With oil prices sky high, it’s no wonder so many people are feeling discouraged about leisure travel. After all, flights now cost an arm and a leg – and that means you may blow the bank before you’ve even arrived at your destination! Add the fact that the weakening dollar means overseas excursions are now even less affordable. But all is not lost. Our cheap travel tips offer myriad ways to save money and explore the world. In other words, your dream overseas vacation needn’t stay a dream.--Catherine Parker

Flights
Airlines often have last minute flight bargains, so if you’re flexible about where and when you go, you can find great deals. Bear in mind though that in general, the cheaper the flight, the more restrictions you’ll have in terms of refunds, date changes, and availability.

Although flight aggregator sites such as Kayak, Cheap Tickets, and Expedia are a good place to start researching airfares, they often add commission, so double check any prices you find with that specific airline’s website.

If you’re truly flexible about when and where you go on vacation, some courier companies will give sell you a vastly cheaper flight in exchange for carrying documents to clients in a specific location. Visit the International Association of Air Travel Courier (IAATC) for more information.

Since moving between destinations means more money on filling up with gas or on buying train, bus, and plane tickets, consider staying for longer at fewer locations. As a bonus, you’ll rush less and relax more.

Local Transportation
Unless you're plopping yourself down at a resort for your entire stay, transportation must be built into the budget. Here are ways to minimize the expense:

If you’re traveling between smaller countries, consider traveling by rail or bus rather than by plane. Although these modes of transport take longer, you’ll usually save more than if you take internal flights. Taking an overnight train will also save you the cost of a night’s accommodation.

If you’re in a city for longer than a day, investigate your options for public transport tickets. Many cities, such as London, Rome, and Paris, offer a weekly travel pass which is more economical than buying seven separate day passes.

Save on buses and taxis by walking: besides costing less, you’ll see more and get a good workout.


Accommodations
Auction sites such as Priceline allow you to enter the area you’d like to stay in, the number of hotel stars you want, and the maximum price you’re willing to pay. The downside is that you won’t know the name of your hotel until it’s booked, so research the city you’re visiting to make sure you’re in a desirable location.

If you’re visiting a warm country or during summer, camping is by far your cheapest accommodation option. Although you’ll have to bring your own gear, you’ll be able to sleep under the stars, have plenty of space, and park your car without hassle.

Although hostels are another budget form of accommodation, they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, especially older travelers. Other comparably cheap options include renting self-catering apartments or simple beach bungalows. You can find great options online or contact your destination's visitor's bureau for information.

If you want to stay at a specific hotel, contact them directly and see if they will offer you a special rate. It never hurts to ask since the worst thing that can happen is they'll say no.

If you’re staying in one place for more than a couple of weeks, consider subletting a self-catering apartment where you can pay upfront for your entire stay. Paying weekly or monthly is almost always cheaper than paying daily, even when compared to cheap hotels or motels.


Sightseeing
Touring can be financially taxing, too. But less so if you trim the fat. Here's how:

Rather than paying for a guide to take you on a city tour, buy a guide book that describes popular walking routes and do them on your own.

Spend your days at free attractions such as churches, parks, beaches, libraries and farmers’ markets. Even museums and galleries some cities are free, while others are half price at specific times or on certain days of the week. Do your research and you can have a priceless adventure--literally and figuratively.

Many cities offer bulk discount passes to museums and galleries. The Budapest Card, for example, ofers access to public transport as well as discounts for museums, sports facilities, spas and more.

If you’re a student or over a certain age, you may be eligible for concessions at hostels, museums, galleries and other tourist sites. If you’re a student, you may need to carry an International Student Card with you as proof.

Hostelling International membership gives you discounts on all hostels within their network, as well as on guidebooks, phone cards, insurance and more.

Souvenirs are usually overpriced in stores around the main tourist areas. Visit local markets (usually outside of town or at least off the main tourist strip), where you’re likely to pay a lower price.


Food
Sustinance can account for a good deal of your vacation budget, depending on how you dine. Before haphazardly spending at restaurants, consider these options:

Buy food from supermarkets and local markets andpicnic at scenic spots rather than eating out at restaurants. You’ll be better placed to experience everyday local life, as well as to people-watch.

If you do want to eat out, consider eating at restaurants for lunch rather than dinner, which, on most menus, is usually the more expensive meal.

Research restaurants that offer early-bird and price-fixed meals. They are almost always outstanding deals.

Before heading out for the day, buy snacks and drinks at a supermarket to curb desperation dining.


General Tips
If you go on vacation out of peak tourist season, you’ll enjoy cheaper airfares and accommodation, and fewer crowds. Most countries’ peak tourist season coincides with summer, but then again in some countries, midsummer can be so unbearably hot that you’re better off visiting in the spring or fall anyway.

These days, most countries accept Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards at their ATMs, so withdraw cash from these instead of using traveler’s checks, which charge commission. However, check with your credit card company to learn whether they charge a commission.

When withdrawing cash from an ATM, take out your maximum limit so that you use them less and so pay fewer fees.

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