Tip #93 - Utilize local resources

Utilize local resources and access their expertise knowledge in order to cut down on costs. Get information and coupons for special attractions, family passes and two-for-one offers, free coupon booklets or special discounted offers and tickets you might not be able to find anywhere else. They also send material and guides in advance that can help you plan, budget, compare and decide when, where, how and why, soon, sooner, soonest!

Tip #89 - Avoid The Rain

An inexpensive, fold-up raincoat or poncho can be a life and money-saver. Always have either that or a collapsible umbrella with you. Being prepared for the occasional downpour is better than being soaked and getting sick in the process.

Tip #88 - Can't Afford Tipping

Do not sweat the small stuff. If you cannot afford tipping near the end of your trip due to a drained budget, do not worry about tipping! A heartfelt thank you or honest explanation, smile and kindness, even a hand with the luggage is sometimes enough for people to know you care and appreciate their effort, gesture and service.

Tip #87 - Accept and Appreciate Local Customs

Utilize and optimize local knowledge, customs and hospitality. Learn, accept and appreciate the customs of the country you are visiting. Go with the flow and enjoy the culture, music, food and kindness of the area and its people!

Sometimes you will be surprised that it does not even cost you a cent to have a good time and share with others. Who knows, you may get a better shopping bargain if you know how to speak like the locals.

Tip #86 - Budget for Gifts

Budget categories often overlook include gifts for others. If you are purchasing souvenirs and mementos for friends, leave some money in a discretionary or personal allowance category. If running low on capital, a personalized post-card mailed from the location is always seen as thoughtful and valued because others feel flattered that you took the time to think about them and buy, write and sent it.

Do make a list prior to your departure with all you want to purchase gifts for and the amount you want to or can spend. Check the names off as you make your purchases. Avoid utilizing your credit card as we tend to over-spend and over-extend ourselves.

Tip #85 - Hotel Identification

Carrying identification and hotel or resort location information and telephone number on your person is advisable. The easiest way is to simply ask the front-desk attendant for a business card when you check in. Some hotels will provide a card with their address, contacts, a mini vicinity map, and even a space for you to write your room number on. This again will save you time and money when finding your way back to your hotel. It comes in extremely handy should you ever get lost and need to find your way or for taxi drivers. Might even save a buck or two!

Tip #82 - Free Style Cruising

Free-style cruising has become a popular choice for those who prefer a truly leisure-style vacation. It is highly open and leaves tourists with the final option and decision on what event and when they want to participate in. This is your trip, so just remember that any of the offshore excursions normally have to be paid for separately. In some cases, any drinks and alcohol is additional too. Family cruises and all-inclusive options also offer good alternatives for most budgets.

Tip #81 - Travel Cup

Travel-custom accessories like a collapsible cup are worth a lot, for those times and every moment when you need some water from a fountain, faucet or hose to re-hydrate! This is an inexpensive item to invest in that will not break the budget one bit, save you money in the process and is light to pack. This is a must-have for any would-be traveller – especially those travelling with young kids.

Tip #79 - Some Free Time

Mostly people say time is money! Generally true, indulge a bit in this category and give yourself some free or spare time for visiting a fascinating place, a special shop, or a hidden off-the-beaten path, place or activity you really do not want to miss! Do not over-extend or over-schedule yourself. There are only 24 hours in a day after all!

Tip #78 - Attraction Details

Be SMART and check all details of tourist locations and attractions, pricing and more before departing to the location or event. Always check the admission and operating hours. It is very disappointing to find things closed when you expect them to be open. Remember to check on special holidays as well. Do not spend or waste the money on the ground-transportation to get your all the way there and back – only to be deeply disappointed!

Tip #77 - Special Diets

Special dietary requirements need special budgeting and attention to detail. Specifying this up-front is crucial to avoid any surcharges and or additional cost for special meals. For most travel providers it is no problem. Shopping at a local grocer, market or deli are all ways to stretch that “meal” ticket and travel dollar just a little further.

If you are in a self-contained unit with its own kitchen and fridge, you can cut your costs even further by buying some essentials and snacks, small meals in-room will cut down meal and entertainment expenses tremendously.

