4 Little Things To Splurge On While Traveling 



We have all met travelers who seemingly thrive on living off a few dollars a day. Part of the fun of traveling is to be frugal. However, sometimes, it's worth it to spend a little money to have fun and avoid unnecessary stress. Here, we at GET.com round up a few things you should definitely shell out some money for next time you hop onto a plane.

1. Airport Lounge Passes

Sitting in the airport terminal next to chatterboxes, crying babies and stressed travelers is no way to start a trip. Nothing is seriously fun about hanging out at the airport, and to top it off, whether you want a snack, a drink or Internet access, you will be gouged.

To relax in style, consider going to an airport lounge where you will enjoy complimentary Internet, snacks, free soft drinks, along with beer and wine, and spacious comfortable bathrooms. If you are lucky, you can even take a quick shower to freshen up before your jetting off.

If you aren't a member of the airline club, you can save money by buying passes on eBay. Or, if you travel frequently, get a credit card offering lounge access. Once you experience the comfort and luxury of an airport guest lounge, you will never ever want to have it any other way.

2. An Internet Plan Away From Home

Whether you want to answer work emails, chat with friends back home or find a restaurant, you will need reliable Internet. Hotels, especially luxury ones, often exploit this by charging outrageous fees for sub-par Internet access.

To fight back, consider a data plan so you can hook up your laptop wherever you are. When you have your own Wi-Fi hotspot, you won't have to sit in a crowded coffee shop or pay the exorbitant charges most hotels ask for. If you travel frequently, the Internet data plan will pay for itself.

3. Taxi Rides

Expats and people who spend a lot of time in one city will tell you that the only way to experience the city like a local is to take the bus or metro. They are not wrong, but if you are in a new city for a few days, consider saving yourself the stress by getting a taxi or Uber instead.

Nothing is worse than dragging your suitcase and walking around in circles in search for a bus stop. By hailing a taxi, you get to avoid redundant stress and get a quick introduction to the area altogether as most taxi drivers are an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to bars, restaurants and local attractions.

4. Guided Walking Tours

The Internet and guide books only offer a small glimpse into what a city truly has to offer. To see what you are missing and to learn about a place more intimately, consider joining a guided walking tour.

Any major city will have plenty of offerings – most of them tip-based. Whether you want to go on a restaurant tour, check out local graffiti or see the unknown parts of a city, invest in a guided walking tour. After the guided walking tour, you will surely feel like you've gotten to know the city better.

Article Source: https://www.get.com/blog/4-little-things-splurge-while-traveling/
Image Source: http://www.tourist-destinations.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Walking-Tours-Around-the-World-2.jpg

VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Splurge (n.) ~ an act of spending money freely or extravagantly
2. Frugal (adj.) ~ sparing or economical with regard to money or food
3. Shell out (idiom) ~ to spend a certain amount of money
4. Exploit (v.) ~ make full use of and derive benefit from (a resource)
5. Sub-par (adj.) ~ a lower standard than customary or traditionally accepted norms, but not entirely unacceptable
6. Gouge (v. informal) ~ overcharge swindle
7. Redundant (adj.) ~ not or no longer needed or useful superfluous
8. Graffiti (n.) ~ writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. When you travel, do you try to be frugal or do you splurge? Discuss your answer.
2. How do you usually travel around when you are in an unfamiliar area?
3. Have you ever been on a guided walking tour? If yes, how was the experience? If no, what are your expectations on this guided tour?
4. What kind of items do you usually splurge on when you travel?