Tips for frugal travelers

So I recently got back from a nice summer vaca in Chi-town and Detroit, and was able to see both cities on the cheap! I wished the shopping wasn’t so amazing as I still burned a hole in my wallet, but it was more bang for the buck. =)

Some tips/awesome finds:

Empty water bottle: So crucial for so many reasons. I bring an empty bottle to the airport, get through TSA, then fill it at the water fountain. No paying $4! I bring the bottle w/ me everywhere, as it’s easy to refill at museums, shopping centers, etc.

http://megabus.com: International bus site, super cheap, clean, and easy to use! My bus ride from Chicago to Detroit was only $18 and about 6 hours. Easy peasy and cheaper than gas for driving!

www.charmingcharlie.com: Very pretty, organized, and affordable jewelry/bag store I stumbled across in Chicago. Multiple locations. Earrings and necklaces ranged from $4-$12, and they looked really expensive!

www.platoscloset.com: Again, stumbled across this stylish thrift store w/ a good friend in Detroit, but there are many locations. I got tops for about $6, super cute! And they had adorable sundresses around $12, and don’t get me started on the purses!

And finally I have to give a shout out to the redeye. Save $ on a hotel room and just fly overnight and check in your bags in the morning until it’s time to officially check in. Coffee is cheaper than an extra night, and you’ve got adrenaline pumpin to see a new city anyhow!

Safe travels,
A of J.A.D.E.