Embracing the Art of Opportunistic Travel
As someone who values exploring new destinations, I made a promise to myself to travel more frequently in 2017. However, I also wanted to be more mindful of my expenses and make the most of my credit card points. To achieve this, I’ve been opting for extended long weekends that don’t disrupt my work schedule.
A Weekend Getaway to New Orleans
I recently returned from a fantastic three-day trip to New Orleans, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and mouth-watering cuisine. To ensure I stayed within my budget, I tracked every single expense during my trip.
Day 1: Friday
My journey began with a $9.64 cab ride to the airport, followed by a $60.80 roundtrip flight, which I partially covered using my accumulated credit card points. After a quick bagel snack, I indulged in a Dunkin Donuts Veggie Egg White Flatbread and Iced Coffee at the airport – a Bostonian’s loyalty knows no bounds! Upon arrival, I took a $33 Uber ride to my hotel, where I shared a three-night stay with two friends, costing us $217.38. We then enjoyed a delightful dinner at Mr. B’s Bistro, complete with two bottles of wine, setting us back $55 each. I also treated myself to a $6.50 bracelet souvenir and a “free” Haunted walking tour, for which I tipped the guide $10.
Day 2: Saturday
The next day began with a complimentary breakfast at the hotel, courtesy of my loyalty status. I then embarked on a $52 swamp tour, where we spotted wild hogs up close. Lunch consisted of two Po Boys shared with friends, costing $10 each. The afternoon was spent exploring the French Quarter, where I purchased $40.37 worth of souvenirs – including some questionable birthday cake-flavored popcorn. Dinner at Acme was a highlight, with chargrilled oysters stealing the show, at a cost of $29.68. The evening concluded with live music at DMA, a $10 cover charge, and a $5 beer.
Day 3: Sunday
My final day in New Orleans started with another free breakfast at the hotel. I revisited Café Du Monde for more beignets, spending $12. A local artwork purchase set me back $21.55, followed by a jazz brunch at $38.37. I also stopped for a drink on Bourbon street, spending $9, and later indulged in a late-night pizza, costing $3.75. The journey back to the airport was a $33 Uber ride, and I ended my trip with a $39.90 taxi ride home.
The Final Tally
Upon reviewing my expenses, I realized that transportation costs added up quickly, totaling $123.69. Souvenirs also took a significant chunk of my budget, at $80.52. Food and drink expenses came in at $180.31, while hotel costs were $217.38. Activities, including the swamp tour and jazz brunch, cost $72.00. The grand total for my three-day weekend getaway was $734.70.
Lessons Learned
This trip served as a valuable lesson in budgeting for transportation costs, which can quickly add up. I also realized that souvenir spending can get out of hand if not monitored. By being more mindful of these expenses, I hope to take more frequent, shorter trips in the future.
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