Three Best Tips For Traveling on A Budget

[HeatherNYC]

We can talk about packing snacks and watching fees, which is all great to do, but there are two things to do if you really really want to stay on budget when you are travelling to another country.

First, do a ton of research. Hit web sites, read books, go to chat travel blogs, hit chatrooms, reach out to friends who have gone there to get the real scoop on the tourist must-dos and the hints on how to get tickets to museums and all of that knowledge that only people know if you have been there before. Try to think like a person who lives there, getting the insider scoop. Put the question out there on Facebook - maybe someone has a cousin who is from Finland and knows all of the great, off-the-beaten path places to see and dine, which will all be less expensive than those in every guide book.

Second, plan it out. Get the best price for the hotel that makes the most sense. Make a detailed plan of what to do each day (maybe with a few interchangeable ideas in case of rain or something) while you are there to maximize your time, because, as we have mentioned on this hub again and again, time is money.

Third, be willing to let all of that research and plans go and enjoy. Once you are there, see what happens. You have done the research, you know what to really avoid, so if a museum docent suggests you hit a certain small gallery or pottery store with an old master potter or if the little old lady that you bought a scarf from points out a little hole in the wall restaurant that her nephew runs, listen to them. If you are constantly stuck to your list and itinerary, you will miss some great opportunities to do some cool, probably not too expensive once in a lifetime experience.

What was your best vacation -- and why?

©iStockphoto.com/zudy-box

[MamaBear2cubs]

We have not really been on a family vacation yet.

[ReesesPieces]

My best traveling tip is to pack your own food. Favorite vacation: we haven't had one with just our little brood yet but next year it will be our year! :)

[daerca574]

 We went to the lake for a week.  It was cheap, fun, and relaxing. 

[michiganmom116]

I've been on more than a few out-of-the-country trips.  I totally agree to talk to locals as much as possible and get their input on great places to visit.

My best tip:  GET A MAP OF THE AREA YOU'RE VISITING!

[michiganmom116]

The best vacation?  When we left every morning with a general destination in mind and ended up stopping at all the little shops and stores and area attractions that we hadn't planned to see.  There's a LOT to be said for spontaneity!

[momto3isme]

We always do research online to get the best deals and to find places we want to go to and things we want to see.

[amy7243]

 Great tips~we have only been camping for vacations....we need a real one.

[MamaMandee]

Great tips, our best one was a trip down to Cali to Disneyland a few years ago. 

[goddess99]

We haven't really been on a vacation, I don't consider weekend trips vacations but when we do finally go I will be doing tons of research.

[Madelaine]

Thanks!