Rough n Tough

When you’re keen on saving money as we are, we’ve collected some helpful hints and ways we’ve tried to keep our pockets full (or as full as they can be) so far…

Pack it Up
Upon arrival in Munich, we popped into a local grocery store to stock up for the next few days…bread, smoked salmon (I know we’re in meat country but there’s vegetarians aboard, remember?), snackable veggies, fruit, etc. to tote with us throughout our city excursions

Pick a Picnic
Not only does grocery shopping save you dough, but it also score you some that’s fresh baked and secures you a front row seat to the dining location of your choice…pack a picnic for the beer gardens, a nearby lake, a park, Neuschwanstein castle, kick off your shoes, lay in the grass and enjoy…I tell you, nothing compares to your own outdoor eateries

Walk it Out
Walk walk walk as much as you can to wherever you can…two reasons
One: Saves you money on taxi, trains, subway, horsedrawn carriage fares (yes you can take a horsedrawn carriage to Neuschwanstein castle from the mountain base)
Two: Who couldn’t use the exercise? Just be sure to wear your tennis shoes or rainbow sandals. Maybe Chocos if you’re Sierra or from the mountains…

Dinner- We’re Just Not That Into You
Sometimes dinner’s just on the top of your priority list. Hate to break it to you, but backpack living isn’t about eating like kings. Now now I’m not advocating going hungry here, but if you arrive late in a city or are staying at a Bed and Breakfast where the spread is usually t-e-riffic and very sustainable, it really does help to skip that extra un-needed late night serving.

Share Share Share
Obviously splitting meals is an easy way to save, but if you’ve got a travel buddy, swapping clothes and mixing up the ensembles is the best way I’ve found to keep you from impulse purchasing new clothes along the way. Even though the cost might be reasonable, your 65 liter backpack has got other opinions

I’ve Got Friends
Again, a reminder to pool from your network and try to snag a free couch, room, or even whole apartment if you’re as lucky was we were in Munich, to save on accomodations. Couch surfing is another option to explore…

Hostel Hunting
In some hostels one may find a communal kitchen with mini fridges, cupboards, and the like equipped with signs, “label your food or someone will eat it.” Great opportunity there…just this morning scored a bananna, apple, grapes and fresh coffee. Put that in your travel pocket…literally