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SHOP & SPEND
WISELY
By TataMapa
WINNING AN ALL-EXPENSE
paid trip
care of Ellen DeGeneres may be at
the top of your wish list — but the lack
thereof doesn’t mean you have to travel
and bust the bank. Apart from the rule
of thumb of avoiding the mini-bar when
you can, here are a few little tricks that’ll
get you to where you’re going while
making the most of your moolah.
1
Go back to basics.
Check out
promos and deals online and
book early to get better rates. But make
sure that you’ll actually be able to take
those trips you pay for in advance —
otherwise that’s money down the drain.
Also, choose a destination that will
stretch your budget so you can really
enjoy your vacay (versus shooting for
the moon and stressing over how much
you’re spending every step of the way).
2
Crunch numbers.
Other figures to
keep track of aside from the local
exchange rate: the average cost for
meals and transportation (so you know
if you’re getting ripped off), and tips (as
those little expenses can really pile up).
3
Mind the exchange.
If possible,
avoid changing your money at the
airport as the rates are steeper there. If
it can’t be helped, stick to the amount
you need for a ride to your hotel, or what
you’ll need for the first day. Aside from
setting a budget for your foreseeable
expenses, also include a buffer for
emergencies. (Now does having to have
that bag in the store window count as a
valid one? Hmmm…)
4
Take off taxes.
Some
governments offer tax rebates
for certain expenses to tourists and
non-residents. Read the fine print to take
full advantage of this, as the mechanics
and requirements differ from country to
country.
5
Ask for more.
Check for student
and group discounts for tours
and entrance fees; see if there are any
promos or freebies for the taking; and
why not try asking for an upgrade at
your hotel? And be polite and friendly
at all times as this always translates to
better service.
CASHVSCREDIT
WHY CREDIT ROCKS
You get lay-away
plans with no added interest, bonus
promos (spend this much and win a
free fill-in-the-blank here!), and points
that can be cashed in or even converted
towards miles for your next trip. Just
make sure the conversion rate you’re
calculating with matches the one your
credit card company will be using.
WHY CASH IS KING
Cash reigns at
night markets and sidewalk food stalls.
Plus, doing things the old-fashioned way
does have its merits. If you have trouble
keeping track of your spending when it’s
so tempting to swipe your card at every
boutique, this simple premise will keep
you in line: the fewer bills you have in
your wallet, the less money you have
left for your trip!
You’ll need your credit card
when you check in at your hotel,
but for markets and street bazaars,
having ready cash is key.
09LKH Smile
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