Tactics for offsetting travel costs? (not flights or hotels)
Aug 4, 2014, 11:25 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: PHL - Go Flyers!
Programs: EMT-P
Posts: 564
Tactics for offsetting travel costs? (not flights or hotels)
I've become very good at booking flights and hotels for free. I can also offset a portion of other travel expenses using my Barclay Arrival points.
Folks, I understand that there are going to be costs associated with travelling to far away and exotic places. But if you have some tips and tricks as to how you minimize these, I'd appreciate it.
Folks, I understand that there are going to be costs associated with travelling to far away and exotic places. But if you have some tips and tricks as to how you minimize these, I'd appreciate it.
Aug 4, 2014, 11:37 am
#2
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Programs: UA 1K, AA Lifetime Platinum, DL Platinum, Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 7,970
That's a hard question to answer. For the most part, if I can get my flights and hotels for free, that's the vast majority of the cost of an international trip, so I just don't worry about the rest.
But to answer your question:
- Avoid carriers that charge YQ.
- Avoid airports that have large departure fees.
- Avoid countries that require an expensive visa to visit.
But to answer your question:
- Avoid carriers that charge YQ.
- Avoid airports that have large departure fees.
- Avoid countries that require an expensive visa to visit.
Aug 4, 2014, 5:37 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: DCA
Programs: DL FO; A3 *G; AA PLT; et cetera
Posts: 163
Pack light so you can take public transit.
In expensive cities or countries, self-cater to the extent possible. My plan of action is typically stuff myself at the hotel breakfast, eat lunch out, and self-cater dinner (sandwiches and the like--stuff you can buy at a grocery store that doesn't require cooking or implements to prepare). When eating out, lunch is often cheaper than dinner for the same food. Similar vein is that prepared food areas at grocery stores (that have them) are often good, cheap options.
Do the math to see if a combo pass for museums/sights is a good deal. Sometimes it can be a steal over paying for entries individually. In many cities these also operate as a transit pass, making them an even better deal, or at least reducing the hassle-factor of an unfamiliar transit system.
In expensive cities or countries, self-cater to the extent possible. My plan of action is typically stuff myself at the hotel breakfast, eat lunch out, and self-cater dinner (sandwiches and the like--stuff you can buy at a grocery store that doesn't require cooking or implements to prepare). When eating out, lunch is often cheaper than dinner for the same food. Similar vein is that prepared food areas at grocery stores (that have them) are often good, cheap options.
Do the math to see if a combo pass for museums/sights is a good deal. Sometimes it can be a steal over paying for entries individually. In many cities these also operate as a transit pass, making them an even better deal, or at least reducing the hassle-factor of an unfamiliar transit system.
Aug 4, 2014, 6:26 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bangkok or San Francisco
Programs: United 1k, Marriott Lifetime PE, Former DL Gold, Former SQ Solitaire, HH Gold
Posts: 11,886
Aug 4, 2014, 10:32 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: VPS
Programs: IHG Diamond, Delta PM, Hilton Gold, Accor Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 7,269
If you're going to visit major USA National Parks at least three times in a year, an Annual Pass is $80 and gets you into the express admission line in a few places like the Grand Canyon. And if someone in your car is over age 62, they can get a senior pass- $10 and good for the rest of their life.
Aug 6, 2014, 6:42 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: PHL - Go Flyers!
Programs: EMT-P
Posts: 564
Pack light so you can take public transit.
In expensive cities or countries, self-cater to the extent possible. My plan of action is typically stuff myself at the hotel breakfast, eat lunch out, and self-cater dinner (sandwiches and the like--stuff you can buy at a grocery store that doesn't require cooking or implements to prepare). When eating out, lunch is often cheaper than dinner for the same food. Similar vein is that prepared food areas at grocery stores (that have them) are often good, cheap options.
Do the math to see if a combo pass for museums/sights is a good deal. Sometimes it can be a steal over paying for entries individually. In many cities these also operate as a transit pass, making them an even better deal, or at least reducing the hassle-factor of an unfamiliar transit system.
In expensive cities or countries, self-cater to the extent possible. My plan of action is typically stuff myself at the hotel breakfast, eat lunch out, and self-cater dinner (sandwiches and the like--stuff you can buy at a grocery store that doesn't require cooking or implements to prepare). When eating out, lunch is often cheaper than dinner for the same food. Similar vein is that prepared food areas at grocery stores (that have them) are often good, cheap options.
Do the math to see if a combo pass for museums/sights is a good deal. Sometimes it can be a steal over paying for entries individually. In many cities these also operate as a transit pass, making them an even better deal, or at least reducing the hassle-factor of an unfamiliar transit system.
Aug 7, 2014, 12:48 pm
#10
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,575
The approach to food, for me, depends largely on the purpose of the trip and the city or area being visited. If it's just my wife and I and a place with great cuisine, then we'll probably pass on bland hotelfood and do something with local character. If it's a family trip, I'll probably try to find a breakfast-included hotel and maybe find a deli or grocery where a good picnic lunch can be assembled. (Still interesting and tasty food...just not a long restaurant meal.) If it's a timeshare/condo-type stay, then we might cook a meal or two...especially if there's a decent grill available.
I also eat streetfood pretty much everywhere, including places where the guidebook says "Don't eat the streetfood!" Only been a couple times...smaller towns in China, mainly...where the odor of the streetfood was too offputting for me to break through and try it.
I also eat streetfood pretty much everywhere, including places where the guidebook says "Don't eat the streetfood!" Only been a couple times...smaller towns in China, mainly...where the odor of the streetfood was too offputting for me to break through and try it.