THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE

For many, free and cheap things are not only appealing but essential for stretching the funds to last as long as possible for an extended journey. Yet, even on a short trip, many unforgettable days of freedom and discovery can happen on a thin budget. You quickly realise that cheap can mean much, much better. No fancy Roman trattoria dinner can truly rival the bread and cheese picnic in Villa Celimontana, a short walk from the Colosseum, on a visit to the Eternal City.

Needless to say, the monetary value implied in the term 'free' can misrepresent what's on offer within these pages. The quality of an experience, after all, is not always attached to a price tag, such as the priceless experience of unearthing the world's secret wonders, whether that's swimming around Sydney's ocean pools or strolling the tombs and monuments of Delhi's Lodi Gardens.

Additionally, it's an exaggeration to say that everything good is 100% free, so you'll find plenty of excellent value cheap things to experience throughout this book as well. Dip into your spare change for classy street food like a choripain (chorizo sandwich) in Buenos Aires, the best views of Hong Kong's skyline from the Star Ferry and a Boston brewery tour. Using the tips in this book, you'll be left with great memories and a grateful wallet.

Happy travels!