Katie's tips for travelling cheaply.

ok, so I don't have time for a full post, but to give you a flavor of how I travel

1. when you can. walk. its the cheapest form of transportation. plus, you get a way better feel for a place
2. couchsurfing. i've said it a million times: its pretty cool. Not only can you get free housing (well don't be super cheap, buy your host some sort of gift!) but you can meet some cool people, and find out about new places
3. public transportation. taxis, while easy and will get you there quickly, will suck your pockets dry. avoid them unless truly lost
4. don't eat out every meal. another temptation, and rightly so. but find grocery stores atleast for breakfast. why spend 20 dollars/meal when you can spend like 5? plus, if you focus on getting fruits and veggies, no need to cook, and its super cheap (like my pomegrante breakfast.delicious and nutrituous. and like 2 bucks). otherwise, look for cheap food stalls. local food especially: delicious, culturally appropriate, and cheaper. Mcdonalds is not always the cheapest option. seriously.
5. learn the local language, or two. even if it's just a few words, people will be far more helpful/you never know where it will take you. it has gotten me: free rides, helpful directions, interesting conversations, and the strangest day in Akko. Seriously, I just said a few words in Arabic and suddenly had a tour guid for the day, met his friends, and got a free dinner.
6. If you are student/recently were TAKE YOUR STUDENT ID CARD. i have lost so much money for forgetting that at home... sometimes, it helps just to say you're a student. this only applies if you are in your early 20s. or look like it
7. make friends. visit friends. visit friends of friends. meet new people and get free housing. its a double win.

Well...those are my tips. i'll explain my day in Acre/Akko later. much love!
KAS