1. Want to Save Money? Just Ask!
Always ask for a discount. I have saved a bunch of money by simple asking for a discount. It's fun to try. A room may already be cheap but I've saved even more by asking for a reduced rate. It helps if you are staying longer than a day or two and you are using cash. In Joćo Pessoa, Brazil, I talked the manager down from $12 a night to $10. The room was the best in the hotel with a beautiful view of the ocean. There may have been 50 rooms but this was the only one with a view. I know it's not a big price difference, but it's sort of a thrill to get a nice room at a good price even cheaper.
2. Guide Books
At the heart of any cheap adventure. Their are only two - Lonely Planet and Let's Go. No other guidebooks come close.
3. Don't Over Pay Once in Your New Country
The important thing to remember especially when traveling in a third world country is not to pay first world prices for things, believe me, the locals will be happy charging you "American prices". It's funny whenever something was kind of expensive I would say they're charging American prices. You need to be careful even though something may seem inexpensive it could be much more than locals would pay.
4. Save on Food
Supplement your diet with cheap foods like ramen noodles, make you own sandwiches. Use a electric immersion heater and ceramic cup to boil water in your room for coffee, tea, soup, oatmeal, etc.
5. Quick List of Money Saving Ideas
- Visit third world countries
- Don't give money to beggars
- Don't agree to any street hustle
- Do not take taxis
- Take the cheap buses
- Don't buy expensive travel gear
- Use a digital camera over film
- Sleep at the cheapest places
- Eat at cheap local places
- Don't buy souvenirs
- Don't use guides for anything
6- Travelers Checks
Don't use traveler's checks. They may be safe but it is a hassle hunting down their offices in the country and they charge like 5% to cash them. Big rip off. Use a Debit card instead. I've use a Visa Debit card around the world without any problems.
7. Voluntary Simplicity
Live cheap at home so you can travel more often - read "Your money or your life" to put things in perspective