Where Do You Get Your Favorite Bagel?

What is your favorite bagel?  People argue all the time about their favorite bagel in any city.  However, San Francisco has many bagels that could be considered the best.  SFist has gathered what they believe to be the nine best bagel locations in the area. Keep reading and let us know if you agree or disagree. 


20th Century Cafe
Pastry chef Michelle Polzine (formerly of Range) knows her way around proper European baking traditions, from her knishes and honey cakes to her proper, boiled and baked bagels, liberally crusted with poppy seeds, or onion, or just plain naked. The bagels are dark, yeasty, and chewy, with a hint of honey in the dough, and Polzine prefers to call them "San Francisco bagels" lest any purists try to call her out. Still, these are some delicious, fresh-from-oven wonders (baked twice daily!), and you owe it to yourself to have one the next time you're in Hayes Valley. — — Jay Barmann

Beauty's Bagel Shop
Hand-rolled, Montreal-style: that's the name of the game at Beauty's Bagel Shop. With seeds enough to stock a birdhouse, these bagels also draw long lines. But those move quickly, and you'll be rewarded with the wood-fired goods before you know it. Lots of cream cheese and topping options await, from the traditional to the tofu, and then there are the bagel sandwiches, which definitely standout. Yes, they're organic, and yes, those eggs are free-range. — Caleb Pershan
3838 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, between 38th and 39th Streets


House of Bagels
This Richmond District bakery and storefront's been churning out "NY Style" bagels for 50 years, which has got to count for something, right? With a decidedly un-NY list of bagel flavors(Apple Ginger?) purists should note that HOB is also kosher-style, not kosher. But they're swift to assure you that they "carry NO pork or shellfish products of any kind." Casting aside those issues, how do they taste? Not too bad! Boiled and baked every day, as the good lord intended, if you stick with HOB's plain, poppy, or salt you'll get a firm, not-too-cakey bagel with a nice spring to it. Just as important, their staff is really, really nice. If only more people realized what HOB does, that the flavor of one's food can be dramatically enhanced by friendly service!— Eve Batey
5030 Geary Boulevard between 14th and 15th Avenues


Izzy's Brooklyn Bagels
Keeping it kosher in Palo Alto is Izzy's, where they're doing Brooklyn-style bagels just like "back east." One of those places that people invoke as the best bagel in the Bay Area, it's certainly worth a visit for top-notch fare, including baked goods like babka and gourmet lox. Also of note: great deviled eggs, and catering, because who doesn't want a huge plate of smoked salmon? — Caleb Pershan
477 South California Ave, Palo Alto


Katz Bagels
Boiled bagels at Katz, some might complain, are a bit compact. But classics like salt, garlic, and poppy seed are indeed super fresh boiled. Cream cheeses run the gamut, though I'll put in a plug for the chive. You'll also find numbered bagel sandwiches including good old bacon and egg. The cash-only establishment plays great jazz, has a nice bar slash counter to hang out on, and serves coffee. But you can also bring a bagel over to Stanza across the street, where there's better brew. Don't worry, they won't mind. — Caleb Pershan
3147 16th Street between Albion and Valencia Streets

Marla Bakery
Every day, Marla Bakery staffers get up before the rest of us to make their salted, poppy, sesame, and multi-seed bagels, which are available to all comers in increments as high as the half-dozen (they ask that you call in an order if you want more than that at any one time). This daily practice shows — while some places' bagels feel like they've been hanging out for a bit (no shade, that might be part of their charm), those at Marla feel fresh as a daisy. They're a little softer and chewier than some on our list, but their crust is one of our favorites, a smooth finish that never feels sticky. If you decide to dine in, check out their sophisticated take on the bagel plate, with herbed farmers cheese, Marla's house-smoked sable and their homemade pickled vegetables. — Eve Batey
3619 Balboa Street, between 37th and 38th Avenues

Nopa
I'm guessing that unless you're a Nopa brunch fanatic you didn't even know that pastry chef Anna Lee has been doing small batches of bagels every weekend, to be served as special with lox or smoked trout and dill farmer's cheese. They're yeast-risen, boiled in salted, malted water, and come topped with either sea salt or sesame, usually. You need to be part of the early brunch crew to get one, because Lee only makes about three dozen of these by hand each Saturday and Sunday. — Jay Barmann
560 Divisadero at Hayes

Posh Bagel
They may not be the most authentic around, and in fact some of them are just balls-out California with their jalapeno and occasional pesto-laden tops. But I like these bagels anyway, dammit. They're the correct consistency, chewy and not too bready, and superior to Noah's in every way. Assuming you don't have serious New York snobbery about things like asiago cheese or blueberries in your bagel — and also assuming you don't mind eating delicious things in secret for fear of judgment from your authenticity-obsessed friends — we suggest you try this place. You might be a convert. — Jay Barmann
There are 14 Posh Bagel retail locations located throughout the Bay Area.

