Keeping costs low

I struggle with the British moral dilemma of not wanting to be cheated out of my money, but also being too polite as to haggle over what is pennies to me, but hundreds to the locals. If you are happy to cut a few corners to get a cheaper experience, here's how I do it:

Tackle the taxi drivers. They're the best to haggle with because they've got thick skin - they deal with tourists (mostly unassuming) on a daily basis - plus, you can tell when they're ripping you off usually by knowing how much you should be paying (emailing your hotel to ask how much they would expect a trip from the airport to cost in advance is useful). On that note, look into your accommodation in advance; they may have a free shuttle you can take advantage of which could knock a few pounds off.

Get street food. Depending where you are (most of Thailand's tourist hotspots are fine, but I was warned against eating anything in Java, Indonesia) street food can be found for a fraction of the price of a sit down meal in South East Asian countries. If you won't go that far, at least try to avoid Western food, it will easily be twice as much for a pizza as it would be for pad Thai.

Stay in hostels. Hostels don't mean that you have to bunk up with 11 other guys; they often have private twin/double rooms that still give you the sense of being social and meeting new travellers, as well as staying private. They will be cheaper than hotels and villas, and some can be really nice. If you're in a big group anyway, you could always look to book out a whole dorm (they usually offer mixed accommodation for 4+).

Don't be taken advantage of, it's easy to think you can live richly in these countries, but saving a little here and there helps, especially when you don't need to pay the extortionate price, even if only pennies in England! In Indonesia I was warned that they really take advantage of travellers, so if a taxi driver quotes 100,000 IDR, I tell him you only paid 30,000 the night before so I'll find another taxi driver who will do it. It's likely he'll come back with 50,000 and you can whittle it down from there. 

Do you think you'd be able to give up your holiday McDonalds for the sake of a few pounds? Or how else might you do it?

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