Title: The Penny-Pinching Hedonist: How To Live Like Royalty With A Peasant’s Pocketbook

Author: Shel Horowitz

ISBN: 0961466642

The following interview was conducted by:NORM GOLDMAN:  Editor of Bookpleasures &CLICK TO VIEW  Norm Goldman's Reviews     

INTERVIEW

Shel Horowitz, author of The Penny-Pinching Hedonist: How To Live Like Royalty With A Peasant’s Pocketbook maintains that are still bargains to be had in travel.

In a recent interview with Editor Norm Goldman of Bookpleasures.com and Sketchandtravel.com, Shel indicated the following to Norm.

"My wife and I took a six-night vacation in Greece. For the two of
us, all our expenses were just about $400: we used bumped credit
for airfare, spent two nights with someone in our home-stay network at
no cost, and three nights in a $20 suite in one of the islands.
Another example, my wife, daughter and I flew to London for $200 r/t apiece, and
spent 11 of the 12 nights with people in our home-stay network, so our
lodging cost was all of $50."

Here is more of what Shel had to say:

Norm: Shel, could you tell our readers something about yourself and why you wanted to write The Penny-Pinching Hedonist: How To Live Like Royalty With A Peasant’s Pocketbook?

Shel: For years, people told me I should write a book on having fun cheaply. I am a writer, after all, and people were always impressed at all the tips I would provide to slash the cost of travel, dining, entertainment, romance, and so forth.

Norm: I noticed your book was published in 1995. Do the same principles apply today as in 1995, and as a follow up, have you ever thought of updating your book?

Shel: The biggest difference (other than some inflation, of course) is the incredible role of the Internet. Much more is possible for bargain shoppers, and for well-informed consumers generally. We just bought a car, and we did so much research online that we were very prepared to get exactly what we wanted. But nearly all the tips that are in the book are still valid; I estimate it will save the average reader somewhere between $500 and $2000 every year, on fun.

I have thought often about updating the book, even done some of the research, but I discovered it's very hard to sell books in the frugality market--so instead, I publish a monthly Frugal Fun Tip. Meanwhile, I've put my energy into a campaign to change the business world and make the next Enron socially unacceptable--this may be a ten year effort, so that keeps me pretty busy. See Principled Profits.

Norm: When did you begin travelling? How many countries have you visited, and what was the most enjoyable place you have ever visited and why?

Shel: The first of eight trips to Europe was 1973 when I was 16-plus, one each to trip to Israel and Jamaica, several to Canada and Mexico. If I counted right, I've been in 25 countries.

Norm:  Do you still feel that the days of cheap travel are still available and why? In other words, what can we look forward to pertaining to the availability of inexpensive travel?

Shel: with the dollar falling against the Euro, some countries are more expensive than they used to be. Italy is frightfully expensive. But we were in the Czech Republic this summer, which was still quite affordable. And many of the less developed countries offer amazing bargains.

Norm: If you are seeking a romantic getaway or perhaps a honeymoon destination, and you have limited money to spend, which 5 venues would you choose and why?

Shel: Mexico, as it is cheap and close yet very exotic and historic. However, stay away from the big resorts. New England because there are lots of getaways I can drive to. Quebec city, because it's like going to Europe without the plane fare. Western Canada because the Rockies are simply magnificent and everyone speaks English. Greece because of the amazing wealth of history and the great food...oh, I guess I have to stop now, that's five. 

Norm: Do you feel it is safe to travel today?

Shel: Yes, other than obvious danger places like the Middle East.

Norm: How does one go about finding accurate and honest information about inexpensive travel destinations, particularly if it is for the purposes of a romantic getaway or honeymoon?

Shel: Start on the Internet, narrow it down, pick up some guidebooks--and they should match your sensibility; if you're an adventurer, then Moon, Lonely Planet or Rough Guide will suit you. For rock-bottom prices, but often sub-standard accommodations, Let's Go, for comfortable middle-class travel, Fodor, etc.

Norm: If you were looking for inexpensive wedding destinations, where your guests could travel to and at the same time have a great time, which ones would you choose?

Shel: I'm afraid that's outside my expertise.

Norm: What is your idea of an enjoyable vacation and why? 

Shel: Staying in people's homes, so instead of a cookie-cuter hotel room, you're living the lives of the locals, at least briefly. Exploring ethnic markets, off-beat attractions, public transportation. Seeing a lot of art and music. This isn't everyone's trip, I know--but it's the kind of trip I most enjoy. We took a 10-day cruise in the Baltic and my favourite part was the three days in Copenhagen before the cruise started, staying with families and seeing what we wanted to see.

Thanks Shel for your time.

To read Norm’s review of Shel’s book click HERE.