Boston Cost Breakdown: Do More With Less

As guest blogger Ryan Latone always tells us, "Do more with less". We practice this in our every day lives as well as on our travels. Unfortunately, Americans do not believe in vacation days the same way other countries do, so we already START with LESS. We spent 3 days and 4 nights in Boston for this visit (only 2 vacation days). Below is the cost breakdown.

Category	Total	Per Person
Flight	$300	$150
Transportation	$126	$63
Activities	$159	$80
Food	$312	$156
Accommodations	$308	$154
Gifts	$62	$31
Total	$1,267	$634

The big money saver were flights and accommodations. This DID NOT involve using any type of rewards (hotels or credit card). This was purely looking for deals. Deals can help you do more with less. 

Flights
On average, people like planning in advance. They love having their flight booked and a roof over their head. We can't blame them, it is a great feeling to know everything is done... but what is it worth? United has "last minute" deals that are very time restricted. The offer usually has to be purchased by the end of the week and actually take off by then too. Typically the trip ranges 3-6 days. Southwest has a similar offer, but it is seasonal and usually gives you more time the prepare. This is actually how we found our flight to Boston. For those that need the comfort of purchase in advance, United has a Special Offer page.

Get with your preferred airline and set e-mail alerts for deals and specials! You are only hurting your wallet if you don't!

Sleeping

Accommodations are a make or break deal for vacations. After all, you do spend about a third of your day in your bed.  For us, that is all we use it for... and storage for our luggage. There are many types of accommodations, including hotels, condos, hostels, bed and breakfasts, and apartments. We wrote a compare and contrast article for Hostels and Hotels, but don't let that limit your choices. Hostels aren't as prevalent in America as they are in Europe. Bed and Breakfast places are usually in remote locations. Renting apartments/condos is on the rise though. We tried out AirBnB which does exactly that. Guest Blogger Ryan Latone tried this in Puerto Rico with great success, so we gave it a shot. We found a great deal and honestly, we got what we paid for. It was a bed in a room with a shared bathroom. Not once did we see the other guest. Our room had it's own key and we had clean sheets... we were set. 

Don't be afraid to try new things.

Budget travelling makes you feel so accomplished that so much was done on so little. Check out some of our previous trips like 9 days in Alaska for $150/day or Saving while visiting Chicago on a holiday weekend

Budget Travel Tips ( Written by Guest Blogger Marlana Salmon Letelier)

Have you ever found yourself using the excuse, “I don’t have money to travel!”  Worse….have you ever found yourself actually believing it?

Think again.  Traveling does not have to be an expensive extravaganza.   I actually spend less when I travel than I do when I’m home! 

After traveling to over 27 countries on a student and teacher budget, here are my tips for keeping travel affordable:

1.      Credit card points and airline alliance numbers

We all spend money, right?  You might as well get airline points for it!  I have already gotten two free international round-trip flights, two free domestic round-trip flights, and two free international one-way flights this year by using the United Airlines Mileage Plus Mastercard and the Southwest Airlines Visa.  Just by opening the credit cards, you will earn a huge chunk of points.  You will continue to earn points as you use the card.  In addition to this, I am a member of their loyalty programs so that when I fly on either one of these airlines or any airline in alliance with them I earn additional points. These points all add up to free flights!  Do be sure to pay your credit cards off on time so as not to incur interest fees, which would defeat the purpose of saving money.  To learn more about airline alliances, go to the following link: http://www.lowfares.com/blog/2010/05/07/understanding-airline-alliances-can-save-you-money/

2.      Affordable accommodation

The best deal I’ve ever had was a private room with homemade breakfast and transport from the train station included for $6! Try the following websites:

·         Hostelworld.com

·         Hostels.com

·         Airbnb.com (If you aren’t up for staying in a hostel, you can find a cheap apartment to rent and split with other people.  My best deal with this website so far has been a $13 stay/per night in Paris.  You can also go as luxurious or as cheap as you want with this page.  Highly recommend.)

