Traveling on a Shoestring

Tips to spend less on your trips
These days when you go on vacation, you spend most of your money just getting to your destination! Travel is expensive, but don't stay home due to a small budget! Here are some ways you can cut costs and still enjoy a trip:
* Travel during off-season if possible. Flights and hotels are significantly cheaper when tourism is low.
* Choose a hotel that's a little farther from popular attractions. If you're staying several days, check out prices on hostels or vacation homes - both can end up being cheaper than a hotel in the long run.
* Look for deals on metro or subway passes for your destination. A day pass will pay for itself if you use mass transportation instead of taking cabs.
* Plan your meals, and eat like a local. Don't waste money at expensive hotel restaurants or fast-food chains. Depending on where you stay, it may be cheaper to buy your own groceries.
* Check online for special rates - if you're a student, a senior citizen, or traveling with children, you could qualify for discounts! A little research could save you a lot of money.
Whether you're backpacking alone or going on a family vacation, your trip doesn't have to break the bank. The key is to plan ahead and track what you spend. Then put the money you save toward your next trip!

Info Cloud
senior資深前輩
senior citizen指六十五歲以上長者(為美國人稱老年人的委婉說法) 購物、看電影、搭大眾交通工具都有打折或優惠。

Grammar Gym
A little [something] could save you a lot of [something else].
* A little research could save you a lot of money.
* A smile could save you a lot of time and energy when you need to ask for a favor.
* A quick phone call to confirm your flight could save you a lot of headaches at the airport.

Language Lab
on the shoestring指很便宜、很低廉的東西；一點點資金；拮据
* He started his ice-cream shop on a shoestring.
他用微薄的資金開了冰淇淋店
* The family lives on a shoestring.
這個家庭生活得非常拮据
off-season商業(旅遊)淡季；(運動)停賽季節
high season旺季
* I bought my air conditioner during the off-season.
我這台冷氣是在淡季時買的
* The high season rate of a double room costs over $200 per night.
一間兩張床的房間，旺季時每晚要價兩百元美金。
pay for itself回收、回本
* It might seem like it cost a lot when you bought the vending machine, but it will pay for itself when one year.
買這台販賣機時你可能覺得很貴，但是它一年內就可以回本。
* The TV commercial sure paid for itself. Sales tripled in a month.
這個廣告真的很夠本，銷售量在一個月內成長三倍。
qualify v.取得資格、具備合格條件
* The training will qualify you to do CPR.
這個訓練可以讓你有資格施行心肺復甦術。
* Only people who have a bachelor's degree are qualified for this position.
只有具有學士學位的人，才有資格擔任這個職位。