work of remembering yourself. Not only is it a more personalized expression of your trip, but it's a whole lot more fun for others to look at when you get home.
Become a better researcher.
Why do we rely on guidebooks? We procrastinate, we're unsure and we haven't done the prep work beforehand. Raise your hand if you've run out to the bookstore the week before your trip, picked up what looked to be the best (or smallest!) guidebook, and read it on the plane over. I know...I've done it too. But I've learned better, and with this great thing called the internet, it's getting easier and easier to learn, search and immerse yourself in the place you're about to visit. A few tips for being a great researcher: Start early and give yourself the time to dig around for the best tidbits of information you can find. Secondly, develop a system of recording and don't allow yourself to be come overwhelmed with the amount of information. As long as you've got a system of remembering and processing the information, you'll be a stellar researcher in no time. Use online services like Delicious or the tried and true paper method. Find and sort, find and sort.
Work on your conversation skills.
I'm not talking foreign language skills here, but silence that inner introvert and prepare yourself for a whole lot of talking. Even if your pre-trip research hasn't been as throrough as it should have been, you can make up for it in the locals that you meet. Ask questions, whether its for directions, advice on where to buy toothpaste, or simply where they'd go to eat. Be ready to talk to anyone and everyone and keep on prodding. If you meet a sourpuss, forget it and move onto the next person, for every bad mood there's a good one. Talk to as many people as you can, and you'll undoubtedly be rewarded.
Good stuff Kelly!
And, I'd add -- don't be a snob!
It's so sad to see people miss out on wonderful opportunities and experiences because they somehow think they are "better" than the shop clerk, waiter, bus driver or hotel staff. I want to scream -- "You aren't impressing anyone, so come down off your high horse!"
That's a great addition and I couldn't agree more. A little kindness goes a long way in my book.
and last but not least Dressing like a nun
Yes, I do get the play on words, I'm merely making fun..
I like "Become a better photographer" - this is such a good one. I'd rather have a couple of pictures of myself at a place I've been to than a whole bunch of souvenirs. However, I do love my coffee mugs...
A friend of mine years ago went to Tokyo with her husband on a business trip, so she was free & alone during the day. She quickly discovered that food was very expensive. She solved that by hanging out around large office buildings at lunchtime and following the secretaries to where they ate. She figured, correctly, that they couldn't afford the really high lunch prices either.
Post new comment