Travel Money Savers
Tips To Help Keep Costs Down

If your hotel doesn't include breakfast, and you'll have to buy it yourself, you could stop at a store the night before and get some fruit and yogurt, bread or pastries. We always think it's a fun part of travel to go to a grocery store just to see what's available. A lot of hotels and bed-and-breakfasts have coffee or tea pots in them now, so with a few groceries, you'll be all set for a frugal breakfast.

And since we're talking about eating here, eat your big meal at lunch when prices are cheaper.

Buy beer, wine or alcohol at local stores and have your cocktails on your hotel room balcony, or on a beach, or in a park. If you want to have beer or wine with your dinner, ask for local brews or wines. They'll be cheaper than imported and big name items. We love learning about all the different grapes that wine is made from around the world, and there are many counties that are justifiably proud of their local beers.

Look into metro passes. Many cities have one, three, and seven day passes that could be real money savers if you plan to use the buses, subways, and trams a lot. Always do the math though to make sure you will use them enough to make this worthwhile. Do your research ahead of your travels... some international rail and travel cards must be purchased before you arrive in a country.

Take a local bus line... some can substitute for an expensive sightseeing tour. Many cities have buses that pass by all the big sites. Ask about them at the tourist office.

If you're traveling cross country, consider taking an overnight train or flight. It could be cheaper than a daytime flight or train, and you will save money by not needing a room for the night. Sure the "red-eye" flight might be a little uncomfortable, but think of how much that hotel room would cost. If it's an overnight train you're taking, you can buy a sleeper berth for a lot cheaper than a hotel room.

Stop at a local visitors center. They can tell you about local travel money savers.... tell you if there are free days at museums and give you information on city passes. The visitor's center might have coupons for discounts; they'll at least have brochures and free maps. Check with these visitors centers online before your trip to see if there are things you should purchase before you leave.

A museum pass can save you money AND time. You won't have to waste valuable vacation time standing in line, and sometimes, time is money. If a museum pass won't be a good value for you, you can call or e-mail most popular museums for a reservation. You'll get an appointment for an entry time and walk right past those lines.

Planning for those travel money savers along with all the rest of your travel plans might just let you keep on traveling even in tight economic times.

Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it!   Judy and Mark

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