Do you ever regret going too cheap on a trip?

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Ill-Refrigerator9653@reddit

I went to Vietnam last year and it was pretty good with price

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This is life man! We do things at the moment then regret about that later. Now coming to the point, if u r short of money (ur feeling) then ofc save otherwise spend it, after all we get to live only once!!

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Forsaken_Insurance92@reddit

If I'm on a vacation, I don't skimp once I'm there. If I wanted to save money, I wouldn't go on the vacation. I would rather do "shoestring travel" vs "shoestring trips." Flights? Sure, I'll switch airlines, book cheaper seats, use points, etc. I'll book a cheaper rental car. Shorten my trip to make it cheaper (or sometimes extend it to make it cheaper). Once I'm where I'm going, though, I'm getting the nicest airbnb. I'm going to the restaurants I want to go to. The museums, theme parks, attractions I want to go to. I'm getting the souvenirs I want. If I saved $400 between the flights/car/whatever, I'm still saving money if I spend $200 on shit I want to do.

What's the point of going on a vacation if you're on reddit posting about missing out on things that are right there for you to do? If you feel like you're missing out on things you really want to do, is it actually worth it? You saved $600 on this trip, cool, but you still really want to go do X thing so 6 months or a year from now, you book another trip to the exact same place that costs $800 just so you can do that one thing you could've done for $40 while you were already there and technically saved nothing.

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OkFaithlessness2652@reddit

Although there is much wisedom in your post this really matters on your budget. Even when sort of broke you still can travel the world, but eying cheap countries, skipping restaurants, bring your own lunch and avoid drinking beer ect at a terras but enjoy all the great attractions, musea, ect is highly reachable.

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Forsaken_Insurance92@reddit

I mean, aside from the skipping restaurants, you basically said the same thing. My point was don't skip things you really want to do for the sake of saving $20, save the $20 on your tickets instead. Cheap travel, not cheap trips. If you'd rather do attractions/museums/whatever, then skip the restaurants, but some people (like me) like going out to eat, too. Some people would rather skip an attraction to go out to eat. Some people, like my cousin, want to try local beer/microbrews in every country so skipping beer wouldn't work for him because that's his equivalent of attractions/museums.

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RetiredNFlorida@reddit

After I have come that far I definitely go for the good stuff!!!

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PawPrintsInFocus@reddit

Agree. Get there as cheaper as you can and then stay in a comfortable environment. See all the tourist spots on your list

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7thpostman@reddit

This. Skimp on getting there, don't skimp on being there.

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NotAFishEnt@reddit

Generally in life, skimp on the things you don't care about so you can spend on the things you do care about

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OkFaithlessness2652@reddit

Somehow a lot of things have a sweet spot.

I still love hostels but tend to stick to the 8/9/10 on Booking and hostel world, check for recent reviews from western (preferably European) people (because their standards are more align). Also look for the lower end of bed so 3-8. Not the massive dorms.

I love walking so no problem there unless with all my stuff. A cab is probably worth it.

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felizpelotonne@reddit

All the time. Every time I book economy and I’m cramped in row 34 with the bathroom smells. Now that I’m older and have kids we so travel a certain way… but man I did my time with hostels and overnight buses. It’s part of the experience!!!!

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inailedyoursister@reddit

This is the circle of life.

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Zangberry@reddit

life's all about balance. Skimping can lead to missed experiences, but overspending can leave you broke

Finding that sweet spot is tricky.

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MiosesDeeken98@reddit (OP)

The bathroom row is a different level of character building 😭 i feel like there’s a phase where you just accept all of it as part of the story, but i can also see how once youve done it enough you’re like okay ive proven my point lol. do you actually miss that phase at all or nah?

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felizpelotonne@reddit

I do miss it! I was young and traveled the world kid free. Now that i have kids, trips are shorter and highly planned. I do miss the “this place is awesome, let’s stay another night” type vibe. Younger people on a budget have the most actual fun when traveling, imo. Not luxury stuffy shit that’s manufactured fun.

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Safe_Statistician_72@reddit

Just waiting until your kids are grown and outbod the house and you have plenty of money and time to do whatever you want.

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inmidSeasonForm@reddit

Said I back in the day. Turned 50 and got cancer. Seize the day, people.

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BikeInternational412@reddit

I am at this stage and let me tell you, it’s glorious.

