How to save money during your vacation

Register with airlines, hotels and car rental agencies online to receive updates and informations on special offers and packages , for example enterprise.com, AA.com and marriott.com. Comparison search engines such as www.kayak.com and www.bookingbuddy.com are very helpful toold to find the best internet prices.

Traveling during off seaon saves big bucks on hotels and transportation. Other advantages are such a fewer crowds, shorter lines in restaurants, bar and museums but also cab drivers, retail staff and hotel employees are more welcoming and you can have a better experience at a lower price.

Dont use cabs if not necessary. Get to know the local bus and metro systems. You can ask your concierge about multi-day specials and one day tourist cards. Or, for example in London, book the all day sightseeing tour on a bus. You are allowed to hop on and off, its a great way to get around and see the city.

"It also allows you to get closer to the people who live there, almost all of them are willing to help you and it is easy to make new contacts" says George Bull, travel blog writer.

“My husband and I often picnic in our room. A good bottle of local wine from a liquor store costs a fraction of those on restaurant menus. And takeout food from local gourmet shops and markets not only give us quality equal to a fancy restaurant, but it is what the locals eat and take home. And we never buy water in a hotel, which is usually overpriced.” Mary Ann Treger, freelance writer

"Why not shop at the local market? You can find food that you havent seen before, be healthier and save money" explains Trent G. Hoffman, travel writer " most restaurants are overpriced. Go out and explore, see where the locals are eating. It is usually good and cheap." [Check this blog on more about this topic]

Stay in the suburbs or go to less know destinations. The price difference is suprising and in most big cities it takes only a few minutes to travel to the center. It also more fun to explore new places off the beaten track. Or just book a hotel off mainstreet. As soon as you are a couple of blocks away from the center, the room rates start to drop.

Dont forget to visit your local visitor and welcome center. They offer free maps, vouchers, couponsa and you can also ask the staff for insider tips like free days at the museums, free parking, matineesw or money saving programs like City Pass, www.citypass.com.

 “To my delight, an early stop at the Visitor Center in London coincided with their free continental breakfast AND they had great deals on half-price and last-minute theatre tickets.” Christine Potter, travel journalist.