How to Save Money While Traveling in Big Cities

As a recent sojourner to the Big Apple, I have a good idea of how much damage a big city can do to a budget.  We're talking wrecking ball style demolition.  Those of us in flyover country may be a little on the provincial side, but we can still spot a ridiculous waste of money, cosmopolitan hub of the universe or not.  Traveling to a big city is exhilarating; seeing the architectural wonders, big blinky lights, and world-class shows puts a goofy grin on any corn-fed hick like myself.  It's even fun to get yelled at by a passerby.  

Part of what makes traveling in a big city difficult is locals have enough to contend with aside from gawking, picture snapping fanny pack wearers who dare to occupy space on the pavement.  If you travel to a densely populated area, beware that you're not always welcome.  Plus you will have to accustom yourself to close proximity.  Steal squirts of instant hand sanitizer mid-transit to get a semblance of clean.  

Heed the following advice if planning a trip to Big City, USA to condition your wallet for a spending marathon:

1. Get to know your destination city's transit system and utilize it.
Sure, you may see some creative types dressed in rags or speaking in tongues, but most large cities have well-used public transportation monitored by local authorities.  Your chances of being mugged aren't worse on a bus or train than they are on a street.  Buying a week-long transit pass will usually save you more money than paying ride to ride.  If you rely on rental cars and taxis you can quadruple travel expenses.  View it as a learning experience and enjoy navigating the city local style.

2. Get a CityPass, provided you're interested in most of the options.
It's fine to be interested in tourist things.  That's what you are, so don't fight it.  And many of the city's touristy spots are legitimately awesome.  CityPass offers a buffet of options from which to choose at up to 50% off all attractions.  Many of the nation's biggest cities have a deal with them for museums, tours, and observatory decks.  Review the options ahead of time and always plan on visiting the high traffic destinations early in the morning.

3. Have a sit-down meal once a day, not three.
The first thing to do after collecting your busted baggage is to buy some protein bars, cereal bars, and fruit from a nearby market.  Many big cities don't offer refrigerators in your hotel room, so buy food that can be stored at room temperature.  A word to Middle Americans: we don't pay much for our food in comparison to our East Coast neighbors.  Restaurant fare is expensive, and the pre-meal bread isn't free.  Make your lunch or dinner the sit-down meal and eat on the go at other meals.  

4. Bargain with tour guides.
If you opt for a carriage ride through the park or guided bike tour of the city, haggle the price.  Unless it's a big bus-like tour the individual guides will usually offer a lower price (plus tips) on a slower day.  It can't hurt to ask and start to walk away.  

5. Budget a per-day average for spending money and stick around that.
I know nobody wants to travel on the cheap, but budget an amount you can live with and divide it between the number of days you'll be gone.  Don't forget to include airport shuttle service, unexpected hotel fees, and a couple of splurges.  Outside of hotel and airfare costs, I budgeted $140/day for attractions, food, tips, and travel expenses in NYC.  We probably could have shaved another $20 off each day avoiding taxis.  Don't be such a stickler on the per day expenditures, just keep a running total of how much you spend and adjust the next day accordingly.

6. Find the hotspots for discounted attractions.
Buying Broadway tickets from the Tickets Booth in Times Square will save you up to 50%.  You might not get the most desirable seats in the house, but New York theater is much more intimate than Texas Stadium.  Most seats afford a good view of the drama.  Seek out those discount venues for last minute attractions and save huge amounts of money.

Utilize Facebook before heading out to your big city trek.  People love nothing more than to talk about themselves and their travels, so glean some insider tips from tourists.  Sometimes locals, even friends who live in the city, have lived there so long they can't remember what tourists like to do.  Most importantly have fun and don't sweat the snafus.  Happy trails.