Wise Sons Deli 
Though a recent fire in the Mission has delayed their plans for a daily bagel operation, on Saturdays you can still nab a four-pack of bagels at their 24th Street location, and singles with cream cheese are often available in their Mission spot as well as at their Ferry Building Farmer's Market location on Tuesdays and Thursdays and their Contemporary Jewish Museum location (though bagels are unlisted on both of those spots' online menus). The flavors are blessedly limited: a plain, sesame, salt, or everything. Most respectable of the bunch is the plain, with just the right amount of chew and heft, and maybe a little bit of a sourdough finish.— Eve Batey
3150 24th Street at Shotwell

Happy Hours in San Francisco

TGIF! If you're more than ready to kick off the weekend, why not begin with one of our city's many happy hours? Even if you have a go-to place after work, try something new! Where will we see you this weekend? SFist recommends these happy hours, which also include food:

ICHI Sushi + Ni Bar
It's been almost exactly a year since this subtle sushi operation moved to its larger Mission Street location, but don't worry, it's remained a Bernal happy hour favorite. From 5:30 to 7 p.m. pop in for $1 oysters, half off appetizers, $4 Fort Point beers, and cold sake and white wine for $6. That all goes down in the Ni Bar subsection, so sidle up to that back bar. — Caleb Pershan
3282 Mission Street at 29th Street

Pesce
In Italy, they've got this awesome thing called aperitivo hour, where you get FREE FOOD with your drinks. How civilized is that? You can take advantage of this brilliant concept at Pesce in the Castro, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. every night of the week. There are drink specials, of course, but also free cicheti (snacks, to you) including bruschetta with smoked salmon, goat cheese-stuffed peppers, and meatballs in marinara. Also, on Tuesdays, they do $1 oysters and $5 martinis. — Lauren Sloss
2223 Market Street near Sanchez

Bar Agricole
Tuesday to Saturday from 5 to 6 p.m., and all day Sunday, Bar Agricole offers up $2.50 oysters as well as some delicious $2.50 sausages with house-made mustard and sauerkraut. Also, there's $6 glass of Riesling and $3 beers to wash that down, as well as their sophisticated cocktail list, at full price, should you want to head that direction. — Jay Barmann
355 11th Street at Harrison

Park Chalet
On a sunny afternoon there's no more suitable post than at Park Chalet, where you'll find $3.50 pints house-brewed beers every Wednesday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Taco Tuesdays ($2.40 each) also feature two-for-one margaritas, free live music and a happy hour that runs until midnight.
— Caleb Pershan
1000 Great Highway between Upper Great Highway and Lincoln Way

Gaspar Brasserie
One of the newer happy hour deals around town is at this stylish French spot. Monday to Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. they're offering $1 oysters and deviled eggs, as well as $3 pomme frites, $5 glasses of wine, and a couple of $6 cocktails, including one called the Ma Cherie (vodka, lemon, honey-ginger, hibiscus tea).
185 Sutter Street at Kearny

El Techo de Lolinda
This rooftop spot in the Mission has some tasty bites, and their happy hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m. on weeknights. On offer: $5 guacamole, beef empanadas, fried green plantains (with black beans and queso fresco), and fried chicken thighs with habanero salsa. Also, $7 margaritas and $18 sangria pitchers. — Lauren Sloss
2518 Mission Street at 22nd

UVA Enoteca
UVA is on our list for the second year in a row for good reason, as it's still one of the best deals around. From 5 to 6:30 Monday to Thursday, and 3 to 6:30 Saturday and Sunday, cans of beer (but they pour it into a glass, so you still feel all grown up) are $2, petite carafes of wine are $5, and there's a limited (and cheap!) selection of pizza, pasta and nibbly things to soak it all up. Get their early—UVA's prime seats at their lovely marble bar fill up fast. — Eve Batey
568 Haight at Steiner

