Let me start by saying that this trip was not frugal - it was a milestone 20th anniversary trip, planned to coincide with my 50th birthday as well as a bucket list travel item. We most certainly made the most of it! Here are a few frugal things that happened along the way, or over the past few weeks:
Saving on things we buy
- I almost never buy anything that's on iBotta's list of branded name items for cash back, but they have been running $.10 or $.20 off of any receipt lately, so I've been taking advantage of that.
- We had some leftover NZ cash on our last day, and our hotel accepted that towards our payment (rest on credit card), which was super convenient & avoided any transaction fees.
- M & I shared lunch a few times.
- My parents requested pizza on their final night, so I used a $10 off coupon to get dinner for everyone.
Earning money
- Nothing interesting to report here other than we were both on paid time off.
Avoiding spending
- Aligned with Sam's work schedule, to get a ride to the airport. This flight was out of SFO (all of the international ones are), which is further from our house & a more expensive ride share option.
- On the way back, we used our Uber credit (purchased from gift cards) to get a ride home. The weather was terrible, and our flight landed at 6 am, so no desire to ask anyone to pick us up.
- Ate at the lounge ahead of our flight home.
- I didn't end up wearing my hiking shorts, so I will return those.
- Took advantage of the free breakfast at all three of the hotels we stayed at.
- Didn't drink a bottle of wine given to us at the winery, so I wrapped it carefully in clothes, and then put it inside my backpack, which was inside of another bag. Made it safely home, and drank it with my mom once we were back.
- We got free checked bags due to airline status & keeping the bags under the weight guidelines.
Eating what we have
- Made tzatziki bowls again, using Costco rotisserie chicken. We didn't have hummus, but they were otherwise delicious.
- Had a bowl again for lunch.
For others
- M set up a photo album for our fellow hikers, and we were able to send that out to everyone to allow for photo sharing. People loved it!
What about you? Any wins to share?
We find cushions where we can buy otherwise, on in a lifetime or significant milestones deserve to not be micromanaged financially. I'm playing with my Greece budget now.
ReplyDeleteOur Greece trip is largely covered, with the exception of food & transit while we are there (taxis, etc), as we are not renting a car. I still need to total everything up. We ended up spending much more than expected on flights, as I used BA miles & when BA changed their flight schedules, I had to cancel & rebook on United, which was much pricier. That really bumped up the cost. - Hawaii Planner
DeleteNot too shabby all things considered! Hotel breakfasts are so great - even if I am not hungry I try to go and eat because you can then eat a smaller lunch and save money!
ReplyDeleteIt's true - we had some great breakfasts along the way. My favorite was a delicious avocado toast at the winery hotel we stayed at. - HP
DeleteSo glad you are back. Traveling is just exspensive!
ReplyDeleteVery true! Fabulous, but expensive! - HP
DeleteOur very unfrugal trip is the river cruise this summer. I don't think we have ever spent so much on a trip. It will be to celebrate 50 years of marriage.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
50 years of marriage is a very worthy splurge! - HP
DeleteSounds like a fantastic trip! Cindy in the South
ReplyDeleteIt was so wonderful! - HP
DeleteGood for you for enjoying your trip to its fullest, saving money when you could without scrimping on the experiences.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good description of it - a lot of splurging, and finding ways to save that didn't impact the fun. - HP
DeleteNot Bossy here...so glad you are back and had a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteWe had an incredible time! Now back to our real life, and making good choices that enable the splurges. - HP
DeleteOther than grocery shopping and restocking my freezer, the only wins I had were to stay off Amazon, and drink only one beer when I met a friend this week. Ha! I would 100% enjoy free breakfast at a hotel, which are usually pretty good.
ReplyDeleteGood work! It's the small stuff that adds up & allows you to afford the indulgences. - HP
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