Tip #75 - Secure Small Change

Secure and make change as soon as you can after arriving at your destination. This will avoid having to revert to your smaller denomination bills and tipping with a heavy hand and even heavier heart! This is a sure way not to deplete your incidental travel budget category.

Tip #74 - Embrace Hospitality

Never stand when you can sit, never sit when you can lie down, and never pass up a chance to use the bathroom.

What this means is, savor every opportunity, embrace every chance provided that does not cost you anything, embrace hospitality, gifts and extended generosity. A nickel and a dime here and there saves dollars in the end!

Tip #73 - Avoid Hotel Long Distance

Pre-paid phone cards are a great idea for gifts for travellers. They are a good alternative to expensive long distance from your hotel-room, cabin or any place else on location where you find yourself vacationing. Today people also choose to use cellphones and text-messages to stay in touch and remain connected. Both are good options to save money while travelling.

Tip #61 - Tagging Your Luggage

A minimum investment for maximum payback! Something as simple as clearly marking and tagging your luggage can mean the difference between no additional money spent and possessions lost or misplaced. This makes it more traceable and easy to spot.

Clearly, it is a worthwhile investment to buy a sharpie or permanent marker and some quality luggage tags. If your budget does not allow for this, consider using the airline or provider tags at your departure location. Never travel with an unmarked bag that does not carry your name and information on it. This ensures traceability and do not even hesitate to put some identifying characteristic element on it, like a colorful ribbon, sticker or other identifier that will make it stand out.

Tip #58 - Vacation and Travel Agents

When budgeting for any type of travel, package deal, or even your family vacation, find out about all costs associated with your trip. Confirm with the agent, location or provider you have chosen or listed on the flashy brochure or website you just visited. Read the fine print and avoid any surprises.

Ask about alternatives, package deals, discounts, coupons and special offers – if you do not ask, you will never know. And also, no one is going to necessarily “advertise” a cheaper price or offer you the lowest, cheapest fare right away. There is always room for negotiation and or innovative ways to cut costs and still have a memorable trip to an exotic destination.

Tip #57 - Vacation Memories

Multimedia and technology are travel essentials these days. Recordings before, during and after can all be captured and enjoyed over and over. An added benefit is that they weight less and take up “no additional room”.

It helps you assemble memories, so buying and budgeting for extra rechargeable batteries, charger-kits, adapter plugs, cables, carry-bags, memory cards and/or recordable media might very well be the best investment you make on and for your trip. For the return on investment is huge! Upon your return, it is always exciting to re-live key and precious, shared moments.

You could hear and view a tour guide, entertainers, or musicians enjoyed during your journey. Avoid buying and taking heavy travel guides with you (make copies of pages of interest). At your destination, there will always also be myriads of local sources at your disposal that offers a unique perspective, current pricing and information that might be outdated in even the most recent travel guides or magazines.

Tip #56 - Travel Medication

If you have to travel with medicine, it is wise to carry it in the bottle the prescription came in to avoid any confusion during custom inspections. Even a note from your doctor to state what it is and what condition it is used for could be helpful. A copy of your prescription and or even a refill prescription could be of value to you – especially on an extended trip.

Tip #55 - Destination Information to Gather

Be resourceful and curious. Know as much as you can about your destination and prepare as well as you can, even for the unexpected. Read any and all literature you can find on what you should know before departing, such as facts, warnings, advisories, entry requirements, crime statistics, demographics, local economy, attractions and special events for your dream destination.

Again, it is worth mentioning that investing time, effort and yes, even money, if that is what it takes to get quality information that will save you money in the long run, will pay off! It is like a guaranteed investment in you and your travel dollar, pocketbook and budget.

Tip #54 - Vacation Budget Wake-Up Kit

Start the day off right. You might want to consider packing a "wake-up kit". They typically can contain items like a travel mug, spoon, instant coffee or tea, sweetener, dry creamer, and a plug-in immersion heater. It is a great way to start the day and you will save on the morning cupper or evening tea by avoiding the hotel restaurant and nearby cafes. This will make your every penny and travel dollar count.