Just plan less – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

The biggest problem some travelers face is that they’re so worried about The Plan. Always leave time — and room in the wallet — for the unexpected!

Recently on a trip to Italy, a friend of mine booked her entire trip — every tour, meal and destination — many weeks in advance. She felt frenzied and harried the entire time. the trip is a blur to her now.

Alternatively, when I went to Italy, I did just the opposite and made so many friends and memories in the process. There’s something about not knowing where you’ll end up on a vacation that’s exciting.

Buy clothes there – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Depending on where you’re headed, it may be cheaper to pack fewer clothes and purchase new outfits upon arrival.

Destinations such as Bangkok, Thailand, for example, sell quality, fashionable clothes for low prices. For destinations such as these, pack about three outfits and plan to shop soon after you get there. This may not be advisable, however, for travel destinations such as London or Tokyo. In order to make the right decision, research your destination’s clothes prices before departure.

Further, shopping abroad gives you the opportunity to explore local cultures — and maybe even purchase some cool, wearable souvenirs.

Bonus: Saving space in your luggage may, in turn, result in less luggage — and fewer baggage charges!

Pack snacks – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

To save money while staying in a hotel, forget about the vending machines and room service. Instead: pack snacks.

Before booking a room, check to see if the room is equipped with a mini-refrigerator. If it isn’t, bring a cooler packed with ice. Put things inside it like cans of soda and bottles of water, fruit, cheese and sandwiches. You can refill the cooler with ice from the ice machine in the hotel. After all, there’s usually an ice machine on each floor directly across from the vending machines.

The money you save on snacks can be spent at restaurants and area attractions!

Go local – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Go local.

Whether dining out or purchasing necessities, when you’re on a road trip, everything is an adventure.

If you run out of shampoo or shaving cream, instead of going to a big box store or chain pharmacy, go to a local drug store. You might even find a soda jerk behind the counter. Same rules go for dining out — stay away from chain restaurants that you can go to the other 51 weeks of the year.

Also consider stopping at a fire station or police department and ask where the locals eat.

Research your excursions – Cruise trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Every port of call has local individuals and companies that offer excursions, and they’re often much cheaper than those offered by the cruise line.

There’s a reason your cruise director is constantly urging you to purchase your excursions early — the cruise line wants to make money! Instead of using the cruise ship’s excursion options, consider making your excursion plans before you leave home — or you can even decide when you get off the ship. Just use your best judgment in choosing with whom you go.

Have a good time, be sure to get back to the ship safely and on time, and always travel off the ship with at least one companion.

[Image credit: Luke Robinson]