·         Couchsurfing.org (For the VERY adventurous, this is your free option.   Get ready to open up your couch too and to meet some great people!)

3.      Grocery stores

Why go out to eat every day when you can grab something cheap at a local grocery store or market?  You can either get something easy to make like bread and peanut butter or get more creative and use your accommodation’s kitchen (often available).

4.      Research scams/prices before traveling

Be aware of common scams in the area where you are traveling so you don’t fall into them!  Also, know the exchange rates, tipping info, and typical pricing information BEFORE you end up in a new place.  Being informed can help you avoid being ripped off.

5.      Public transport and walking!

Why pay for expensive transportation when you could just figure out the metro/bus system and/or walk?  I see the best parts of cities by walking all around them, and I save a ton of money in the meantime.  If you are in good shape and limited on time, you can also do a running tour.  My husband and I have done this in Thailand and were able to run from tourist site to tourist site rather than pay for expensive transportation.  We were able to see a LOT, enjoy the city, and get some good exercise!

6.      Don’t get caught in tourist traps

Do you really need to pay for that tour guide?  Sometimes it IS worth it, and sometimes it is just as useful to use a good guidebook or print some information off the Internet before you go.  Research this and use your money wisely. 

7.      Bank ATM’s and international credit cards without fees

Check with your bank to see if it partners with banks in the countries you are visiting.  With Bank of America, I often have options for ATM’s where I can take out money without a fee and with a direct exchange rate.  Also, you can use an international credit card such as the United Mileage Plus card and the Southwest Visa previously mentioned.  Neither one charges an international fee.  You will also get a direct exchange rate when you use them around the world.  Just be sure that the store where you are using it doesn’t tack on an extra charge for credit cards.

8.      Sleeping while in transit

Want to save a night in a hotel and take full advantage of your travel time during the day?  Take overnight bus/train/airplane transportation and skip a night in a hotel.  Just be sure to sleep!

9.      Set a budget per day

If you are really tight on money, calculate how much you have to spend the entire trip, set a budget per-day and stick to it!

10.  Save free food for later

That airplane food that you think you don’t want at the time….SAVE IT!  You might need a snack later.  IT’S FREE FOOD….  And if you don’t want it later, give it to a homeless person you pass on the street. 

11.  Discounts (it never hurts to ask!)

Always be sure to ask for discounts at museum’s and tourist sites!  And always remember to bring your student card if applicable. 

12.  Refillable water bottle

In countries where tap water is safe to drink, I save SO much money by bringing my stainless steel water bottle and refilling it everywhere I go.  No $3 waters for me.

13.  Rent out your apartment/house while you are gone

You can also use airbnb.com to rent out your apartment/house while you are traveling.  You can pay your rent that way and get some extra travel money while you’re gone! 

Most importantly, just remember that extravagant does not equal memorable.  You can travel cheaply and simply and make some incredible memories.  There really is something magical about a dirt cheap backpacking trip!  Happy travels everyone!

 

Bio:

Marlana Salmon Letelier is an EdD student in the field of international educational development at Teachers College, Columbia University.  Her research focuses on post-conflict curriculum development and policy, cultural and religious presentations in curriculum, and peace and human rights education. She holds an MTS from Harvard University in Multiculturalism and Religion with a focus in Education.  Previously she has served as a Teach for America Corps Member working as a high school math teacher in an inner city school in Bridgeport, CT, USA.

She loves to travel and has been to over 27 countries including around the Middle East, Europe, South America, Central America, Africa and Asia.  Her favorite type of traveling involves adventure, cultural immersion, learning about history, genuine interaction with locals, time in nature and simplicity.  Traveling brings out the best in her, and each trip reenergizes her and gives her the space and experiences to grow.  She loves to see others experience the joy of traveling throughout their lives and discourages people from waiting to travel only after retiring.  Her motto is, “If you want to do something, do it as soon as possible….otherwise you may never have the chance.” 

