Picking between a hostel in Lisbon or a cheap hotel room was a game changer

I had to pick between a 30 euro a night private room in a hostel or a 45 euro hotel room for a trip last month. I went with the hostel and met a group who showed me the local food spots that cost half the tourist menus. Has anyone else found that picking the social option saved them a lot of cash?

2 comments

2 Comments

kim_mitchell433d ago

Totally makes sense. That local knowledge is like a hidden discount. It goes beyond travel too. Like asking the butcher for cheaper cuts instead of buying the pre-packaged steaks, or getting a mechanic's opinion on a used car before you buy. People who do the thing every day know the real hacks, the stuff that saves money without cutting corners. You just have to be in a spot to ask, and sometimes that means choosing the more social, open option to start the conversation.

jesse_young273d ago

You're right on the money, @kim_mitchell43. The whole thing comes down to talking to people. The pre-packaged option is designed to avoid a conversation. Walking up to the counter and asking a question is the actual hack. It takes a bit of nerve sometimes, but that's the price of the hidden discount. Most folks who know their trade are happy to share a bit of that knowledge if you just ask.