just don't be samplin' too much of yer own wares. heh...
seriously, i'm sure all of us could show a bit more impulse control and not buy the triple lattes at starf-ucks, or cut back on the $10 lunches, or the brooks saddles that you really need etc. you'd be amazed where you can scrounge up a grand. i totally agree that the key to travelling is crashing at friends' places!! familiarity with where you're travelling to helps with scoping out all the deals. budgeting $3k-5k for a big trip is not as expensive as it sounds. most of us probably spend that or more on equally frivoulous things in a year.