Comments on: 6 Ethically-Dubious Ways To Save Money On The Road

By: Linda

Linda — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:22:16 +0000

Sometimes the ticket agent *wants* you to have a discount – at a cinema in Vienna the ticket guy asked “are you a student?” and when I sadly answered no, he asked if I *wanted* to be a student. A completely honest “yes” resulted in a student-price ticket.

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By: Carlo Alcos

Carlo Alcos — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:07:17 +0000

Hi Ann. Appreciate your thoughts on this! I know it’s no defense, but sometimes, under certain circumstances, the opportunity is too tempting. Again, it’s no defense because in all honesty, you’re 100% right. If I ever did feel like I was taking advantage of someone less fortunate I can assure you I wouldn’t do it! Cheers.

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By: Ann

Ann — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:39:06 +0000

What a depressing thread. The idea that everyone is dishonest and out to scam everyone else, even when guests in their countries and supposedly traveling in a spirit of friendship and goodwill…what a downer. Call me a sucker, but the idea of lying and cheating people, particularly in third-world countries, as an “ego trip”, really gets my goat. I know that no matter how modest my travel budget, if I can afford to travel, I’m a lot richer than the people in most of the countries I’m visiting. Why should their tourist attractions be free? Maintaining them costs money, which the locals in poor countries can’t afford. It’s fine that we should have to pay fees that reflect the fact we can afford to pay more than the locals. Beyond ego trips, I think it’s the cloak of anonymity, like living in a big city rather than a small town: you know the consequences of being caught are minimal as no one knows you so you have no reputation to protect. Seems for hip westerners, honesty is for “the little people” – like taxi drivers?

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By: Jack

Jack — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:41:10 +0000

Right on! Companies with poor service/products will do nothing if not pointed out to them.

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By: Carlo Alcos

Carlo Alcos — Wed, 27 May 2009 22:33:47 +0000

I agree. 6 is extremely dubious and just plain wrong I think! Although, I am a fan of REAL complaints and letters (I’ve been know to write a few), making companies accountable.

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By: Jack

Jack — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:26:20 +0000

Thanks for the article Carlo. Back home in Ireland I got an “International Youth Travel Card” for 6e that looked remarkably like an ISIC that got me student discounts all over Europe (except for Greece, where they recognised exactly what it was, or wasn’t
Tip from my brother: when an inspector comes along to control your ticket, just pretend that you don’t know what date it is, and were waiting to ask him/her. That way, no inspector, one more free ride. If you’re especially devious, and the inspector’s none too observant, you can pretend to be writing the date as they’re busying themselves down the aisle.
Wouldn’t have the nerve to pull off no. 6, but know that economizing is all about squeezing another few days’ travel out of the budget.

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By: Jean - OurExplorer Tour Guide

Jean - OurExplorer Tour Guide — Sun, 24 May 2009 13:15:18 +0000

I agree with “Act like a local“. If some entrance tickets saying clearly of different prices for local and foreign, that’s acceptable. Think acting locally can save in dining, transportation etc. and sometimes save trouble from being a traveler.

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By: Carlo Alcos

Carlo Alcos — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:51:28 +0000

Well, for us I guess because when we do long term travel, we are jobless, so trying to stretch it as far as possible. Those savings might turn into an extra night or two…or a nicer room, or better dinner. Or that Mongolian crossbow…

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By: Katy

Katy — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:01:49 +0000

Great discussion. I did several of these on a regular basis when I was backpacking in my younger days. Now that I am more comfortably off though, I still find myself slipping into the old habits when I go travelling. Somehow when I am travelling I am prepared to go a little bit farther to get a deal than I would find normal at home. Why? Is it because you are thinking more about money anyway if it is in a foreign currency? Is it because when you are in an unfamiliar environment you are more concerned about being scammed/ripped off and therefore haggle harder?

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By: Shreya

Shreya — Thu, 21 May 2009 21:50:06 +0000

Haha, I am *actually* a student. *smug grin*

Hilarious article Carlos, and I must admit quite helpful too.

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