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.
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