25 Money-Saving Travel Tips

Inspired by the multitude of lists of money-saving ideas that seem to be proliferating online these days, we at The Insider Travel Guides have decided to add our budget-conscious travel tips to the throng:

1. Plan ahead to use frequent flyer miles earned from other travel or credit card use (and note that sometimes miles are good for hotel charges as well as airline tickets).
2. If you'll be at one location for more than a few days, book a condo instead of a hotel room so that you can make your own meals and save on dining out.
3. Don't let your hotel overcharge you! Read our tips for avoiding the extra fees that hotels may try to add to you bill.
4. Use your prepaid cell phone to call loved ones at home (if you are traveling internationally, you might need to make a call to your service provider to ensure proper overseas coverage) rather than the hotel phone. Better yet, use Skype.
5. Don't be shy about taking advantage of freebies: if there is a coffee maker with complimentary coffee in your hotel room, why not use it instead of visiting the expensive coffee stand in the lobby? And if a continental breakfast is included in the cost of your room, by all means, don't miss it!
6. Get more for your money by asking the hotel if they will upgrade your room for free.
7. Avoid traveling to a destination at the height of tourist season when hotel rooms will be at their most expensive (and all the sights will be most crowded).
8. Plan your sightseeing itinerary carefully to take advantage of money-saving opportunities whenever you can. For example, many museums offer free admission at special times during the week, and with admission fees that are starting to top $20 per person, getting in for free represents significant savings. TheInsider.com lists these free times for New York City, Boston, and San Francisco museums.
9. Remember that some of the most exciting and memorable experiences on your trip won't cost a dime. For example, whale watching on Maui, viewing the Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, and watching the Patriots' Day re-enactment outside Boston are all free.
10. Even top-shelf entertainment can be found at bargain basement prices -- if you know where to look. For example, if your NYC plans include a Broadway show, don't miss our tips on how to save big when you buy your ticket. We also have tips on bargain theater tickets in Boston.
11. Make lunch your big meal of the day since most restaurants have a lower priced luncheon menu (but the food is often the same).
12. Consider using a restaurant discount card to save money when you eat out.
13. Whenever possible, bring your own refreshments into theme parks, museums, circuses, etc.
14. Skimp and splurge strategically at restaurant meals: for example, order tap water instead of soda or fancy bottled water, share an appetizer, but order the most fabulous dessert on the menu if desserts are your thing (you are on vacation, after all!).
15. Walk around whenever you can -- you'll get a better sense of your surroundings, or take public transportation like the locals -- instead of taking taxis.
16. If you rent a car, follow our guidelines to avoid the extra charges that rental companies sometimes tack on.
17. Take advantage of rewards from frequent traveler programs associated with your airline, hotel, or rental car company, such as use of airport lounges or free upgrades.
18. Take advantage of insurance programs offered by your credit card company or existing insurer for rental cars and other travel expenses before purchasing separate policies.
19. Always ask about discounts you may get as a student; senior; or member of AAA, AARP, the military, or any other group.
20. If you don't already have a digital camera, buy one now before you leave for your trip -- the savings on film and photo development will more than offset the initial purchase price in a relatively short time.
21. Use your travel photos as mementos by making your digital photos into a screensaver or wallpaper for your computer instead of succumbing to the lure of junky souvenirs at each sight you visit.
22. Pack wisely, focusing on clothing articles that can easily be rinsed out in the sink and hung to dry overnight, so that if you spill something on, say, a skirt you had planned to wear more than once, you won't have to resort to costly hotel laundering or drycleaning.
23. Instead of buying travel guides for each vacation, do your research via books at the local library or online (using travel sites like TheInsiderTravelGuides.com).
24. The web is full of travel bargains. Sites we like for consistently good deals include CheapTickets.com and Hotwire.
25. If something goes wrong (as it invariably does when you travel a lot), take action quickly and politely and you may be compensated for your trouble (see our tips on lodging a complaint).

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