Top Ten Tips for Traveling on a Budget

Traveling Smart for Less Money

Like many other people, I love to travel. Unfortunately, the price tag that comes with traveling can discourage even the most enthusiastic traveler. I have discovered a few simple tips that have helped keep the cost down so I can keep to my travel budget and therefore travel longer and more often.

1. The best time to travel is off-season. Airlines, tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, and businesses offer discounted rates to draw in more customers during slow times in the season. Another benefit is that lines at tourist attractions are shorter and restaurants are less crowded.

2. Before you leave, search online for coupons or discounts pertaining to your destination. In the search box, simply type "coupons Disneyland" or "coupons New York" to find the latest offers and how you can claim them. Also, look for senior, family, student, and group discounts. Auto clubs such as AAA also offer travel discounts.

3. Skip the travel agent and book your own rooms. Call around for prices and check the Internet. Consider sites such as Hotels.com or Hotwire.com for deeply discounted rooms. Look around for other discount hotel web sites.

4. Consider staying at a bed and breakfast. The rooms usually cost the same a hotel room in the area, but they also include a hot breakfast and sometimes include an afternoon snack served with tea or wine, saving you money in the long run. Check before you reserve a room to see if the bed and breakfast caters to couples and families or just couples.

5. Eat where the locals do. The highest meal prices are charged in or near tourist attractions. If you are willing to walk a couple of blocks, ask around for a great restaurant with good prices.

6. Consider taking public transportation to save on gas, parking fees, taxis, and car rentals. Or find a hotel that has a free shuttle to local tourist attractions.

7. For lunch, pack a picnic. For less than $10 you can eat your lunch wherever you want and have money left over to put towards a nice dinner. You also avoid long waits, when you could be out having fun.