Money Saving Travel Tips

Budget travel doesn't have to mean you spend your entire trip scrimping pennies, but simple planning and a bit of flexibility can save major cash on vacation. Remember that you can have a really great vacation with a little bit of money.

Begin with getting a bargain-guidebook for the area that you plan to travel. There are many great books out there that provide information on the best places to stay, eat, and visit on a budget. For a step up from bare-bones travel, grab a Frommer's from the local bookstore and learn everything you need to know about your vacation destination.

If you determine you itinerary before leaving, you can save a lot of money on travel. Make flight and hotel reservations at least a couple of months ahead of time to get the best rates. Planning to go somewhere at the last minute costs more because you didn't have time research all of your travel options.

If you join a half-price hotel program, like Entertainment, you'll pay about $60.00 per year to enjoy half of a published room rate on nights that the hotel is less than 80% full. There are roughly 2,000-4,000 hotels participating in this program each year.

If you're an older adult, take advantage of it! As soon as you turn 50, join AARP for additional travel discounts. These memberships give older adults many benefits, including a small discount on most hotel rates, car rentals, and package deals. All senior citizens should take advantage of the standard age discounts offered at some hotels and restaurants.

If you decide to take a cruise, choose a discount travel agency to book your vacation. There are often fabulous deals on cruises, but you won't get those great prices by calling the cruise line. If you're flexible about when you set sail, your travel agent will be able to recommend a great cruise line at a great price.