Tips on travelling within a budget

1. Dress well. When you are out sightseeing and need a restroom, you can walk into the finest of hotels and use their facilities, which are usually positioned off the lobby and no one will see you as out of place.

2. For the price of a spa treatment, make a day of it at some of the world’s best hotels and resorts. Book an early treatment and then you can work out in the gym, use the pool, take a sauna, and maybe even relax in a meditation room.  You’ll be able to do all this without having to pay for an up scale hotel room. Additionally, some hotels will comp your parking ticket. 

3. For the ladies, think about going to the finest department store in any city and get your make-up done. Most luxury department stores have make-up artists on hand who will be happy to doll you up for an evening on the town. While you aren't required to make a purchase, it’s a nice thing to do. Besides, who doesn't need a new lipstick, mascara, or skin care item?  It’s especially fun to see what look you receive in different locales. 

4. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to enjoy some of the world’s best restaurants. Many cities have Restaurant Week, where restaurants offer a Prix fixe (Fixed Price) menu. You can check out the prices beforehand so you know exactly how much you’ll be spending. Just allow for drinks and gratuity. Or, splurge on a glass of champagne or a cocktail at the bar of a great hotel or restaurant. Add an appetizer and you still can have a world-class experience for way less than $100. The people watching is free. 

5. You may be a flying tourist, but if stuck with a long airport stay, buy a day pass to an airline club. For around $50, you can lounge in comfy chairs, enjoy free Wi-Fi, TV, magazines, and sometimes even free snacks and drinks along with all those business and first-class travellers. 

6. Check out the arts gallery district when visiting a city for show openings. While some may be invitation only, many are happy to have visitors. Enjoy the art, a drink, perhaps a canapé, and always savoir the people watching. It’s easy to fit in…..just wear black. 

7. One should choose friends for their fine qualities and personalities. But it doesn't hurt if you select some who also have first or second homes in geographically desirable locales so you can travel without paying for hotels. Just be sure to be a thoughtful, entertaining house-guest. 

8. A B&B offers double the warmth and cultural intimacy for half the price of a hotel. You'll find them in most countries if you know the local word: Husrom is Norwegian for sobe which is Slovenian for Gästezimmer which is German for rooms in a private home. 

9. Avoid touristy restaurants with "We speak English" signs and multilingual menus. Those that are filled with locals serve better food for less money. I look for a short, handwritten menu in the local language only. Go with the daily specials. 

10. Ask for a deal on your hotel room. You'll have the best chance of getting a discount if business is slow. Go direct (a room-finding service costs the hotel a booking fee), offer to pay in cash, or stay at least three night