Budget Travel Tactics Pros Swear By

Studying in Sicily or backpacking in Bolivia, there’s one issue always at the forefront; traveling on a budget. No matter if you're a seasoned pro or first-time traveler, these budget travel tips are sure to save you cash.

Budget Travel Basics

You already know how to scour the Internet for off-season, mid-week travel bargains. Here are a few budget travel ideas you may not have thought of.

Forget Packages: Budget travel means being your own travel agent. Ditch the advertised budget travel tours, and put together your own travel package to control expenses.

Make U-Turns: If going direct to your destination is too expensive, see if it’s cheaper to overshoot to a nearby city and double back. You’d be surprised.

Take Buddies: Stretch your budget travel by splitting costs with three friends. You just cut your travel budget by 75 percent.

Swap Houses: Take budget travel local big time by swapping houses (primarily in major cities) or staying with a host family.

Paying for Budget Travel

Traveling on a budget is one thing. Paying for your budget travel with limited funds means it’s time to get creative.

Frequent Flier Miles: Got ‘em? Use ‘em! If you don’t travel much, ask jet-setting relatives to donate miles to you.

Uncle Sam: Tax refunds are perfect for paying for budget travel expenses. A nice way to reward yourself too.

Student Loans: Students looking to study abroad might be able to use leftover loan money to finance budget travel. Ask first.

eBay: Sell your stuff! Don’t worry, you won’t miss last season’s Prada handbag riding atop an elephant in Thailand.

Avoiding Budget Travel Fees

Everyone is trying to make a buck off you when you travel. Think with a mind towards budget; travel savings will follow.

ATM Plague: Hit the ATM as infrequently as possible. When you do, take out as much as you can to avoid going back. Some budget travel pros ask their bank to waive currency exchange fees before they leave.

Pack Light: Seriously! Airports will charge you excess-baggage fees, and each one has different weight restrictions. Budget travel pros pack a duffel bag to check that excess weight and avoid the fees.

Budget Travel Savings

Companies want your business, and are willing to offer special savings on the chance you’ll spend more. Since you’re on a budget, travel smart and take advantage.

Bus-It: Multi-day public transportation, metro, rail or other passes are worth the money. Choose not to, and your budget travel will be hemorrhaging money in no time.

Hotel Perks: Book a stay with hotels that offer free passes to local attractions. They buy in bulk and pass on the savings to get your business.

Pre-Purchase Tickets: Before you go, your budget travel will cost less by pre-purchasing museum, sights and attractions tickets. Plus, you skip the long lines.

Guidebook Coupons: Grab them and clip away. They’re good on just about anything, and no budget travel is complete without them.

Just Ask: Student, senior and military discounts are out there. If you qualify, why not?

Budget Travel Eating

This is where you can really make ends meet. If you’re in an area known for food, splurge at least once. For the rest of the meals, these budget travel tips really help.

Grocery Love: Buy bottled water and snacks from local grocers or farmer’s markets. Not only can you see how people really live, this budget travel tip helps to curb plane, train, bus and late-night cravings.

Continental Breakfast: Book rooms at hotels with breakfast included in the price. One less meal you have to pay for. Avoid expensive cafés and breakfast that’s not included in the room rate.

Coupons/Specials: Guidebooks, newspapers and travel mags all offer coupons for local eateries. True-blue budget travel pros aren’t afraid to use them.

Early Bird: Many restaurants have early bird specials for budget travelers. Jonesing to try a hip restaurant for less? Opt for less-expensive lunch or appetizer and soup/salad for dinner.

In the Know: Ask locals -- not the hotel staff -- where they eat. Chances are it will fit into your budget travel and taste darn good to boot.

All-You-Can-Eat: Smorgasbord restaurants are budget travel favorites. Remember to bring a bag for discreetly tucking away leftovers.