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number7child@reddit

I like the bathroom row because nobody is kicking your seat.

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develop99@reddit

True but there's often someone grabbing the top of your seat as they wait in line for the bathroom

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WarmWindow2@reddit

had a guy on a flight, twas my ex and I, he was across the mid of the plane to us. I. swear. to. God. he had to have had a GI problem or something, I don't blame or shame him but he farted the most atrocious farts I have ever smelled in my life about every 5-10 minutes without fail. It was like being in a microwave with dead fish and rotten eggs lol. we had a good laugh about it but every time I fly i debate upgrading just because of that.

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flatoutsask@reddit

They don’t fart in First Class?

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Saharamiluv@reddit

guilty

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balancedperspective0@reddit

It's a tough balance. If saving a few bucks leaves you exhausted or makes you miss a unique landmark, it's not worth it. Don't compromise the actual experience just to save a tiny bit.

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LegitimateRope8757@reddit

So far? Not really. Mostly because I do enjoy just strolling around the city and hiking in the nature. Most paid attractions at least for me are not worth it since I don't want to go to a museum or some other similar place.

Next I've never regretted not staying in a hotel room. Hostels are always a way to go

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CutIllustrious5040@reddit

Definitely

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Lopsided-Form-7752@reddit

Finally got to make my bucket list trip to Hawaii. We stayed on two islands: Maui and Kawaii. 90% of Kawaii is only accessible/viewable from a helicopter. I spent $400 for an hour flight around the island. This is waaaay more than I would typically spend on an excursion, but I thought I may never get back there and getting there, and staying there was expensive so I decided to spend the money. It was SPECTACULAR! Zero regrets.

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WiolOno_@reddit

My personal opinion, budgeting on food is a good bet. One good meal is nice, but keep it affordable is my personal opinion.

But lodging, you wanna make sure that’s good and ideally close to where you’re gonna be. Or close to transit, cannot stress this enough.

My biggest regrets have been around lack of research actually. Not knowing enough about what I was getting into before going.

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Ok-Promotion3608@reddit

Something that works for us is buy lunch out, it’s usually a little more reasonable and you are most likely out and about during the day anyway. Also not as packed at some of the great spots. We hit the grocery and eat dinner most nights at the room after a shower and wind down. Also some snacks and cold drinks are great to have to pack around just in case you end up in a place without food options for a while during your day. But never say never on going out for a night on the town too to experience the evening vibe!

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Recent-Camel-5848@reddit

Food is a varied one, I'll always splurge on the local cuisine because food for me is part of travel (although Tbf usually their cuisine is usually the cheaper option) but I won't waste money getting like an eggs Benedict in a random country when I know it's easy to get at home, I'd instead go for something cheap and light if it's food from my regular diet

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kireidinosaur@reddit

Lodging. That’s where I am always willing to splurge a bit. Too many bad hotel and motel experiences.

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Ok-Promotion3608@reddit

This. Do the math and sometimes it comes down to $20 difference to choose a better hotel. I skimped in MX with a place that had roosters waking me up EARLY and a fluorescent light that even though it was off kept buzzing and lighting in the night. Next night - new hotel! You don’t have to go crazy on the expensive hotel, lots of smaller ones with character.

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Rich-Business9773@reddit

Of course! If you travel alot and arent uber wealthy it happens often. As you make more money you upgrade to better places to stay, best food, easier access etc. But you can go too far and make it too cushy and canned. Traveling cheap was my most interesting phase in retrospect.. especially in places around Africa. But I am happy not riding in the back of a truck or a crowded mutatu as I have kids in tow now. Still, not quite the same

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Nomeismytomb@reddit

I regret/avoid going "too cheap" in every aspect of my life. Buy half buy twice!

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InvestedOcelot@reddit

Those savings do add up over a life time especially if you are carrying debt besides some people like sweaty and annoyed. Seriously though everyone's situation is different and its good you are not spending recklessly.

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Fireflykoala@reddit

Yes. Now I buy extra leg room on planes, pay for a/c during hot weather, and reserve lodging within a very short walking distance of the main sites.

