Frugal Friday

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?