Traveling tips on how to be cheap.

I have been traveling since last Saturday. I thought I would blog about how to make traveling more comfortable and affordable. One of the things I do is bring food along for a road trip. I mostly bring things that will stand up well. I have took with this trip noodle cups, trail mix, assorted fruit, muffins, goldfish, cajun mix, almonds, all sorts of assorted cheeses ,salami and crackers. I have a little cooler for the cheeses and drinks. I always buy my own drinks before traveling as drinks can add up. I also try not to buy any booze in a lounge as that also adds up also. I bring my own. I also don't like the coffee the hotels or motels provide. I bring a coffee press. I bought mine from Starbucks and it has paid for its self. I bring my own canister of coffee so I can measure it out and get the strenght of coffee that is suitable for me. I don't like weak coffee. I boil the water in a hot pot. Basically it is like a electric kettle. I also make instant soups and noodles with it for lunch or a light dinner. I can also make a nice pot of tea if I want to. If a place doesn't offer free breakfast which is rare if they don't I have made my own. The hot pot will also boil eggs. I usually have that with a muffin. I buy a box of 9 muffins at walmart for about 6 bucks. They are huge. Remember though if they factor in extras such as breakfast you are paying extra for that room. Every little fancy thing or what you think is a freebie is factored in to the price of a room. That is why I loved the Motel 6 in the states traveling. It is no frills and totally stripped down. Every one I have been to has been very clean but with no perks . The perk is the cheap price one saves. Another thing is take advantage of all the travel sights in making a reservation. Tonight's stay is booked as that is the only place where we have stayed in a bigger city with chain hotels and motels. Most of this trip is just been picking places at random and availability as it is more remote and they don't advertise. One motel was the only motel . Guess what they can charge what they want in the middle of no where. It was nice enough but not worth the price. It was the most uncomfortable place I have stayed in awhile. It was very pretty but very unpractical with log furniture. I about needed a back adjustment in the next city. So all the divas out there pretty isn't always comfortable . In the good old days you could check out a room before you paid for it. Some are still like that and I wish I would of checked it out before we paid. My back is shot now and probably will be like that for about 2 more weeks or a sports medicine massage. See, I could of saved myself the agony by checking out the room.
Also, if you have to buy something do it at a real store and not a quicky mart or a gas station. I had to go to the mall the other day because I forgot the charger for my ipod. I found one on sale at The Source. Truck Stop stuff is of low quality usely and will damage your cell phones or other devices by trying to save a buck or two. That brings me to another point don't forget things at home. Make a list and check it off. Organization will save you much money.
The things I have done have been pretty cheap if not free. My whole trip has been viewing the scenery. Every year we get a parks pass. We have been to many parks this trip. Generally, a parks pass will pay for it's self . Also, a day pass will cover all the parks in a day for Ontario. Parks are fun. I ride a bike so a day of bicycling is fun and just about free. I also hike and do photography. You will get the best pictures in a Park up north and many hiking trails also.
Always read the hotels or motels little book they put together of the facility. It will tell you of the local attractions. I looked in the book and it told me about a local wild fowl viewing platform that was by the motel. It is free to look at birds and fun. it also told me about local hiking trails and other things. The book and brochures are valuable. So is looking at the phone book. It will tell you where to order food cheaper than the places the hotel and motel advertise. It will also tell you who deliverers food and what is available. It is cheaper to decide where to eat after you know what exist than blowing gas and dining on impulse. Which brings me to another thing if you don't bring things for a sandwich , Subway is pretty cheap and more low cal than most places.
Travelling can be cheaper or more expensive . It really depends on what you want and what your lifestyle is.