Boxing Room
Blessed with a new full liquor license to complement their solid beer offerings from the local to the New Orleanian (Abita, anybody?), the Absinthe Group's Boxing Room also cuts you a break with half off oysters from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cajun boiled peanuts and $4 Turbodog beers or $5 Cava should go with that nicely. — Caleb Pershan
399 Grove Street at Gough Street

Bar Crudo
Crudo's oyster, chowder, and fish taco happy hour always makes our lists, and it's still one of the best deals in town for a cheap date or after-work treat. Happy hour is 5 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday, and weekend evenings tend to have folks outside waiting for the doors to open right at 5. In addition to $1 oysters, there are $1 jalapeño marinated mussels, 2-for-$10 local rock cod tacos, and a few other seafoody delicacies. Wash it all down with a $3 pint of beer or $5 glass of wine See the full happy hour menu here. — Jay Barmann
655 Divisadero Street at Grove

Mission Rock Resort
On sunny days, especially, you want to be sitting out on a deck, sipping cold beer and slurping oysters, and this is the place for that. At happy hour (3 to 7 p.m.), Mission Rock Resort has four hours worth of 99-cent oysters, as well as $5 draft beers, and $6 cocktails and wine. You won't find a more sun-drenched and relaxing spot, assuming you score one of the tables on the deck, and it makes for a perfect pit stop before a Giants game. - Jay Barmann
817 Terry A Francois Blvd (between Mariposa and 16th Street)

Two Sisters Bar & Books
It's pretty tiny, and quite popular, so swinging in on the early side for happy hour is probably one of your best bets for getting a seat at this Hayes Valley spot, or even ample standing room. Tuesday to Friday they do it from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the deal is $3 draft beers, and $5 cocktails, which means their delicious concoctions are half price. And that deal runs all afternoon, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., on weekends.
579 Hayes Street at Laguna

Hi Tops
This popular Castro sports bar has, $3 well drinks like the rest of the neighborhood before 8 p.m. But, there's the added bonus of 25-cent Buffalo wings on Mondays, which tend to draw serious crowds of sports fans who are also spicy wing fans, given that you can order yourself a dozen for three bucks, and then get drunk, all for less than $15. — Jay Barmann
2247 Market Street, between Noe and Sanchez

Spending Valentine's Day in SF

Valentine’s Day weekend is upon us! The city of San Francisco is always buzzing with events, fabulous food and beautiful sights. Forget to make dinner reservations? That’s okay! Surprise your significant other with something different this year! If you need some ideas, here are just some events happening in the Bay Area this weekend, courtesy of San Francisco Travel:

San Francisco Beer Week

Feb. 10-19

Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 8th St.

http://sfbeerweek.org/

The ultimate beer-lover’s fest lasts 10 mouthwatering days, including beer hikes (you sip before you step) to women-only tastings.

The Love Train

Feb. 10-11 and Feb. 14

Napa Valley Wine Train, 1275 McKinstry St., Napa, CA

www.winetrain.com, 800-427-4124

An unforgettable, classic experience on board the Napa Valley Wine Train is the perfect gift to share with your sweetheart on Valentine's Day. Prices range from $119-$164 per person and include dinner, chocolate, sparkling wine and strolling musicians.

Animal Attraction

Opens Feb. 11

California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Dr.

www.calacademy.org, 415-379-8000

From fish that can change sex to insects that eat their mates, explore some of the wildest mating strategies in the animal kingdom in this revealing new exhibit. Delve into the science of sex and encounter live animals that have evolved remarkable and often surprising techniques for attracting mates and producing offspring.

Valentines’ Day and Weekend at the Exploratorium

Feb. 11-12 and Feb. 14

Exploratorium, 3601 Lyon St.

www.exploratorium.edu, 415-561-0363

Looking for a new Valentines’ date activity with that special someone? The Exploratorium has it covered with the Valentine’s date tour – featuring guided walks through the museum’s most romantic exhibits, film screenings and special Valentine’s Day dissection programs (flowers and cow or pig hearts).

San Francisco Zoo’s “Woo at the Zoo”

San Francisco Zoo, One Zoo Rd.

Feb. 11-12 and Feb. 14

www.sfzoo.org, 415-753-7080

Contrary to common belief, the animals will not “mate on cue” during the Zoo’s adults-only affair (21 years and older), but one will learn the many facets to the birds and the bees of the animal kingdom.

