1. Opt for a seat in the back of the plane
When you check your bags in (p.s. don't be one of those jerks that brings a whole suitcase on as your carry on, but more on that later) ask the gate agent if there are any empty rows available that they can book you in. Since most people prefer to sit at the front of the plane, the back of the plane usually has a few rows of empty, unloved seats. You can also check this yourself if you check in online, but the gate agent can prevent anyone else from booking seats beside you. Once you've taken off, kick your shoes off and stretch out across all four seats! Business class space for the economy class price. People may give you dirty looks, but hey, that's what eye masks are for, blocking the haters out ;)
2. Bring your own snacks
Everyone knows that airports and hotels usually overcharge you for snacks and drinks, so why not bring your own? I always try to book hotels that have breakfast included, but for those mid-day munchies, I like to pack my own snacks from home. Stocking up on Kind or granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, popcorn, and teas will make sure that you snack healthy while you're away and stick to your budget for food. I also like to take an empty water bottle with me so that I can stay hydrated. S'well makes a metal water bottle that keeps whatever you put inside cold for up to 24 hours without refrigeration.
3. Befriend a local
If you don't already have friends or family that live in the country you're visiting the next best thing is to befriend a local person. They'll be able to help you navigate the city, find authentic local food, and help you to save money by avoiding tourist traps. When I was in Istanbul, my local friend took me to a restaurant I would have never gone to on my own, that had amazing baklava and turkish coffee, and also talked to taxi drivers to help get me to where I wanted to go quickly and inexpensively. In Tanzania, my local friend saved me a ton of money buying souvenirs by speaking for me and negotiating prices. Like I've said before, people in other countries hear my American accent and think I'm rich, so having a local person to inquire about pricing for me was a big money saver.
4. Turn off your wifi and cellular data and still use Google Maps to navigate your way around a foreign city
I found this one out by accident but it has helped me out so many times and saved me a ton on data roaming charges. Chances are your hotel will at least have free wifi in the lobby. Before heading out for your day of exploring, search for wherever it is you want to go and click to begin navigation. Once you leave the hotel you'll lose the wifi signal and you'll get a notification that your data is not working but good ole Google Maps will continue to navigate you to your destination, even if you have wifi and cellular data turned off. If you really get into a pinch and need to navigate your way to another location but have no wifi, you can briefly turn on your cellular data and roaming to get Google Maps started and then turn it back off once you're on your way, it'll still work the same. You're welcome!
And finally, not a money saving tip but a time saving one. Try to be the last person to check in for your flight and close to the last person to board the plane. You won't be stuck sitting in your seat on the plane waiting for everyone to board, your luggage will be put on last and therefore be the first to be taken off, and you'll be able to easily see those empty rows of seats that are just waiting for you to nap on. Plus, if you're not one of those jerks that brings a whole suitcase on as your carry on, you'll be able to quickly maneuver your way off the plane and power walk (feel the burn!) to customs. Also, since I'm off on a tangent, keep your fashion accessories to a minimum (no belts, coins, bobby pins, shoes with laces) and your time at security will be a breeze.
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