Spent 3 hours in Bangkok trying to find a bus to the airport for under $5 before a local showed me the free shuttle. | Budget Travel Hacks - Hub Chatter
Used to always book a pricey airport car in Frankfurt. Figured it was just the cost of travel. Then a hotel bartender told me about the local train line, costs like 4 euros and drops you right at the terminal. Felt a bit silly for not looking it up, but it totally changed how I plan those last leg trips now. Always check for a local train or bus route before assuming you need a taxi.