So what does the committed traveler do? Research is a huge help. And take a look at the tips in this article. You'll definitely find ways to get to where you want to go without spending more money than you budgeted.
1. Stay away from trends. When everyone else is heading off to that Caribbean beach, find your adventurous spirit and go where most people aren't! It's a great way to miss out on the crowds. Off-season travel is another good idea.
2. Lower your air transportation costs. Airfare can make or break a budget, so search carefully for the best fares you can find. You can usually get good deals online, and even better deals if you check prices for different times of the day, or avoid weekend flights. And don't forget to check for prices at different times, too.
3. There are always alternatives to air travel. Be creative - think about a cruise, or a bus, or a train. Cruises are great fun, and bus travel can be a great way to get to your destination if you have time on your hands. Rail travel is another good choice when you have a few extra days available.
4. Your car can take you places. Sure, gas prices are high, but if it's possible to drive to where you want to go, definitely compare prices. You'll have other possible expenses, like overnight accommodation, so make sure you take that into account. And you should definitely get your car serviced before you leave, so you won't be stuck with emergency repair bills.
5. Check for bargain hotel rates. It never hurts to ask if you can get a discount for a room. Hotels like to be full, so if there are too many empty rooms, often you can negotiate a better room rate. A hotel that does a lot of business conferences, for example, is likely to be less busy on weekends.
6. Consider accommodation alternatives. You don't always have to stay at a hotel. Bed and breakfasts often offer a lot of bang for the buck, and you won't be stuck in a busy, touristy area. There are also retreat centers, timeshares and hostels. Don't forget about house sitting. Or you could set up an exchange of your home with someone else in the area you want to travel to. And in the summertime, you can often rent empty dorm rooms from colleges and universities.
You definitely don't have to pay major dollars to travel. Do your research, employ these tips, and you'll be able to satisfy that travel bug in you.