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Pale_Muscle_585@reddit

Just remember you are there for the experience. So if walking saves money then do it. I wouldn’t walk in rain, but when planning your trip, put aside maybe like $100 just in case you want to do something or need to pay for that short ride. Be well worth it.
I have to say. All my trips we plan on are planned out and paid ahead if we can even how we are getting there. I remember we walked 5 miles to get to our destination that was tough

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Lowlife_Grifter@reddit

Yes. Any time we stay with friends or family. My husband loves to do this and I hate it.

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NewleafNeeded@reddit

Hey but I get to go to more places because I go the cheap routes. You will never see everything a country has to offer you. You just plan to go back and put that place on the list and soon your list is full and you have to pick the places out of a hate. Hey that’s what life should be. Exploring and finding new things

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Safe-Thanks6114@reddit

I was on a South American trip and did an overnight bus crossing the border from Ecuador to Peru. I got the cheapest bus instead of the Directo. The bus was hot and packed we made a stop before the transfer and I didn’t understand that’s where I was supposed to go in and get my exit stamp for my passport. We then waited like 3 hours in the middle of the night for the connecting bus. When it came it took us to customs and asked where my stamp was and I told them I didn’t have one. I had to take a taxi (a dune buggy actually) back to customs to get my exit stamp, then back to enter Peru and my bus was gone so I had to take an even more packed economy bus to Trujillo. I got there and it was early morning but bought 3 beers for a dollar and had tons of ceviche in the next couple days. Later I discovered VIP busses that were literally $20 more and like first class all the way with fully recline seats and meal service.

TLDR always take the directo when traversing international borders with limited language skills.

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Recent-Camel-5848@reddit

Same for Vietnam like trust me, just buy the VIP sleeper bus it's worth it 😭

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Recent-Camel-5848@reddit

Easier said than done of course but I have to remind myself why did I come here unless I do things ? I went Australia last year and was like damn scuba diving is expensive here compared to south east Asia for example, but then again I initially wanted to see the north east for the Great Barrier Reef so sometimes you just gotta spend it. You don't fly halfway across the world to just see the hotel room and walk around

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PocketPanache@reddit

Every time I'm cheap, I regret it

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No_Gap_2341@reddit

Do the things!

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JealousDebate6062@reddit

I dont mind and uncomfortable flight but if you dropped 2k for exmaple but having a way worse tike to save 200 dollars, then your screwing up. Just budget for it.

For example, I went to Universal for a busy time and paid 329 a person for express passes. Mind you my tickets were only a 100 bucks. By 9:00am every ride had a 2 hour wait. My lines were 20 minutes and rode every ride that day. I don't regret it all

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polymath-nc@reddit

We once rented a cheap car for a two-week trip with a lot of driving. We regretted it on the third day. Very uncomfortable and an awful turning radius. Another time, we rented the car on our way out of town, and didn't realize it had cigarette smoke residue until the next day. We couldn't swap it away from home. Lesson learned twice: drive the car at least a day before leaving home. Put it through its paces.

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Asleep-Chocolate-@reddit

I went to London several years ago and went cheap for my hotel room. The room ended up being a disgusting dump. The fire alarm went off multiple times while I was there also. I paid in full and wasn’t able to get my $$$ back. I was there for about ten days. I hardly spent any time in my room, but it was just so gross. I wish I would have read more reviews and that I would have spent a little more $$ to get a nicer room. An Airbnb would have even been better but I was nervous about staying in one by myself.

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hamburglar0-0@reddit

Skimp on things that don’t bother you. I am not the biggest foodie. I pack pb&js when I travel instead of trying local cuisines (unless I know in advance there is something special) I don’t pass up on experiences if I think they are unique. If you spend all this time working just to save money for vacations & then on vacation you worry about money, then you have wasted your vacation.

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DisastrousVanilla422@reddit

I’ve got great stories that come from doing things cheap. Never know what you will find walking. I got chased by prostitutes in Paris, saw a kid pissing in the middle of the street right after that. I almost got stranded in a ferry terminal in Germany, leading to meeting a great couple people, being woken up by armed guards while sleeping on benches waiting for a train. I found great food and beautiful views walking or getting off the bus at the wrong stop instead of just taking a taxi.

Maybe sometimes I missed out on some stuff but I experienced the area of others.

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trailtwist@reddit

Walking 20 minutes is literally nothing lol

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ImpressiveBrother664@reddit

Every. Single. Time.

