Jetsetter Sarah guest blogs about her most used travel tips. Missed the first part? Read Part One here.
Food: Here is where I tend to cut the most corners while traveling. I buy snacks at a local grocery store, and, if I have a place to store them, milk, cereal, bread, and coldcuts for breakfasts and lunches. I do splurge on restaurants, especially if they serve regional food: it’s part of the traveling experience. I love to share dishes with my traveling companions, mostly because we can order fewer dishes (lower cost), and we all get to taste something new. As with my other travel categories, I don’t cut corners so much that I eat unhealthily. I try to avoid fast food, and I will pay more for a meal if it includes fruits and vegetables (of which I never eat enough when I travel). There’s no sense in feeling tired and malnourished while you’re traveling.
Transportation: I already mentioned that an airport shuttle to the hotel is a great perk, so I’m sure you won’t be surprised when I say that I try to avoid renting a car. Rental car companies have learned how to milk you for all you’re worth, plus I don’t enjoy driving in unknown territory. I try to walk as much as possible and to take public transportation whenever necessary. You get to see more of the location, and it’s cheaper. That said, renting a car can be good if you happen to be visiting an area that is dangerous or where the public transportation is slow or not dependable. If I want to take day-trips, having the car can definitely be worthwhile, too. Renting a car is also much less expensive (usually) than purchasing another plane ticket for another trip, so combining destinations with a rental car can be financially worth it.
Activities: I often choose my destination based on the activities in the region, so I allow myself some flexibility if there is an activity that I just don’t want to miss. (Take Nicole’s and my splurge to see a show in Las Vegas… thanks Nicole’s mom!) I try to limit the costs as much as possible, however, by choosing free or less expensive activities. For example, I love exploring public parks or wandering around neighborhoods. Museums are usually less expensive than certain other activities (for example, amusement parks), and I wouldn’t be able to visit them somewhere else. Similarly, window-shopping can be a fun (free) way to get a feel for your destination (really, it’s no different from visiting a museum, at least in my book). Food is also included on my list of activities; I have to eat, so why not make it interesting? (Of course, see above for how I cut corners in this category.)
Have any more ideas? I’ve love to hear your feedback and suggestions, especially if it means I can see more for my money.