Hotels Vs. Hostels

We have stayed in both youth hostels and hotels. Hollywood has caused people to get a bad taste in their mouth when they hear the word "hostel," but they are not as dangerous and creepy as the movies make them seem. I will be giving my point of view about both options.

Notice the lockers here, Big plus!

8 person room in Hostel  Alessandro in Rome (2 of 2)

Youth Hostels are definitely for the social traveler. I love meeting everyone in my room, and those roomies become instant mates to go experience nightlife. Many hostels give options for how many roommates you would like to have. Rooms with 4, 6, 8, 12, your choice. The more the merrier in my opinion!

Pizza Dinner with Hostel in Florence

For a traveler on a budget, the more roommates you have, the cheaper the bed. There will be all female/male rooms if that appeals to you more. Most of the time you will be given a locker to put your backpack in (yet another reason to ditch the massive bag and travel with only a backpack!), a set of bed clothes (sheets/blanket if you don't know what bed clothes are), and a bed. Many youth hostels host nightly events, such as pub crawls or pizza dinners. Several youth hostels have kitchens with large refrigerators to store food, if this is the budget-friendly route you would like to go. Most have free wifi and computers to use if you need one. Many times hostels are situated in the hotspots of big cities at a WAY cheaper price compared to surrounding hotels. Some things to consider: You don't have as much privacy (obviously) in a room with 11 other people, and most of the time you share an all female or male community bathroom/showers. If you are a light sleeper like me, you will hear your roommates coming in from the bar at 4 am or leaving to catch a train at 5 am. You hear the snoring, farting, and shifting of the others. All roommates I have encountered have been as courteous as possible about their noise level.  Things to know before you go: It is normal for the hostel to require your passport to make a copy (I silently freaked out in my head the first time this happened). Bring a lock to put on your locker, if you forgot yours, most places sell some. Pack a small hand towel for baths, and on that subject. Don't expect long, hot showers,  plugs with converters, or lots of mirrors to get ready. Be respectful of others. I sleep with my purse under my pillow or against my body (I'm a light sleeper so I could hear a person before s/he could touch my stuff).  RESEARCH the hostel. Look on tripadvisor or a similar website to read the reviews. If the website has many typos, poor sentence grammar, crappy pictures, don't choose that place!!!!! Many of the chain youth hostels are very reliable. I have never felt unsafe or scared in a youth hostel. Don't put yourself in a situation to be a victim and you won't regret choosing a hostel!

Not all are pretty - Hostel my brother and I got in Amsterdam

Hotel in Cinque Terre - La Spiaggia

Hotels are a great escape for those travelers who want privacy. Once again, RESEARCH the hotel before you book it. Hotels are more expensive than hostels. Many (especially in SE Asia) boast breakfast buffets, have comfortable beds, wifi, your own shower, mirror, etc. Some may even have their own exercise room and hotel pool which can all be enjoyable! If you land a crappy hotel, you didn't do your research. With the World Wide Web making everything available at your fingertips, there is no excuse to stay in a bad hotel. Many hotels are in strange neighborhoods, far away from any attractions, so be aware of the surroundings. If we book a hotel outside the city, it will be near a train station or metro station for easy access. Use discount websites like expedia or the Aussie version wotif.

Relaxing by the pool in Bangkok!

Some things to consider: If you are the type of traveler who likes to sleep late, lounge around the hotel, and rest, then hotels are for you! If not….I wouldn't waste my money if all you will be doing is sleeping for 5 hours (who sleeps when there is so much to see and do!) and taking a quick shower. Your idea of breakfast may differ from the hotel's idea of breakfast. Never use the comforter….EVER…in ANY country. Things to know before you go: The concierge will ask for your passport to make copies. Lock bags before leaving hotel. Be courteous and it will be returned. Speak up! If the room isn't clean…say something!

Puripunn Baby Grand Boutique Hotel Bath

Angkor Pearl Hotel making our Honeymoon special!