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JWoo-53@reddit

Yes - and hotel ruins the whole trip

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a_moron_in_a_hurry@reddit

I find myself more regretting not planning ahead more than I should have. For a recent trip to Europe, thanks to lessons learned, my wife and I planned about 8 months in advance. We bought tickets to attractions incrementally so that it wasn’t a giant shock to the budget when we were there (also targeted days where prices were lowest). This helps because we didn’t feel like we were missing anything. We had a clear itinerary for each day.

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BrainwaveWizard@reddit

Only on my honeymoon. 😂

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NecessaryBowl@reddit

I chose a slightly cheaper hostel once that ended up having bed bugs. Big regrets

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porfizzz@reddit

Not to assume your age here, just my experience: this is a realization I came to in my late 20s. I realized I sacrificed my time, enjoyment, or in some occasions safety just to make the dollar go further.

Until then, I was operating on a shoestring budget, and in hindsight, I don’t regret it for what it’s worth. It allowed me to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things in my 20s, which is incredibly valuable as you develop your sense of place and meaning in the world. Some people will say skip the trip if you can’t afford to it well, but being able to travel at all gives you the opportunity to identify what you are now feeling. Just identify what’s important to you and move forward accordingly.

In my 30s I now prioritize: - Cheap flight (I sleep on the plane). Upgraded flight with more room if it’s 8+ hours. - Nice hotel if I will be there a good amount, mid range hotel if not. Scan reviews when booking. - One nice dinner that a place is known for - If it’s more than a 10-15 minute walk and not scenic or nice weather, bike or take a cab or alternative. - I save money by not buying souvenirs. It ends up clutter or tossed anyways. - I pack what I need in advance: skipping on essentials ahead of trip means you pay a premium on it later. Example: Sunscreen, mosquito spray, sunglasses, hats etc. If you DO forget: don’t skip if it sacrifices your comfort to enjoy the trip. - I make a list in advance of the paid activities that are worth it to me, and the ones I’m fine to skip so it’s not a game time decision. - Traveling with other people means they also have their own opinion on what’s worth it or not. Set expectations in advance of how you will spend time and split money, and break off when needed. Do not let someone else’s shoestring expectations overstep your enjoyment now that you know what’s important to you.

Happy traveling!

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Vokasint@reddit

Wow, you really walked 20 minutes?

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Peregrinebullet@reddit

Not really, but I am very honest with myself about what I can and cannot handle - I can endure a LOT of travel time and random zigzagging in a schedule if I've had a good sleep, for example. But if I don't sleep well, it ruins everything and my patience and sense of adventure just goes out the window.

So I will happily cheap out on transportation options or walk instead of get a ride. But I do not risk my sleep. I don't buy luxury, but I will choose a more expensive accomodations over a cheaper one without a second thought if the reviews about the beds and noise levels for the former are all positive.

But if I do have to take transport, being able to sit properly is a must for me, due to a chronic shoulder injury. I can't spent a long time with my arm above my head hanging onto a pole or hand hold. I can't be hunched or curled around my luggage or another person. If I do that, my shoulder will lock up or dislocate and I'll be in agonizing pain until I can reset it, soak in a hot bath and have a massage therapist work it out (I'm allergic to muscle relaxants and NSAIDs).

This actually has made me walk long distances with my bags because I've looked at the available bus or trains and seen they were super crowded, and went "nope, this is gonna trigger the injury" and just walked. I'll take lots of breaks, stop at cafes, etc.

This is also why I'm usually a pretty strict one-bagger.

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LakeAdventurous7161@reddit

I can relate to this very much. (Not chronic shoulder injury, but a fused spine since my teenage years. Similar in the way that "arm above head" is a no-no, and my spine won't hunch or curl or bend or flex anymore. Travel a lot, for work as well as for vacation, and often on my own.)

A room with a good bed is a must. I do not need "luxury" in a hotel like e.g. hot tub, spa, bar, nice restaurant and the like, but there should be a normal bed and bathroom like at home. The "hostel, backpacker" thing never worked for me.

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iLikeDinosaursRoar@reddit

Yeah, don't book the cheaper anything if the better one isn't that much more.

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Soggy-Attempt@reddit

Young traveling makes older traveling more satisfying.

