Tip #96 - Final Checks

Another final, last minute check: it is advisable to check every detail and aspect of your luggage. This will include the handles, wheels and zippers on every suitcase and bag before leaving on your trip. Be sure and budget for the worst-case scenario that you have to replace your luggage and suitcase. If it ends up not being necessary, you have a little bit of extra cash to treat yourself and some discretionary budget spending!

Tip #95 - Verify Luggage Allowances

Always verify your luggage allowances and flight details. Without exception, always check in advance on the amount of luggage you may take. Planes, trains and coaches all have regulations regarding the amount and size of luggage. It is considered courtesy to stick to their requirements and can save you a lot of embarrassment, added expense, aggravation, and trouble.

Tip #94 - Pack A Bottle

Bottled water and beverages are often sold at much higher than normal prices at tourists attractions. A money-saver tip is to bring along lightweight plastic flask to be filled with water, fruit juice, or whatever you prefer. Carry it in your shoulder bag and again resist the urge to splurge to quench your thirst!

Tip #93 - Utilize local resources

Utilize local resources and access their expertise knowledge in order to cut down on costs. Get information and coupons for special attractions, family passes and two-for-one offers, free coupon booklets or special discounted offers and tickets you might not be able to find anywhere else. They also send material and guides in advance that can help you plan, budget, compare and decide when, where, how and why, soon, sooner, soonest!

Tip #92 - Plane Seating Arrangements

Seating arrangements on the plane can be done in advance or at time of booking even. Ensure you get what is comfortable for you, verify upon check-in, and boarding that you have what you need, requested and paid for. Who knows, you might just score and upgrade if seats are available.

Tip #91 - Holiday Homework

Be SMART and informed about public holidays, special events, concerts and attractions in the countries and areas you plan to be visiting. This has been mentioned many times in my blog posts. By doing your homework early and coming up with budgetary categories and discretionary funds for entertainment and special events helps you with priorities, plan itineraries, save and execute a memorable and unforgettable trip.

Tip #90 - A Staple Essential

A staple essential is tissue and toilet paper in your shoulder bag. Some suggest toilet seat covers as well. Hygiene will go long way to protect you from disease and illness. Something you definitely do not need while on vacation is getting sick or infected! Hand sanitizer and wipes are other small travel essential you can consider for your pockets or travel bag when you are out and about your dream destination, taking in the sights.

Tip #89 - Avoid The Rain

An inexpensive, fold-up raincoat or poncho can be a life and money-saver. Always have either that or a collapsible umbrella with you. Being prepared for the occasional downpour is better than being soaked and getting sick in the process.

Tip #88 - Can't Afford Tipping

Do not sweat the small stuff. If you cannot afford tipping near the end of your trip due to a drained budget, do not worry about tipping! A heartfelt thank you or honest explanation, smile and kindness, even a hand with the luggage is sometimes enough for people to know you care and appreciate their effort, gesture and service.

Tip #87 - Accept and Appreciate Local Customs

Utilize and optimize local knowledge, customs and hospitality. Learn, accept and appreciate the customs of the country you are visiting. Go with the flow and enjoy the culture, music, food and kindness of the area and its people!

Sometimes you will be surprised that it does not even cost you a cent to have a good time and share with others. Who knows, you may get a better shopping bargain if you know how to speak like the locals.

Tip #86 - Budget for Gifts

Budget categories often overlook include gifts for others. If you are purchasing souvenirs and mementos for friends, leave some money in a discretionary or personal allowance category. If running low on capital, a personalized post-card mailed from the location is always seen as thoughtful and valued because others feel flattered that you took the time to think about them and buy, write and sent it.

Do make a list prior to your departure with all you want to purchase gifts for and the amount you want to or can spend. Check the names off as you make your purchases. Avoid utilizing your credit card as we tend to over-spend and over-extend ourselves.

Tip #85 - Hotel Identification

Carrying identification and hotel or resort location information and telephone number on your person is advisable. The easiest way is to simply ask the front-desk attendant for a business card when you check in. Some hotels will provide a card with their address, contacts, a mini vicinity map, and even a space for you to write your room number on. This again will save you time and money when finding your way back to your hotel. It comes in extremely handy should you ever get lost and need to find your way or for taxi drivers. Might even save a buck or two!

Tip #84 - Avoid Overwhelming Schedules

Do not overburden yourself with an overwhelming schedule that will leave you feeling like you need the vacation when you arrive back home from your trip. Maximizing and optimizing your budget and trip does not mean doing everything thinkable, imaginable and under the sun, that you can afford and fit in! You are doing a disservice to the purpose, goal and process that is savvy travelling! You should not feel that you have to do everything to get your money's worth. There is nothing wrong with relaxing and taking a breather along the way.

Tip #83 - Spare Batteries

Back-up plans for ‘energy-sources’ for your technology devices. It was suggested earlier that you take rechargeable batteries and a charge kit with you. It could also be prudent perhaps, to carry a spare set of batteries for your camera, radio, camcorder and other multi-media devices. Batteries are not always available overseas and often cost considerably more.

Tip #82 - Free Style Cruising

Free-style cruising has become a popular choice for those who prefer a truly leisure-style vacation. It is highly open and leaves tourists with the final option and decision on what event and when they want to participate in. This is your trip, so just remember that any of the offshore excursions normally have to be paid for separately. In some cases, any drinks and alcohol is additional too. Family cruises and all-inclusive options also offer good alternatives for most budgets.

Tip #81 - Travel Cup

Travel-custom accessories like a collapsible cup are worth a lot, for those times and every moment when you need some water from a fountain, faucet or hose to re-hydrate! This is an inexpensive item to invest in that will not break the budget one bit, save you money in the process and is light to pack. This is a must-have for any would-be traveller – especially those travelling with young kids.

Tip #79 - Some Free Time

Mostly people say time is money! Generally true, indulge a bit in this category and give yourself some free or spare time for visiting a fascinating place, a special shop, or a hidden off-the-beaten path, place or activity you really do not want to miss! Do not over-extend or over-schedule yourself. There are only 24 hours in a day after all!

Tip #78 - Attraction Details

Be SMART and check all details of tourist locations and attractions, pricing and more before departing to the location or event. Always check the admission and operating hours. It is very disappointing to find things closed when you expect them to be open. Remember to check on special holidays as well. Do not spend or waste the money on the ground-transportation to get your all the way there and back – only to be deeply disappointed!

Tip #77 - Special Diets

Special dietary requirements need special budgeting and attention to detail. Specifying this up-front is crucial to avoid any surcharges and or additional cost for special meals. For most travel providers it is no problem. Shopping at a local grocer, market or deli are all ways to stretch that “meal” ticket and travel dollar just a little further.

If you are in a self-contained unit with its own kitchen and fridge, you can cut your costs even further by buying some essentials and snacks, small meals in-room will cut down meal and entertainment expenses tremendously.

Tip #76 - Do Not Skip Meals

Nutritional tip to save some money: Do not skip meals in order to save money! It is mostly counter-productive as most possibly, you would need medication for headaches as your blood-sugar drops and overall it is not worthwhile jeopardizing the rest of your trip in this fashion.

It is in fact not economizing and SMART travelling at all skipping meals. Travel activity and sightseeing takes energy. Fuel your human engine. Fresh fruit and local produce offer good alternatives to fast food or hefty restaurant bills. A good and healthy breakfast is a must to get your blood-sugar level up after a night without food.