Well I love travelling, and from the numerous places I have been to, this is what I have learnt (there probbably is more, but I can't think of anything)
- no one is your friend. Well thats easy, never trust anyone, ever when travelling about. They may try to save you money, or give you a free guided tour or something, but ignore them. They are scammers, even if they are genuine, its not worth the risk.
- Never buy/use/eat or anything from the hotel. They will generally be 3-4 times more than the local convinience store/supermarket. Laundry can also be done a lot cheaper outside the hotel.
- Never go anywhere the taxi driver suggests and he wants to take you straight away. eg if he tells you - you should visit xyz sometime, its real good. Thats ok. If he says, you should visit zyx its real good, I can take you there for free, don't worry. Then its a scam.
- Apartments are nearly always better value for money than hotels, for example in Bangkok you can stay in some hotel for £50 a night where you will get 1 small room and a bathroom or you can stay in a 2 bedroom apartment where you will get 2 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, lounge etc. The only thing is that it may be a little further away from the attractions, but this is not always the case.
- Never eat/drink in tourist areas. They will shaft you big time and the food isn't always the best.