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Muted-Berry-3451@reddit

yes, i always look back and wish money had been spent. i look back and the memories mean more to me than the money in my account. its privileged of me to say and im very fortunate to think this way but spend the extra money if it means more memories

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Dulcette@reddit

Yes. My trip to Marseilles, FR was my first trip out of the country and I was worried I'd run out of money. It was 2.5 weeks going to 3 cities. I went on a food tour and the guide took us to a chocolatier where we got to see how it was made. There was a dark chocolate bar that spelled out Marseillais. I wanted it so bad. It was €13. That's it! I still think about it to this day and it was 5 years ago. I should have bought it.

Also in Marseilles, I'd gone on a sea kayaking tour and met a woman who was really cool. We said we'd meet up for pizza on the beach the next day. Out and about, I would yse the bus to get around instead of an Uber. Well it took FOREVER to get there and I missed her availability window so we only got to hang out for like 30 minutes. I missed the pizza place and just shared a bottle of wine with her on the beach instead of all that we planned. Should have taken an Uber.

Now, I pretty much make sure to treat myself in various ways on vacation, especially with unique experiences. I actually forgot I was part of this sub. Lol.

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GaterToTheEnd@reddit

Passing the night in a roundabout was maybe pushing it a little bit.

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chartreuse6@reddit

Yes, some of the airbnbs I’ve stayed in were not great and made the experience not as fun

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birdy3133@reddit

Yep. A couple years ago I planned an Oregon road trip in April where we would be tent camping. It poured rain every single day and night. We had to pack up the tent and canopy every day in the pouring rain, then everything in the car was wet, steaming up the windshield anytime we’d put the heat on. We started booking yurts day of so that we could be dry because we were just absolutely miserable.

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rosiefutures@reddit

Always.

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morning_spark_79@reddit

That Chamonix example is exactly the kind of thing id beat myself up over later. Skipping an entrance fee bc youve "seen enough churches" and then regretting it hits close to home tho - i did the same with a castle in Portugal and still think about what the view from the top wouldve been. Its that "wont get another chance" feeling that makes the saved €15 feel pretty hollow.

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_EmeraldEye_@reddit

Absolutely! I will never cheap out on a place to stay again! I had scary pest experiences in both Guadalajara, Mexico and San Francisco because I wanted to save money. Never ever again, just not worth it, I'd rather not even go

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Getvaxed500@reddit

Make some adjustments as you go. Add a museum, skip a plated dinner. Have an overall comfort number selected. If you find lots of unexpected fun and are high by 10% you can live with it. That's how i plan our trips.

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Traditional-Feed6282@reddit

Trip to Europe. Cheaped out on food while in Paris. Will forever regret it.

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xXNiceMemeFriendXx@reddit

You were sweaty and tired after walking for 20+ minutes? That’s bizarre, part of travel for me is taking in your surroundings while walking.

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Mysterious-Drama4743@reddit

have you never heard of a hot climate or something? perhaps a disability that limits or increases difficulty of physical activity? whats bizarre is your pathetically condescending comment

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xXNiceMemeFriendXx@reddit

I’m sorry I didn’t contemplate a million excuses for not being able to walk twenty minutes. Nobody asked, boring.

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Mysterious-Drama4743@reddit

youve never lived in a place where it feels hot just standing outside? nah you just wanted to be a condescending prick

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rabidstoat@reddit

20 minutes in a hot and humid environment can leave me dripping wet even if I'm just standing there, doing nothing.

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cIitaurus@reddit

it could’ve been hot for them and they could’ve possibly been carrying heavy things or walking up hills

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which_objective@reddit

Yeah, 20 minutes in Singapore did me IN

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FailFastandDieYoung@reddit

They might be in Bangkok walking in 37C haha

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kiradotee@reddit

20 minutes. My walk to the shop is 20 minutes. 😂

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unsavvylady@reddit

Will find more modest lodging to save money. I try not to cheap out on experiences if I likely won’t have another chance. I remember skipping out on overpriced chestnuts from a street vendor. Went and got storebought but it was not the same. Aometimes you want the experience. What is the point of going somewhere and not getting to enjoy yourself?

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hun486@reddit

depending where you go. if there’s grab bike or uber motor, can consider taking these affordable rides for that distance. :)

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Ok-Alternative-5175@reddit

Yep! Recently found a hostel in Houston for only $25 and received death threats from another tenant. Won't be making that mistake again

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Tiny-Party2857@reddit

Yes, many times. Now I travel smarter. I take lyfts (or the equivalent in the cities I'm visiting) instead of getting blisters and exhausted. I pick safe neighborhoods over cheap. I try and eat healthier and not cheaper on trips too. Makes a difference with energy and staying healthy.

