Lets be real, all vacations have budgets, and going anywhere adds up fast. But through my few years of traveling, I’ve found a certain few places are just more expensive than I ever planned.

Now obviously, Paris is not a cheapo place to visit. But here are some tips for visiting Paris on a shoestring budget. I went in a large group and we avoided hotels, instead we subleased an apartment. Although it was a bit uncomfortable sleeping seven on a double bed and pull out couch, we could afford that roof over our heads. Next, go before you’re 25. You’re still considered a child at all the museums and all your tickets will be discounted. Finally, don’t think you always need to eat out. Grocery shopping in a foreign land is thrilling and there are so many treasures to find. Plus, you can generally make a pretty easy cook-free picnic without a lot of cash.

Just a fair warning: Cairo is a city run on tipping. You’ll tip to go to the bathroom. You’ll tip to walk through a door. You’ll tip to accidentally have taken a photograph with a man in the background who expects to get paid. So bring all the single dollar bills you have! Oh and don’t convert your money. I got yelled at every time I tried to pay with something other than an American dollar or Euro. But hey, how can you really go through life without sailing down the Nile?

Clearly this isn’t an inexpensive city. I’m sorry, but I lived in Brooklyn for several years and still haven’t figured out how to stay on budget in that city for more than a couple of days. Just save up all the cash you can and pretend your budget is half of what it actually is.

But still go to Paris, Cairo and New York. Its worth the money if you have it.