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Boozing for Cheap: What To Drink Where
The average backpacker is typically always looking for ways to entertain themselves inexpensively. And whether we agree with it or not, the fact is that most of the time, drinking=fun. But also, drinking=expensive, in many cases. Unless, of course, you know what to get. Based on my experiences, here are the cheapest things you can get wasted on, depending on where you are:- When in Australia, drink the boxed wine. A box of wine will run you about $10 AUD for 4L. And 4L is alot when you're talking wine. That's enough for you and you close travel buddies to have a few really good nights on, not to mention a few really bad of days battling hangovers. Not that I have any ... um ... experience with that or anything ...
- When in Thailand, drink Thai Whiskey. Sure, Chang Beer is a favourite among many travellers and locals alike, and it's fairly cheap, but if you're going for the best value, Thai whiskey is where it's at. Especially if it's of the home-brewed variety and you pick it up from some random dude in a remote village. But ... um ... be careful ....
- When in Greece, drink Ouzo. A couple of my travel buddies bought a 4L bottle of Ouzo for about 3 €. It wasn't the best Ouzo I ever had, but it wasn't bad when mixed with something, and it did the trick. We travelled together for a month and it seemed like every night was an ouzo night. Still, I don't think we finished it ...
- When in Mexico, drink the tequila -- from Wal-Mart!: I felt a wave of shame when I entered the Wal-Mart in Puerto Vallarta, but that passed when I got to the alcohol section. There was at least half a dozen aisles of just tequila, and it was so, sooooooo cheap. Did I mention so cheap? Now, if I could only stomach the stuff ....
- When in Canada, drink ... water? Seriously, I love my country, but based on my travels, I think we must have to most expensive alcohol in the world. It's always a shock coming back from a trip and realizing that 4L of anything will cost me 10 times as much as that Ouzo ... unless it's homemade moonshine. What do you think -- is Canada an expensive place to drink, or is it just in my head?
Filed under: Food and Drink
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bobby Oct 5th 2007 11:13AM
Drinks are too expensive here in Canada. :(
In Ontario, the liquor board (the LARGEST alcohol buyer in the world!) sets the prices so the prices are so high. They have a monopoly! Woe is us...
Willi Oct 5th 2007 11:20AM
When in Japan, the best thing you can do is a nomihodai, or drinking party! It is as much as you can drink for a set amount of time (like an hour or two). This is by far the best way to drink cheaply in Japan.
Willy Oct 5th 2007 11:13AM
* When in ANY country, avoid the touristy bars. Head for the bars that are a bit out-of-the-way, and the prices will be far more reasonable. plus, you're destined to meet some locals, which will make the experience that much richer.
* When in Africa, buy the locally-bottled beers. They usually run about $1/bottle. If you're feeling really desperate, you can always find African booze in small packets the size of ketchup packages. For only a few pennies, you can carry a shot in your pocket. Beware going crazy: this is a case of "you get what you pay for."
Joe Montreal Oct 5th 2007 10:15AM
Cheap booze in Canada:
- Ladies nights at local bars, free or really cheap for women, cheap for guys. In Montreal a few years back, there was a ladies night every night of the week.
- Happy hours
-Crash a frosh party
- Go to the native reserves, tax free black market booze. No LCBO or SAQ to deal with.
- Drive to the US... New Hampshire is the cheapest.
Cesar from Argentina Oct 5th 2007 11:37AM
When in Argentina, go for the wine! I recommend the Cabernets and the Malbecs, and I highly recommend taking a bike tour of the wineries in Mendoza - http://argentinastravel.com/149/mendoza-wine-country-riding/