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DangerousCapybara888@reddit

I draw the line when I turned 40. My back hurt in uncomfortable seats and hurt if I walk extensively and unnecessarily. If I could call a cab to save 10min, I will. If I can book a hotel closer to transportation, I will.

I’m not very keen on museums, so I still would be picky if the entrance fee is too much (more than $10), but if it was a good food experience I would splurge rather than eat bread and peanut butter to save a few bucks.

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Redsquirreltree@reddit

A friend insisted we could find a cheaper sandwich in a high cost area.

We wasted a lot of vacation time looking for a cheaper sandwich.

None of them were cheaper.

The time was lost.

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Pale_Brilliant_1629@reddit

My only shoestring regret so far is not purchasing an entrance pass to Sagrada Familia. I had “seen so many churches” that summer so I chose to save the $40

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SunnyStuck154@reddit

Yes, booked very budget accommodation in South America after travelling through Asia. I’m not fussy, but that was a bad call.

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GettingBy-Podcast@reddit

Walking is the best way to take in a new location. Sounds like a time management problem more than a need for a ride problem.

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CaptainObvious110@reddit

absolutely, you get to go at your own pace and see angles of buildings you wouldn't get to see otherwise

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ifoldsocksatmidnight@reddit

Yes. Every time.

In 2021, we traveled to Guatemala. We had booked an overnight backpacking trip to Acatenango, as part of the trip. The night before the hike, we stayed in a very nice, and affordable hotel. We should have left our stuff in that hotel and paid for an additional night despite us camping on the volcano for that night.

But we chose to save money by not paying for that hotel night and then the next day when we returned to Guatemala City, we checked into another hotel. It was absolutely terrible. We got to this hotel after one of the hardest hikes of our life and the hotel room was not ready for another two hours.

We were dusty, exhausted, and hungry. Once we got into the hotel, it was just kind of dingy, dark, and uncomfortable. The primary reason we’ve even booked this hotel was because there was a hot tub and we knew we would want to enjoy a hot tub after such a strenuous physical activity. Guess what? The hot tub was under repair.

Furthermore, out of desperation, I drink water out of one of their clay pot filters. I was assured that this water would not disrupt me. Well, after a bout of giardia, I will never be a cheapskate again. If we had just paid for two more additional nights at that previous hotel, we would’ve had a comfortable room to immediately get back to after the hike, we would’ve had bottled water ready for us, and maybe we would’ve missed the hot tub, but we would have been ok.

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Mostly_Nohohon@reddit

I will look for cheaper flights but once I'm on vacation I'll spend what I need to in order to have a good time. After going to London my first time years ago and ended up at a hotel where the bed was a twin on wheel with a communal bathroom down the hall... I said never again.

I will walk depending on the weather but if it's hot as blazes out, no thanks. I take a ride. I'll skip and eat cheap on some meals but I'm also going to eat what I want and I will have a nicer place when I want it too.

The whole reason I watch my money in other places is so I can do nice things when visiting places I may never get back to.

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NiagaraThistle@reddit

never once in 25 years.

My first trip to Europe was on $34 per day for 3 months. Even back then it was super cheap. My friends had the same overall budget as i did ($3500) and they flew home after 2 weeks with no money left.

My most recent trip to Europe was to Germany for 12 days during the UEFA Euros and i spent a toal of $3500 again. Both trips included RT airfare from the US, rail passes, a rental car, accommodations, food, beer, sightseeing, and tickets to soccer matches.

In fact in 25 years i don't think I've ever spent more than $3500 (per person) for a trip to Europe regardless if it was 3 months or 12 days.

And I always think "i could have done this for less."

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antsam9@reddit

I flew on Spirit around trip once. Once.

I work too many full time hours to ever do that again.

I understand it works for some people, I'm too old, fat, ugly, sweaty, and cranky for it. I'd rather pay for a non spirit airline, my money is for me and not having to fly spirit is good for my own spirit. Every moment of that flight my mind kept repeating, I'm too employed for this and it wasn't worth saving 188 dollars.

