Mostly, traveling on a budget means finding the cheapest price for the experience you want.

Buy Insurance. Sometimes for $70 can cover missed flights, bad hotel stays, medical and robbery- it is worth it!

Don't Get Stranded at Airports
Try to get on the first flight out in the morning. Those planes often arrive the evening before, so you won't have to rely on an incoming plane, which could be delayed due to bad weather elsewhere, resulting in the delay or cancellation of your flight.

Think Unconventionally
When you attend a convention or trade show, the official prices at recommended hotels may not be the best you can do. Go to the hotel website.

Pack Light or You'll Pay for It
Carrying luggage now can be costly. Is it cheaper to buy it on arrival?

Create a packing list. It's unnecessary to make a packing list for each trip. Instead, draw up a master list with everything you might need on any given trip--from ski goggles to snorkels, slippers to saline solution.

Buy souvenirs at grocery stores. Easily packable, local specialty foods make great gifts for family and friends at home, and grocery stores are usually your best budget bet.

Hit the public library. You can get a great many travel guidebooks free from the public library--and arrangements can often be made to keep them for the duration of your trip.

Have a picnic. The most effective money-saver you can bring with you is an expandable tote bag for the

Travel in the off-peak seasons. You can save up to as much as fifty per cent off air flights and accommodation costs if you plan to travel in low season times.

Stay away from popular tourist spots (unless they are on your ‘must-see’ list). If you can go off the beaten track with your destinations, things can be cheaper to see and do and your cultural experiences will be richer.

Try camping. Not only is it the cheapest form of accommodation it’s a great way to get up close and personal to nature. It’s the best way to see National Parks and Heritage listed areas.

Look for special travel offers (or packages). But make sure you check everything that they include - and don’t include.

Invest in a travel pass where you are able. Most countries have a system where you can obtain day, week or monthly passes that will get you around cheaply. In the Caribbean there are Island hopping tickets

Look for good exchange rates on the dollar. This may help you decide which country to travel to.

Think about shortening your visit to destinations that are expensive and increasing your length of stay in cheaper places.

Where possible use your credit card. The exchange rate is better.

When staying in a hotel, avoid paying for ‘extras’. Don’t touch anything from the honor bar. Don’t watch the in-house movies and don’t use the hotel phone. And try not to use room service too much!

First stop: Chamber of Commerce. Whenever I plan on spending some time in a particular city, my first stop is always the local chamber of commerce or the convention and visitors bureau. I often find coupon booklets good for discounts on lodging, restaurants, golf, etc.