Tip #95 - Verify Luggage Allowances

Always verify your luggage allowances and flight details. Without exception, always check in advance on the amount of luggage you may take. Planes, trains and coaches all have regulations regarding the amount and size of luggage. It is considered courtesy to stick to their requirements and can save you a lot of embarrassment, added expense, aggravation, and trouble.

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 #92 - Plane Seating Arrangements

Seating arrangements on the plane can be done in advance or at time of booking even. Ensure you get what is comfortable for you, verify upon check-in, and boarding that you have what you need, requested and paid for. Who knows, you might just score and upgrade if seats are available.

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 #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 #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.

Tips #69 - Vacation Shopping

A good piece of advice around dealing with vacation shopping, declarations, receipts and customs officials: Having it all in one-place speeds up the process. If shopping is part of your travel endeavor and enjoyment on your trip, pack a flat fabric bag in the bottom of your suitcase.

When returning from your trip place all the purchased items in this bag. Everything is accessible and saves you time and money! If not, at the very least, you have made one official’s life a little easier today and your reward will be a smile, stamp and a nod!

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 #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 #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 #50 - Travelling with Special Needs

Be brave and daring if you have or are travelling with someone with special needs. It should not be a factor that makes you hesitant to travel at all. Most, if not all holiday service providers, airlines, hotels, campgrounds and attractions are usually very well equipped and prepared to accommodate unique requirements that could make your travel endeavor extremely memorable and pleasant.

Very seldom are there additional or hefty surcharges for special cabs and personalized service, assistance and specific needs and requirements you might have or face. Just ensure that all details have been taken care of in advance and that all providers have been notified at the time of booking, confirmation and re-confirmed just prior to arrival. Find allies and friends in the front desk staff and managers that can give you the specialized customer attention you need and deserve at anytime you might require or request it.

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 #39 - Maximize Packing Space

Maximize the packing space you have in your luggage. While packing and making your checklist, put small items such as spare glasses, dress accessories, socks and other small items inside your shoes. Shoes are usually rigid and can protect items that might otherwise be broken.

Squeeze all the air out of your zip-loc bags that hold your clothes. You will need every inch of your suitcases upon your return to avoid the battle of the ‘bulging’ suitcase that will not close until you go sit on it and struggle with the clasp until it finally closes!

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 #33 - Hydration

Just like taking care of fueling the human engine with food, we also need lubrication. By that, we mean lots of fluid and specifically water. Staying hydrated, irrespective of the climate, is just common sense. Invest in a good travel water bottle with a secure cap.

Always drink bottled water preferably - even when brushing your teeth or ordering your cocktails without ice or water if you are concerned about diseases etc. Drinking lots of water regularly will help prevent dehydration. You will also however have to plan for frequent pit stops for washrooms and remember in some countries you have to pay to use them!

In air, on flight, just remember that alcohol can be extremely dehydrating and may increase jet lag on a long flight! So that’s another good reason to drink lots of water.

Tip #31 - Vacation Budgeting

Budgetary concerns and monitoring, fiscal restraint and disciplined spending when traveling will pay off. When you are planning your trip and setting up your travel budget, taking into account things like ground transportation, tips and other incidentals, extras like laundry and mini-bar, room service, lodging and meals.

Do the major obligations and essentials first. Then figure in expenses such as shopping, entertainment and foreign exchange fees for example. Not surprisingly at all, it is usually the impulse shopping or spur of the moment expenses that let us over-spend and max-out our travel budget quickly or overspend.

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 #27 - On Flight to Vacation

If you are in for a long international or domestic flight, there are several suggestions for seeing it through. Enduring long hauls and not getting uncomfortable or bored is the key here. A good night's sleep the night before, wearing comfortable, non-confining, wrinkle resistant clothes, and shoes that are fully broken in are all advisable.

Getting up regularly and walking around, making several trips to the washroom to wash your face and brush your teeth will keep you refreshed. Taking a casual stroll up and down the aisles of an airplane is a real lifesaver and keeps the circulation going.

Avoid costly in-air, shopping catalogues, costly phone calls and frequent alcoholic drinks from the bar as all are prices at premium and will add up! Take along lots of water, snacks and reading materials. If you are travelling with kids, ensure toys, activities, and a cooled snack-pack for them too.

Tip #26 - Evaluate Your Travel Baggage

To avoid having to pay more, incurring unplanned, additional costs and penalties for luggage overages, pack S-M-A-R-T! In preparing for your trip, after packing your luggage, lift it up, carry it around a block or two or down the stairs and see how it feels. Remember, you will have to handle these eventually!

This is a useful technique to re-evaluate and re-pack the amount you are taking with you. You will not be sorry. Also, leave some room for purchases while on your trip, as you would not like to have to buy additional pieces of luggage you do not really need, want, or incur costly shipping charges and or duties or other fees!