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ksgif2@reddit

No, it's all practice for next time

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Creative_Sentence807@reddit

my rough rule now is if i'd genuinely be bummed to leave without doing a certain thing, regardless of cost in the moment, it's worth paying for to avoid that eating feeling of regret when you leave!

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External-Candy-929@reddit

When I get bedbugs, yeah.

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oldmomlady3@reddit

Yes. My family (3 teenagers and my husband) take a long weekend trip each summer because it's all we can afford. We live in Michigan and usually try to find a place on or near a lake, which is challenging to say the least given our budget. Our AirBNB was cancelled on us like 2 months prior to our trip so the host could re-list for a higher price, so we were scrambling and came across this cottage on a different site that was a great price and right on a lake. Perfect! Except oops, the tiny cottage didn't have a/c and it was late July. The mattresses were so old and in total disrepair, we slept terribly. The owner came by to collect our remaining payment and stayed in the cottage for over an hour talking to us about his Christian faith. We learned the hard way that you get what you pay for when it comes to lodgings.

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happybeagle2020@reddit

When I do it’s always in the transportation end. Like I could spend an extra $100 on a direct flight but I used to get the longer one with a stop to save a buck. Not only did I waste my time but sprinting through the Atalanta airport because even though my connection was on the same airline my gates were as far apart as they could be. Never again.

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rentedlife@reddit

We have a practice - we don’t book high end places to stay (always nice though) as we are only sleeping there but we go all out on experiences. We try to travel comfortably but if it’s airfare - economy is fine.

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nomore5tre55@reddit

yep. we booked a "this feels too affordable to be good" condo so we could be in the same area as friends of ours. hated it. leaky plumbing, musty dank smell, dirty carpet, gross tile floors.

If we would have just said "it's a vacation, don't skimp" we would have been a block away in a clean place and no one would have had issues breathing that lasted a few weeks after we got home and we wouldn't have had to steam clean our luggage

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snackhappynappy@reddit

Make a list of priorities for your trip Splash on those then budget the rest Plain accomadation is fine, dirty isnt isn't have a line you won't cross Don't miss out on something great you will never get a chance to see again but also don't just do something you have no interest in because everyone on Instagram loves it

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Osprenti@reddit

Walking for 20 minutes? Are you a ham beast? Walking for 2 hours should be easy for any fit human.

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Jadedslave124@reddit

You could be sweaty and tired and broke also.

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Highlight89@reddit

I only regret cheap seats on flights and nasty hotels. Once I’m there, expensive restaurants and experiences are nice, but not a “must”. I get just as much enjoyment on a budget.

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number7child@reddit

I splurge on some meals.

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prependix@reddit

I think this is a big part of traveling and getting to really understanding yourself cuz this question is so dependent on the person. For me, I mostly regret being cheap when it ended up taking away from other things I wanted to do, whether that's time or just killing my mood.

I used to book the cheapest lodging I could find. But after traveling for a while, I'll shell out for something that fits my broader itinerary a bit better. I've found the upfront pain from the cost ultimately feels better than the misery felt during my trip.

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Adventurous-Tea-876@reddit

If walking for 20 minutes is that hard for you going cheap on a trip is the least of your problems!

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Tombstone1810@reddit

Prioritize. I’d rather go do cool stuff, so I get a cheap place to stay so that I can. Decide your priorities before you book stuff. Figure out what’s most important to you and plan/budget around that. What’s the point in traveling if you’re not seeing the sights that you want to see or you’re missing out on unique experiences?

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Euphoric_Evidence414@reddit

Lodging. Do your research. Lower-priced lodging can be a good bargain or a total nightmare. Learned that the hard way on my last road trip (no bedbugs thank God but the room was gross)

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kiradotee@reddit

Sometimes yes sometimes not.

It's mainly to do with experiences. Sometimes it's absolutely worth it throwing money at those. But I remember being in Chamonix and it was I think 50 euro to see the top of the mountain. My friend went up but I felt like it's a bit too much for my budget.

But other times that I have spent the money, like 18 euro for a zip line in Georgia, worth every single penny. :)

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MonMonOnTheMove@reddit

Don’t go against your instincts. If your brain says no then there’s no need to force it. I used to travel frugally in the past and now that I have a better income, I can enjoy the trips abit more without being stingy. Yet I still remember those beginning trips fondly and better