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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #51 - Local Cuisine

Local cuisine is a special treat. Ensure to budget for a couple of meals and outings where this is a priority! If you budget for it specifically, you will not feel cheated into eating fast food or salads, for fear of over-spending or running out of travel dollars. Hotel restaurants are convenient, but more expensive typically. Do note that in many places, the best local cuisines are not found in posh restaurants but at typical eateries and food courts.

Tip #46 - Advice from Hotel Staff

Staff and employees on location where you are staying are wonderful sources of information. Do not hesitate to strike up a conversation or ask questions. This offers you with yet another avenue to secure valuable travel information and local tips and perspective.

Asking for instructions, directions, advise and help will often be met with an eagerness to serve. Staff enjoy being of assistance to their guests and meaningfully contribute in any way, shape or form, that they can.

Remember your thoughtfulness for the room attendance, valet and bellhop (if applicable) with appropriate tips and a little note if you so choose to show your appreciation. If they are still there on any repeat visit, they will be sure to remember you!

Tip #45 - Duty-Free Shops

Avoid the duty-free lure and trap. Typically, all shops in airports and train stations are expensive. It is a myth that you save money! Compare the next time when you are buying liquor or souvenirs against reputable quality department stores. You might find to your surprise that the prices at airport duty-free shops are higher!

Tip #43 - About Travel Agents

Sometimes a travel agent, or travel consultant, will charge a booking and administration fee to handle your trip and reservation. This leads to the misconception that they are always expensive and overpriced, always costing more and higher priced.

This simply is not the case. Sometimes the opposite can be true. They are indeed able to provide you with considerable information regarding special offers, limited time package deals and seat sales, as well as significantly reduced and special rates. They also offer advice and information about destination travel, travel advisories, entry requirements and travel documentation needs and costs.

Upon request, they will also spend the time to find you the cheapest and discounted options in the marketplace. This is worthwhile considering if you want to maximize your travel dollar and have a dream destination or exotic vacation to remember.

Tip #41 - Save on Traveller's Checks

Save money on traveller’s checks: Avoid paying a hefty or any service fee to purchase your travellers' checks. Some automobile clubs and banks offer them free to members and preferred customers. It is definitely worth your while and travel budget to check this out before obtaining your checks.

Tip #29 - Check Your Travel Luggage

Worried about the appearance of your luggage? Cannot afford new suitcases? Does your travel-tools and luggage look worn, stained and on its last legs? An old beat-up suitcase or backpack will almost always get picked for random security inspections. The last thing you want is to get stopped for every single random spot-check and be delayed for your next destination.

Clean the exterior of leather luggage with a good liquid saddle soap and conditioner. All canvas luggage can easily be cleaned using a small amount of detergent, some water, and a scrub brush. Nylon and vinyl luggage takes mild detergent and a small amount of water to be wiped down. It is never a good idea to “soak” or immerse your suitcase in water.

Ensure that the interior of your luggage is clean and mold-free so that your clothes will arrive clean and fresh. Remember to air it out after cleaning it as you would for the exterior. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.

Inspect luggage accessories including zippers, wheels, handles and identification tags. Make sure these are still functioning properly. Lugging a heavy suitcase around with a broken handle is a bad idea.

If your luggages are not salvageable, watch for retail sales, consider borrowing from a friend or relative or do the outlet, clearance and closeout circuits for bargains.

Tip #28 - Travel and Vacation Package Policies

Travel package deals always sound like such a bargain. They mostly are priced better and lower, but before congratulating yourself though with a well-deserved pat on the back for a job well done and money saved, check the cancellation and refund policy.

You need to know what happens when the inevitable occurs. Say you change your mind or a trip is cancelled. Scrutinize the fine print and calculate what the financial impact would be. How much money will you likely lose or forfeit?

Tip #20 - Traveller's Alarm

A frequent-traveller's favorite and luggage essential is a trusted small, lightweight travel alarm. It will prove to come in handy repeatedly and is easily carried anywhere. They are freely available and affordable from specialty travel stores as well as discount stores. Frequently, travel alarms are sales items, so wait to make your purchase, if you can.

If you have brought your cellphone along, you can also make use of the world clock alarm functions instead of a specialty traveller's alarm clock. One thing to avoid using is your wrist watch alarm function. These alarms are usually not for use as a 'wake-up' alarm as they are too soft in volume. Even a light sleeper may not be aroused as easily after a day of travelling / vacationing.

Also, avoid using radio alarm clocks that are powered from the ac mains. A blackout can occur during your sleep and cut off the power to the alarm clock. You don't want to miss your flight!

Tip #5 - Avoid buying footwear

Being practical goes a long way to save you money and unnecessary, self-inflicted ‘pain’ away from home! Be sure to pack some common sense too. Save money by not giving in to impulse shopping repeatedly, especially on ‘must-have’ shoes! Avoid wearing or trying out the newly bought pair of semi-uncomfortable shoes on your travels. Your feet and pocket book will thank you.

Tip #4 - Pets

Remember to budget some additional funds for taking care of those dear ones who cannot do so for themselves: animal friends and pets. Special arrangements for pets should be made prior to any trip and well in advance. This applies, whether pets are being cared for at home by a neighbor or friend, placed in a kennel (taking a mini-vacation oftheir own!), or accompanying you on your trip.

Save money by checking your options at your destination. Some rental vacation homes, apartments, hotels and resorts are pet-friendly and encourage owners to bring them along. Avoid unnecessary costs of boarding. Make it a rule-of-thumb however, to verify any details pertaining to animals prior to departure. Be smart and get all vet visits, guidelines, travel documents and other paperwork that applies done in advance. If you do not have any pets, looking after your domicile and belongings should be left to a trusted and responsible party you trust and value.

Tip #1 - Great Sources of Travel Info

Arm yourself with lots of information regarding your destination of choice.

Let me share with you another 'secret'. Information online is readily accessible and without any associated costs. It contains so much information that many would-be travellers tend to neglect sending emails to enquire about their travel information.

Write to obtain information from a variety of sources like the tourism boards, local chamber of commerce and tourist information centers. They all offer and share up-to-date information gladly with would-be travellers, and may also provide 'insider' information about the best deals. Best of all, it costs you only a little time to access this treasure-trove of information.

Knowledge is power! It will save you money. Avoid being taken advantage of, extorted by excessive prices or misrepresentation by arming yourself with the facts! Ensuring that you are familiar with as much background and up-to-date information of your destination, will better prepare you for the details of your trip, assist in planning your event schedules more effectively.

Being a smart and informed tourist never hurts anyone!