I love finding travel deals and I do not sacrifice quality either. For instance my Father and I have been taking Repositioning cruises to Europe to see different countries that we may want to return to. We use Rick Steve's tips in every city even if its just for a day.
Next week we are leaving for the Basque Country and found a VRBO rental for $100 with all fees in Bayonne with 2 bedrooms a kitchen and a living room with a TV. Its so nice being able to come home to an apartment rather than a cramped hotel room. In Paris I found an AirBnb for $100 with all fees per night for 4 nights on the first floor a 15 minute walk to the Effiel Tower near Motparnass.
As I had a Delta voucher I booked myself on the Air France nonstop to Paris and my Parents found a $900 r/t on American/ British Airways from San Jose via Dallas going and London on the return. We booked our flights from Orly at $170 r/t to Biarritz. Our apartment is 6 kilometers from the airport and found a rental car at Sixt.
In April my Father and I are going on a repositioning cruise from Tampa-Amsterdam for $800 per person in an interior cabin(we don't mind saving money to spend it for Europe). Normally we would go in an Oceanview cabin but it was running $1000 a person so by saving this money we can enjoy 4 nights in Amsterdam and Rejkiavik.
I was able to use miles on Delta for both of our tickets to Tampa. I even got myself First Class and my Father does not mind flying in Coach as he does not appreciate First Class like I do. We will spend the night at the Westin Tampa Harbour.
Our cruise stops at Punto Degalda, Dublin, Cobh and Dunmore before docking in Amsterdam. I found us an AirBnb in Watergrafsmeer for $100 per night with all fees and taxes with breakfast included daily, Nespresso Coffee in the room and it got very good ratings. The hostess offers dinner for 12.50 Euros per person with dessert if we want.
In Rejkavik i found an apartment for $100 with all fees and taxes per night. Both apartments have two bedrooms, kitchen and everything that we may need.
I love having an apartment coming home to as you can really live like a local and cook like a local while saving money. My gosh the hotels were running $170+ and some without breakfast.
I love to spread out. Also we love eating at local restaurants where the menu is only in the local language and we see locals eating there. We do not sacrifice our comfort and still save money. I love going to the supermarket even just to buy a local Wine or beer much better than soda.
Saving money is fun and it takes time. For instance I found my Father and I a $596 return one way on Iceland Air which includes 1 checked, 1 carryon bag, seat assignments and Inflight Entertainment. So what if meals are not included we can survive by buying the snacks offered or bring on our own. Other airfares were $800+ one way.
Money saved=a more interesting trip. Oh and picnics are so much fun.