Ride with Your Valentine on a Bicycle-Built-for-2

Feb. 11-17

Bike and Roll, 899 Columbus Ave.

www.bicyclerental.com, 415-229-2000

Take your valentine on a tandem bicycle for a beautiful ride through San Francisco on the Bay Trail, over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, and return by ferryboat. Daily discounted rate is $45 per day (25% off normal rate).

Castro Hosts Largest Showing of AIDS Memorial Quilt in 25 Years

Feb. 12–20

2278 Market Street, http://www.aidsquilt.org

Courtesy of Under One Roof, the NAMES Project Foundation, the AIDS Emergency Fund, and San Francisco businessman Petyr Kane, sections of the renowned AIDS Memorial Quilt will be shown at various locations in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood. Honoring those loved and lost over the past three decades, the exhibition is the largest San Francisco showing of the quilt since its original home on Market Street closed in 1999. The primary Market Street exhibition will be open to the public free of charge from 12 to 8 p.m. A traditional unfolding ceremony will be held at 12 p.m. on Feb. 12, during which a traditional “reading of the names” of those memorialized will take place.

Castro Hosts Largest Showing of AIDS Memorial Quilt in 25 Years

Feb. 12–20

2278 Market Street, http://www.aidsquilt.org

Courtesy of Under One Roof, the NAMES Project Foundation, the AIDS Emergency Fund, and San Francisco businessman Petyr Kane, sections of the renowned AIDS Memorial Quilt will be shown at various locations in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood. Honoring those loved and lost over the past three decades, the exhibition is the largest San Francisco showing of the quilt since its original home on Market Street closed in 1999. The primary Market Street exhibition will be open to the public free of charge from 12 to 8 p.m. A traditional unfolding ceremony will be held at 12 p.m. on Feb. 12, during which a traditional “reading of the names” of those memorialized will take place.

Love Hurts: Litquake Preps You for Valentine’s Day with Readings from Some of the Most Wretched Passages on Love and Lust Ever Written

Feb. 13

Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St.

http://www.litquake.org/, 415-647-2888

Litquake commemorates the year’s most overrated holiday with 10 Bay Area authors reading their favorite overwrought prose from classics by the likes of Harold Robbins and Paul Theroux as well as selections from The Story of O, and that mother ship of romance and substance abuse, Valley of the Dolls. Tickets are $10.

Eternity Ball

Feb. 14

Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason

www.eternityball.com, 415-967-3977

Whether married, divorced, engaged, or single – the Eternity Ball black-tie gala has something for all to enjoy. Come dressed to impress in a ball gown, wedding or bridesmaid dresses, or tuxedo. Afterwards, join hundreds of revelers at the Festival Pavilion for a giant reception, all inclusive of cocktails, food and dancing. Tickets for the Eternity Ball start at $100 per person. Part of proceeds from the Eternity Ball will benefit the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation®.

Epic Romance Presented by BATS Improv

Feb. 14

Bayfront Theater, B350 Fort Mason Center

www.improv.org, 415-474-8935

BATS Improv presents a special Valentine's Day performance of their newest improv show, Epic Romance. Epic Romance is a sweeping and completely improvised “film”, performed live, in the style of Gone With the Wind and Doctor Zhivago. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Show starts at 8 p.m.

Forever Tango

Feb. 14-19

Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter Street, 2nd floor

www.marinesmemorialtheatre.com, 415-771-6900

Created and directed by Luis Bravo, Forever Tango features a world-renowned cast of dancers and musicians who bring an intoxicating sense of excitement and passion to the stage. Through music and dance, the production traces the tango's colorful history, from turn-of-the-century Buenos Aires bordellos to its acceptance into high society. Tickets range in price from $45 to $70. Tickets for the special Valentine’s Day Gala (Feb. 14) are $80 and include Gala performance, post-performance dancing with the cast and orchestra of Forever Tango and two beverages.

Local Tastes of the City Valentine’s Tour

Through the month of February

www.sffoodtour.com, 415-665-0480

Tours will start in San Francisco’s most romantic neighborhood, Little Italy, to sample the food and learn how it's made. The tour includes tastes of coffee, truffles, bread and pastries, special deli treats and olive oil.

