If you want a gourmet meal, reserve it for lunch when prices tend to be less expensive and there are most often pre-fix menus.

Rent an apartment that has a washing machine. Not having to send out your laundry out saves a ton of money. Skip packing anything which requires dry-cleaning. A friend of mine goes around the world with a carry-on suitcase and a travel iron. I’m beginning to see the value of wash and wear. And I don’t need to take more than two pairs of black pants.

So many apartments have high speed Internet connections. Skype is changing the way people communicate. And yes – I do need to call home.

If you’re staying in a hotel, stay away from the mini-bar. Stock the mini-bar with items you’ve purchased in a grocery store. Never use a hotel’s telephone (take an “unlocked” mobile and buy a local SIM card). Actually, you may have a better time living more as locals do. I’ve found grocery stores everywhere in the world give foreigners added perspectives as to how people live.

Whew – excuse this down and dirty post but I’m passionate about travel — and am looking for ways to save money.