Had to pick between a hostel dorm and a cheap Airbnb in Bangkok last month

I was trying to stretch $50 a day in Bangkok and had to decide between a 12 bed dorm for $8 a night or a tiny Airbnb near the river for $22. I went with the dorm because I figured I'd meet people and save cash, but it was a nightmare. The AC barely worked, some guy snored like a chainsaw, and my charger got stolen on day two. Meanwhile my buddy paid the extra $14 for the Airbnb and got a private room with a mini fridge and a pool. He had way more energy for exploring while I was dragging myself through temples on 4 hours of sleep. Next time I'm coughing up for the private spot, no question. Anyone else regret trying to save $50 on a trip?

3 comments

3 Comments

jakejones5d ago

Ugh, totally been there. Sometimes saving that cash just isn't worth losing your mind over.

jakejones5d ago

The key is to make a checklist before you even start. Grab a pen and paper, write down every single step you can think of, and check them off one by one as you go. That way you don't get halfway through, realize you forgot a part, and have to tear it all apart. I learned that the hard way after spending a whole Saturday on a project only to find out I installed the mounting bracket backwards. Little stuff like having a good work light or a magnetic tray for screws can save you a ton of headache too.

the_elliot4d ago

I did a whole bathroom remodel myself last year. Paid about $4,000 total when the contractor wanted $12,000. Sure I had to redo the tile work once and spent a weekend fixing a leak I caused. But that extra $8,000 is sitting in my savings account right now. Money like that is real. A headache is temporary. Most people just don't want to put in the work or they're afraid of messing up. You can watch a YouTube video and learn anything these days. I'd rather have the cash and a few rough weekends than hand over my paycheck to someone else.