Raymond Pettibon Inspired Valentine’s Treat

Through the month of February

SFMOMA, 151 Third St.

www.sfmoma.org, 415-357-4000

Blue Bottle Coffee on the SFMOMA rooftop will serve a heart shape crème fraiche parfait with maraschino cherries and cherry brandy gelee ($5); a special dessert created just for Valentine’s Day inspired by a Raymond Pettibon painting on view at the current SFMOMA exhibition “The Air We Breathe.” Other love related artwork may be viewed on the second floor.

EAT YOUR HEART OUT

Fifth Floor

Feb. 7-18

12 Fourth St.

www.fifthfloorrestaurant.com, 415-348-1555

Fifth Floor is offering a special seven-course tasting menu, available for $95 (wine pairings, tax and gratuities not included). For Valentine’s Day, a special nine-course tasting menu is also available for $130.

The Garden Court at the Palace Hotel

Feb. 11-14

2 New Montgomery St.

www.sfpalace.com, 415-546-5089

Sweetheart Tea

Feb. 11

Enjoy sparkling wine tea served complete with a strolling violin. 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $48.

Valentine Brunch

Feb. 12

This signature brunch includes live music, sparkling wine and an array of savories and sweets. 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $75.

Sip, Sup, Swing & Sway

Feb. 14

Experience an unforgettable evening including a five-course dinner, dancing and music by the Kent Strand Band, featuring the vocals of Pamela Rose. Reservations available from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 for pre fixe dinner and $100 for pre fixe dinner with wine pairing selections.

Valentine’s Dinner at Top of the Mark

Feb. 11 and Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.

InterContinental Mark Hopkins, www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com

For $395 per couple, guests will enjoy a bottle of Moet Chandon Rosé, an appetizer and a four-course plated dinner. Diners will also enter to win the “Pack Your Bag Contest”: pack an overnight bag for a chance to spend one night in the presidential suite. Winner will be announced at the end of dinner.

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company’s “Valentine’s Day by The Bay”

Feb. 11-14390 Capistrano Rd., Princeton-by-the-Sea, CA

www.hmbbrewingco.com, 650-728-2739

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, a beloved destination known for small-production craft beer, sustainable coastal cuisine, scenic outdoor patio fire pits and live music, heralds the arrival of Valentine’s Day with a special menu crafted by Chef Gaston Alfaro alongside beer pairings by Brewmaster Kirk Hillyard.

Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen

401 Taylor St., 415-775-7979

www.jasperscornertap.com/

Anti-Valentine’s Day Celebration

Feb. 13

For the ultimate anti-Valentine’s celebration, Jasper’s kicks off their monthly movie nights with the showing of “True Romance” at 9 p.m. Chef Adam Carpenter’s snack menu features spicy kettle corn popcorn, chicken wings, baked Jasper’s oysters and a special “It’s not you, it’s me” cocktail

Couple’s Valentine’s Day Dinner

Feb. 14

For a fun night out, Jasper’s is offering a special menu available for $99 per couple (includes two glasses of sparkling wine, tax and gratuities). Menu highlights include Dungeness crab, oysters, lobster pot pie, baked mousse and more.

Harry Denton’s Starlight Room

Feb. 14

450 Powell St., 415-395-8595

www.harrydenton.com

Dress to impress, grab your special someone and head over to Harry Denton’s Starlight Room to celebrate Valentine’s Day in an unforgettable way. Singer/songwriter Tasche will perform hits from his new CD “A Love Worth Fighting For.” Tickets are $70 per couple and include a table, two glasses of Moet champagne and chocolate dipped long-stemmed strawberries. 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. For $10 per person, guests may enjoy the live music.

Valentine’s Day at Parallel 37

Feb. 14

The Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton St.

www.parallel37sf.com, 415-773-6168

Experience an unforgettable Valentine’s Day with Chef Ron Siegel’s special six-course menu at the newly-opened Parallel 37. Each couple will receive two different menus for a playful sharing experience. Tickets are $125 per guest; $79 for wine pairing. Seatings begin at 5:30 p.m.

Butterfly Restaurant

Feb. 14

Pier 33, The Embarcadero

www.butterflysf.com, 415-864-8999

Offering a four-course prix fixe menu for Valentine’s Day, guests will enjoy views of the San Francisco Bay over dinner. Dinner is $80 per person and does not include beverages, tax or gratuity.

