tips
south america
*get small change! you will need it for transportation, street food, kiosks, restaurants…etc. change is important to the locals (since they have to have the exact amount for transportation) and most places will refuse to give you change from a big bill for a small purchase. so get change or smaller bills when you pay at restaurants, hostels, or participate in a tour.
*showers. at some places, the weaker the pressure, the warmer the water. even if it means showering in a trickle…but it is better than an ice cold one with good pressure, right?
*keep receipts. especially for reservations when the booker is not the guide.
*overnight buses. saves money on hostels
japan
*japan rail pass. a must when traveling around the country.
*suica card. re-loadable card that can be used with one swipe fortransport, (jr lines,subways,buses,) and at convenience stores
*look closely at the train schedule for express trains. even if it comes 15 min later than the local, with less stops, it will still get you to yourdestination quicker
*going to shibuya? make sure the train you get on says ’shibuya’ or a destination that is further than shibuya. otherwise you will have totransfer or find yourself back at the original station
*the trains leave at the exact time displayed. don’t be late
*plan on going out all night or missed the last train? put your stuff in a station locker and look for ‘manga’ cafè’s. it is sometimes cheaper than a hostel to rent one for a few hours
europe
*awesome site that lets you arrange carpools through germany: http://www.mitfahrgelegenheit.de/
for example, a ride from würzburg to berlincosts about 20-30 euro. the train? over 186 euro*most rides-on trams,subways, and some trains are on the honor system. try saving money by hopping on and off…and test your luck
EURAIL PASSES
*eraseable pens*check the rail europe site and see if the pass you are purchasing is actually worth it. trains around some countries are much cheaper than others, so make sure you buy it accordingly to your travels*don’t forget that reservations are required for most long distance and all over night trains! (this could set you back 2-20 euros PER time)
in general
duct tape | head lamp | swiss army knife | crisp u.s. dollars | tampons | color photocopy of passport | locks for your luggage-it can also be used for lockers in the hostel room | walkie-talkies | international student cards-saves heaps of money on transportation, museums, machupicchu (50%!) movies. | hostelling international card-during peak seasons, some hostels are members only | talk to other backpackers about alternate routes, experiences, and bargains