Planning for Bali

Tickets to Bali can be made a little more reasonable if you book early (think, months ahead), stay open to non-Orbitz based airlines, and plan on spending some of your annual expenses there instead of in the states. Examples: you can buy summer wear for extremely low prices, especially if you are willing to haggle. In more formal stores, ask if they have a discount. You'll invariably get at least 10% off, for jewelry, clothing, rugs furnishings, arts and crafts. Keep in mind that the art of haggling doesn't include insulting the goods or the merchant. Be complimentary of the potential purchase, and make clear that you only have x amount of money to spend on it, or that you found it elsewhere for less. If you have a good driver, bring him along to help you -- they often know when the asking price is too high, and can help you get a better deal.

Another way to write off some of your expense is to take care of minor health issues there. Medical care is much less expensive, and if you know a reliable clinic, you can get an appointment relatively easily. Dermatology and cosmetic care are particularly worth the trouble. On my trip I visited the highly recommended Miracle clinic in Kuta Galleria. My clinician, Dr. Fenny, was charming, highly skilled and extremely careful to make sure I saw the sealed packaging, watched her open the box and create the doses -- I had restylane and botox, for about a third of what I would have paid here. Protocol and side effects were identical to my experience in the US, and she made sure to have me drop in a few days later for a free followup to ensure I was having a good reaction. I can't say enough about her professionalism and kindness, and the great service of her staff.

If you don't need a "freshener" at the spa, think about what a friend does to cover his expenses: he picks up inexpensive and beautiful high quality silver jewelry, handcrafts and fabrics from artisans, and brings them back to the US for local shops. This is something you need a little expertise in, but as long as you stick to goods small enough to pack rather than ship, and make sure you've covered customs and other legal niceties, you can make back the cost of your trip fairly easily.

 Balinese style therapeutic massage is excellent if you have chronic muscle pain or weakness. I used a private masseuse who charged $7 US for a 2 hour massage, but if you don't have a friend in the business, her previous job was at a great place called Body Works, that charges $13 an hour, still a tremendous discount in comparison to similar massage in the US.

Keep in mind that your restaurant dining can be extremely cheap, especially if you visit the beachside barbecues. One of my favorites, in Canggu (pronounced Chan goo), at Echo Beach, offers all you can eat salad and sides, with your pick of entree-- select lobster, prawn, crab, tuna, seabass, or other local varieties for one to a few dollars per 100 grams (this is a little over a quarter pound, or 3.5 oz). The time to be there is sunset, for maximum enjoyment!

Remember that you need to pack very little, Bali is very informal and hot when you're off the beach and not in the mountains, and you can buy a sarong or a cotton sundress for about $2 US if you bargain for it. Some airlines charge extra for baggage, but Cathay Pacific allows you to check in two bags up to 50 lbs each for free! Pack some kids' books to donate to the local school system, as long as you're at it.

Don't worry about booking events or classes in advance, you'll find cheaper places with openings when you get there, and the only way to tell if you're getting a good deal is to actually go to the place and see what they're like. Surfing lessons are cheap at Kuta and Seminyak beaches, and easy to find.  Snorkeling is pretty terrible around Bali, so don't do what I did and book a $50 snorkel excursion to the tiny area they've reserved for this prupose at Nusa Dua. You'll get called in after less than an hour by the pilot, and you won't see anything worth the price. Don't try to learn surfing at Dreamland Beach: the waves are too high and the surf "instructors" are a little shady.

Do google anything you're interested in, and find out what bloggers are saying about them. I learned a lot of very helpful information before leaving, and that's one of the reasons I started my blog, to make sure that you know to google before you go, but commit once you get there!