Inexpensive travel?
 

Buy tickets early, pack lightly, sleep in B&Bs or private rooms and eat at McDonald's. More ideas?

Buying tickets early and packing lightly may not save you money, though packing lightly can sure make getting around easier. If you travel at a peak time it probably pays to book hotels early (especially the budget places) before they book up. But I've gotten great deals on airline tickets even a few weeks before departure, probably not worse than people got booking them six months in advance.

I would suggest learning the public transit system in a city and using it instead of taking taxis. Sometimes using a bus may help you book cheaper lodgings in a place that would otherwise be difficult to get to.

Buy city cards such as Roma Pass.

Stay for longer periods in few places- hopping on a train or a plane every 3 days adds up.

Rent apartments and book them early, because the best of the cheapies go fast.

Look for pensions that have mini-fridges in the rooms.

Buy groceries. Eat real food.

Avoid the "penny-wise pound-foolish" way of thinking. Know when spending a little more means lots back in return.

Eat at small places where the locals dine....not McDonalds. Yuck!

In the cities, there is lots of inexpensive take-away food to choose from. Check out the farmer's markets and grocery stores also.

margy

I agree with margyb...I usually eat in family style bistros or trattoria, buy picnic lunches and splash out for a few memorable meals. I refuse to go to McDonald's or any such fast food joints. Then again I don't eat at McDonald's at home either.

Switzerland:

Forget McDonald's. They are quite expensive here.

Go to Migros, Coop or self-serve Manor restaurants. Buy picnics. Eat out of your backpack while hiking.

Look at dorm room beds in hostels versus B&Bs, buy food in the markets for picnics (a Big Mac meal will run $10 plus), walk as much as possible and check out all the free activities. (Some museums/attractions are $20 plus.)

GSteed, what do you consider to be "inexpensive". Since it is all relative, you might want to give us some guidelines.

pack picnics and ditto on the public trans....

what would be the cheap eats places in different cities, I think I remember a sandwich place called Treats in England, pretty good

Agree mainly, but not sure about "buy tickets early". I generally pre-book very little before I leave, and I find things cheaper if I just turn up than if I try to prebook on the web before leaving home.

McDonald's is not always cheap. I prefer grocery stores or bakeries or street food instead.

Drink wine not soda.

I'd take a lesser hotel over a nice B&B myself (for more privacy).

Look for free things to do - concerts, street markets, local events, etc.

last 2 summers i exchanged houses !!!
fantastic experience and ...so cheap !!!
ciao