by Jamie Gold
11/27/2008  As you imagine yourself on your next vacation, thoughts of tropical beaches, candlelight dinners, and other exciting new adventures to be had, enter your mind. But while you are enjoying that imaginary yet well deserved margarita, it hits you! How will I be able to afford this? The fact is traveling can be expensive. However, with the below money saving travel tips, you are able to travel to your favorite destinations sooner than you thought possible.
Money Saving Travel Tip #1 --Take Advantage of Membership Discounts
If you are a member of clubs like AAA or AARP, the amount of money you can save on your travels are endless. Before making any plans, be sure to check out their online sites to view their travel discounts or call their customer service number and a representative will be more than happy to discuss travel savings they can offer you. Clubs like these can save you hundreds on travel by flight or a car rental.
Money Saving Travel Tip #2 --Take Advantage of Online Travel Deals
There are certain websites designed specifically to provide traveler discounts which allow them to cater to all of your travel saving needs. Internet based travel agencies such as Priceline, Travelocity, Travelzoo and Expedia offer travel saving discounts like affordable air fare, discounted hotel rooms and can even offer their help in cutting down the costs of your next cruise.
Money Saving Travel Tip #3 --Stay in the States rather than going abroad
Save even more money on travel by staying here in the United States. Currently, the Euro is stronger than the dollar so it makes perfect financial sense to explore our own country rather than traveling abroad.
Money Saving Travel Tip #4 --Travel the Unbeaten Path
It’s no secret that every city has its tourist hot spots. Unfortunately what most travelers don’t know is that every city also has ‘secret gems’ that allow a traveler to explore the city’s unbeaten, and most importantly, cheaper path.
Money Saving Travel Tip #5 --Stay Home
What can be said about other city’s ‘secret gems’ can also be said about your own backyard. In other words, you don’t have to travel to New York City to enjoy great artwork and you don’t have to travel thousands of miles from home to take in the beauty of nature. What better way to save on travel expenses than to visit your local tourist information center to find out what sights are in your own hometown? Furthermore, finding out what your neighboring cities have to offer can save you a lot of money on transportation by traveling via bus rather than by air.
Money Saving Travel Tip #6 --Hotel and Food on a Budget
The number one thing you can do to cut your expenses on dining while traveling is to skip room service altogether. Hotel food, especially room service, is priced according to convenience. Instead of staying in, check out local restaurants in the yellow pages, or better yet, research mom and pop restaurants before you travel.
Another way to save while traveling is to visit the town’s local grocery store. To travel doesn’t necessarily have to mean constant fine dining. Prepare a short list of picnic foods and create a dining experience of your own in a local park.
Being able to escape from your everyday routine to travel doesn’t have to be an unobtainable expensive luxury. Keeping your budget in mind, research before you travel. Your penny pinching efforts will pay off once you get out there and begin enjoying your much needed time off.
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