BYOB – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

Cruise lines are notorious for unlimited food and fun, but what’s not unlimited? Drinks.

Beverages are pushed more than anything else on a cruise, and of course, the bill can add up quickly — especially after seven days of alcoholic indulgence.

One way to bypass this system is to fill some water bottles with some of your favorite spirits, throw it in your checked luggage, and there you go — potentially hundreds of dollars saved. With mixers on the ship usually being incredibly cheap, just go to the bar, order a can of tonic, and your mixed drink will cost you about 50 cents, instead of 6 bucks.

Include identification info inside your luggage – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Be sure your luggage has your identification inside, along with your i.d. tag on the outside. (External tags can sometimes become separated from your bag.)

When I travel on long tours, I have a 2-sided information sheet pinned to the inside of checked bags. One side has contact info (usually the address and phone number of someone back home who knows how to reach me). The other side has my itinerary.

If my luggage is lost en route, there’s a better chance of locating me during my adventure, helping ensure that my bags don’t make it home before I do.

“Venue-hop” for a progressive dinner – Dining out tip

by Gadling Staff on

Venue-hopping is a great way to sample the cuisine and make any city your dining amusement park. How to “venue-hop”? Simple!

  1. Start with DRINKS at a local dive, where you’re bound to get some great recommendations on local cuisine from residents.
  2. Move on to APPETIZERS at an upscale restaurant that you might otherwise skip on a tight budget.
  3. Make sure to sample the local specialty for your MAIN COURSE at a more casual establishment.
  4. Top the evening off by ordering your DESSERT/COFFEE to-go from a local bakery. Walk the streets or find a park to enjoy your dessert.

Take a mask, take some photos, send them home – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

If a close friend or family member is unable to go on a trip with you, enlarge a photograph of their face and attach a paint-stirrer to the back with duct-tape. Take pictures of you and the face in key locations on the trip, such as at monuments and attractions.

You can then send the photos to the person in a letter to remind them that they’re there in spirit! This souvenir idea is both thoughtful and frugal!