How To Frugalize Your Vacation-Part 1

I'm back from my vacation to Alaska, and it was lovely! I had a great time and I'll post some pictures soon. But, my trip has inspired me to write a series of posts on how to frugalize travel. So, without further ado, here is part 1: Getting there!

Here's how I saved money on my way to Alaska: 

1. I used a carry-on bag in order to avoid paying $20 each way to check a bag. I fit everything I need for my four day trip pretty easily. I didn't have to overstuff my bag, but I noticed that if people did, they checked your bag for free. I did spend $11 on travel sized items, but compared to the $40 I would have spent to check my bag it was well worth it. I also saved free samples of moisturizer, shampoo, and conditioner to take on my trip. Here's what I took:

Many people would have made their beds before taking this picture. Not me.

2. Bring an empty water bottle through security. After you get through you can fill it up in a water fountain. I also packed some snacks in my purse since the airlines no longer provide free meals. This saved me $3 on a bottle of water and $7 I would have spent to purchase a meal. Even though one of the meals was a cheese plate that looked delicious, I resisted.

3. Entertainment: I borrowed a book from my friend Juliet instead of buying one. I also downloaded some of my favorite free podcasts (This American Life, Car Talk, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me), which helped pass the time in the airport and during the flight. I also downloaded some free games onto my iPod touch. Last, when I printed my boarding pass at home, it gave me the option to print free crosswords and word searches. I printed a few of them. 

4. I arrived in Alaska at 1:45am, and since it would have cost over $100 to stay at even the cheapest hotel in Anchorage, I chose to spend my first night in a hostel. I generally think I am too old for hostels, I found a clean, well-reviewed one for $25. Since I knew I'd only be there for about seven hours to sleep, I went for it, which saved me over $75. When I met up with my sister we stayed in a hotel in Seward.

Stay tuned for my next post on having frugal fun on vacation!