One Market Restaurant

Feb. 14

1 Market St.

www.onemarket.com, 415-777-5577

One Market will serve a four-course dinner for $75 per person. Michelin star Chef Mark Dommen’s specialties will include dishes such as Sweetbread Ravioli, Applewood smoked bacon, Roasted Liberty Farms Duck Breast, Carmelized Apple Tart, and Calvados gelée, apple cider “slush.” The menu will also include a cheese course.

The Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant

Feb. 14

1000 Great Hwy.

www.beachchalet.com, 415-386-8439

The Beach Chalet will serve a special four-course a la carte limited menu which includes Oyster Rockefeller, sautéed Rosefish, Porterhouse steaks for two, crispy stuffed chicken breast, pan Seared Sonoma County duck breast and Passion fruit and Tarts. Order three or more courses and a glass of champagne is included.

Travel on a Budget

"my travel gear" by Jon Rawlinson is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Whether you’re thinking ahead to summer vacation or are just itching to get out of town, it’s not secret that traveling these days is expensive. From airline costs to hotel expenses, things can quickly add up. If you need to stick to a budget, being organized in the planning process will be key to saving money while still having a fulfilling experience. How do you save money without sacrificing your dream trip? Apartment Guide offers these travel tips:

Be Flexible

Instead of having a location and a specific date you want to go, let the travel destination choose you. The fare to the Bahamas may be much less than it is to go to Greece during March, so if you can settle for a different beach than you had in mind, you may be able to save some cash and still get a tan.

Do your research to see where and when you’re going to be able to get the most travel bang for your buck. Be flexible about the times you travel as well. I recently booked a trip to Las Vegas, and the cheapest flight was at 6 a.m.

Do I really want to get up at 3 a.m. to make my flight? No. But flying out at 6 a.m. vs. 9 a.m. was about $150 cheaper. That’s $150 extra dollars I can spend on food, fun, or souvenirs for friends.

Fly On Certain Days

If possible, book your flight for a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday afternoon. In general, these are the days when airfare is the cheapest.

Traveling on these days will mean less crowded airports, shorter security lines, and more money in your pocket for activities!

Travel With Friends

Not only is traveling with friends more fun, but if you gather a group of friends together, you can all go in on everything together.

A road trip to New York might be pretty pricey if you’re going by yourself, but when you split the gas cost between you and four friends, suddenly all of your travel expenses become much more manageable.

Set a Budget

If I didn’t set a budget for exactly how much I planned to spend in Las Vegas, I would have probably been in trouble. When you’re on vacation, it’s easy to overspend without even realizing that you’re doing so.

Break down every expense, from airfare and food to transportation, hotel and entertainment before you leave for your trip. This way, you won’t come home with a completely empty wallet, and you may have some cash leftover to save toward your next trip!

Rely on Hourly Car Rentals

Many people book a rental car to get them from the airport to their hotel. However, if you’re only planning on getting a rental car for the purpose of traveling to your hotel, you may want to consider an hourly car rental like Zipcar instead.

Zipcar is a great option if you’re traveling to a city where there’s already a lot of public transportation. The price to rent a Zipcar will change depending on the city you’re visiting. If you’re in Chicago, Zipcars will be about $9 per hour, while in New York, it’s $10 per hour.

Watch Where You Fill Up

Whether you’re using a Zipcar or going on a road trip with your own car, you can save money on travel expenses by being careful about where you fill up on gas.

Download the smartphone app GasBuddy, which will tell you which stations in your area have the cheapest price per gallon.

Consider Non-Hotel Options or a Package Deal

Non-hotel options, (like hostels or renting out a place for the week) and package deals are another great way to save money on travel expenses.

Staying at hostels or renting out a local’s apartment through a secure website like Airbnb, can often be much cheaper than a pricey hotel room.

Bonus money saving points if you rent a house– you can cook some of your own meals and save on eating out costs!

Or if you love the luxury of a hotel, instead of buying airfare and a hotel separately, think about buying all-inclusive packages to save yourself some money. When you buy the two together, you may be getting deals that aren’t offered to the general public.

Sign Up For Loyalty Programs

If there is a specific airline you fly with all the time, or a certain hotel that you always stay with, sign up for their loyalty or frequent flyer program to save yourself some money over the long run. You’ll eventually earn miles that you can put toward another trip.

If you continue to stay with the same hotel, you may even earn a few free nights, or at least take advantage of a discounted or upgraded room. You may also want to sign up for an airline’s free email alerts to get coupons and deals to help you save money.

Since you’re being alerted to these special discounts right when they become available, you get first dibs.