MAY 19th Tip #9: Drink Like a Bigshot

The Carlton Terrace is a landmark at Cannes. It's where bigshots stop off to watch the sun go down on the Mediterranean. However, for the cost of a fancy tumbler of vodka you could contract a Cambodian family of four into indentured servitude. Basically, if you are reading this column, you will probably not be able to afford more than one glass, much less the booze that goes in it.

However, if you bring a cheap bottle of Popov Vodka from the US ($6.99 a quart in a plastic bottle - for safety of course), discreetly concealed in your knock-off Luois Vuitton satchel, you pretend to order drink after drink. Everyone on the terrace will think you're really rich. Just order one legitimate glass and then continue to refill it from your smuggled bottle.

This same trick works at another landmark hotel, the Majestic, a smaller, smokier, and ruder (therefore, naturally, even more expensive) version of the Carlton.