Budget Travel
 ravel doesn't have to be expensive. If you're flexible with your schedule and you would rather see a country than visit expensive hotels and restaurants, you don't have to spend much. These simple tricks can save you a lot of money while you're traveling.
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Saving Money on Transportation
Saving Money on Lodging
Saving Money on Food
Saving Money on the Sights
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Travel in the Off-Season
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 You might not have perfect weather, but you'll be able to save money on airfare, lodging and sightseeing while avoiding the crowds. The spring and fall are usually good times to travel. It's easier to negotiate for cheaper rates on lodging and other services when tourists are scarce.
To get a better deal, you just have to ask. During slow periods, most in the travel industry would rather sell a room or seat at a discounted price than not sell it at all. Try asking for a corporate, student or teacher rate.
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Sometimes, flying on a certain day of the week can save you money. Here are some other options:
Stand-By Flights
If you're really flexible and can leave and return on any number of days, consider flying on a space-available basis through a consolidator such as Air Hitch or Air-Tech. As long as you don't care about your exact destination, these services will get you to Europe or the Caribbean cheaper than anyone else.
Courier Flights
If you can pack light, consider traveling as a courier. Couriers leave from designated cities and are usually limited to carry-on baggage. When you travel as a courier, documents or freight are checked as your baggage allowance (you don't handle the freight yourself) and you get a ticket for one-third to one-half the coach fare. The International Associate of Air Courier Travelers is a good resource.
Public Transportation
Once at your destination, use public transportation. Subways and buses are an inexpensive, efficient way to travel. If you're not sure about which train to take, ask an employee. Bus drivers are usually extremely helpful. If you tell the driver where you'd like to go, he or she will often make sure you get off at the right stop
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Camping is always the cheapest way to go. If you don't want to lug a tent and sleeping bag on your trip, consider these options:
Hotels
Avoid making advance hotel reservations unless you're traveling during a major festival, holiday or during the height of the tourist season. Sometimes you can get a deal on an air and hotel package from a travel agent, but most of the time you'll pay more for a hotel if the agent makes reservations for you. You have two options: once you arrive, make several phone calls to find the best deal, or go straight to an area with a high number of hotels and check prices at several different ones in person. If a hotel won't give you a better price, make another phone call or go to the next place down the street.
Rooms Without Bathrooms
If you don't mind sharing a common bathroom with the other rooms on a floor, you can save money by getting a room without an attached bathroom.
Hostels
Youth hostels and backpacker's hotels aren't just for youth and backpackers. Families, couples and older people all use hostels. However, keep in mind that the quality can vary from hostel to hostel. In some places, you could luck out with a room all to yourself and an amazing view. Other times, you could end up in a room with 20 bunk beds and a snorer.
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It's fun to splurge on a nice meal once in a while, but you can save money on a daily basis by following these tips:
Picnic
Don't eat every single meal in a restaurant. Pick up fruits, bread, cheeses and meats from local markets and bakeries and have a picnic in a local park or your hotel room.
Eat Out for Lunch
If you're getting tired of those picnics, splurge on lunch in a restaurant, which is almost always less expensive than dinner. Eat later in the day so you can get by on a light snack for dinner.
Share
If you're dining with a friend, split those large portions that restaurants usually serve, or share a couple appetizers as your meal.
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Decide what's really important to you. For example, if it's been a lifelong dream to go up the Eiffel Tower, then by all means pay the entry fee. However, if you just want an excellent view of the landmark and a photo, skip its entrance fee and instead pay a cheaper rate for the great views from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. More tips:
Identity Cards
If you're a student, teacher or youth, you can pick up an international identity card for access to discounts on airfare, transportation, museums and other attractions. Student travel agencies such as Council Travel and STA issue these cards.
Free Maps
Tourist offices and hostels are excellent sources of local information, and they usually have free maps of the city and major sites. Free maps won't have enough detail for driving or getting to obscure places, but they're an excellent guide to the big attractions.
Free Admission
Many museums and tours are free on certain days or evenings. Check your guidebook or phone ahead. Hopefully, one of the free days will coincide with your visit.
Simple Souvenirs
Avoid impulsive purchases. Photographs and postcards are usually better souvenirs than cheap knickknacks. If you're up for some serious shopping, refine your bargaining skills.
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