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 #53 - Vacation Rehearsal

A good way to rehearse for your trip is to look at your own area or hometown as a destination as opposed to where you live and work. Ask yourself where you would go, what you would do and see. Also think about how you would get around ... all on a budget of course! This will not only not cost you money, but also get you into cost cutting and travel mode fairly quickly. There truly is nothing like lessons learnt and experience.

Tip #44 - Prevent Leakage within Luggage

A word to the wise when packing your luggage: All things fluid and liquids in plastic bottles or containers should be placed in sealable plastic bags that will not leak. Wrapping a bottle in a towel or clothing will not protect it or keep it from leaking and staining your clothes. The damage could be permanent and lead to unnecessary cost for laundry services and or replacement for clothes you really did not need or want.

When buying a toiletries bag, look for those that have water-resistant nylon shell that will prevent shower gel and shampoo from leaking through. Preferably, it should have a cord to tie up the opening with an external zipper for double security against leaks.

Store 'soft' toiletries bag in your shoe to prevent other things from compressing the bag's contents. Another option is to use an airtight container such as those for storing food to keep all your toiletries in it.

Tip #38 - Plan for the Unexpected

Plan and budget for the unexpected and incidentals. Whether it is as simple as a practical collapsible type umbrella and poncho or a buffer-fund for in case there is a delay, extended stay or other factors where you will incur additional cost.

Weather, for example, is unpredictable and can ruin a travel experience if you let it. Again, the key to saving money, avoiding expense, caring for details and being a smart traveler will be organization, planning, fiscal preparedness and resourceful fiscal discipline.

Tip #32 - Travel Laundry

Concerned about appearances and wrinkled clothing? Save on laundry costs with ingenuity and innovative solutions. Think practical and be creative. If you travel with a small spray bottle, you can fill it with water, lightly spray the clothing, and let it hang for period. This usually helps the wrinkles fall out.

Another suggestion is hanging them in the bathroom while you take a hot shower or soak in the tub while the steam ‘irons’ out some of the creases. Hand-washing underwear, nylons, etc. and hanging them up overnight is another sure saver and old frequent traveller favorite that has often been passed on by word of mouth!