Budget travel tactics

Budget Travel Savings

Companies want your business, and are willing to offer special savings on the chance you’ll spend more. Since you’re on a budget, travel smart and take advantage.

• Bus-It: Multi-day public transportation, metro, rail or other passes are worth the money. Choose not to, and your budget travel will be hemorrhaging money in no time.
• Hotel Perks: Book a stay with hotels that offer free passes to local attractions. They buy in bulk and pass on the savings to get your business.
• Pre-Purchase Tickets: Before you go, your budget travel will cost less by pre-purchasing museum, sights and attractions tickets. Plus, you skip the long lines.
• Guidebook Coupons: Grab them and clip away. They’re good on just about anything, and no budget travel is complete without them.
• Just Ask: Student, senior and military discounts are out there. If you qualify, why not?

Budget Travel Eating

This is where you can really make ends meet. If you’re in an area known for food, splurge at least once. For the rest of the meals, these budget travel tips really help.

• Grocery Love: Buy bottled water and snacks from local grocers or farmer’s markets. Not only can you see how people really live, this budget travel tip helps to curb plane, train, bus and late-night cravings.
• Continental Breakfast: Book rooms at hotels with breakfast included in the price. One less meal you have to pay for. Avoid expensive cafés and breakfast that’s not included in the room rate.
• Coupons/Specials: Guidebooks, newspapers and travel mags all offer coupons for local eateries. True-blue budget travel pros aren’t afraid to use them.
• Early Bird: Many restaurants have early bird specials for budget travelers. Jonesing to try a hip restaurant for less? Opt for less-expensive lunch or appetizer and soup/salad for dinner.
• In the Know: Ask locals — not the hotel staff — where they eat. Chances are it will fit into your budget travel and taste darn good to boot.
• All-You-Can-Eat: Smorgasbord restaurants are budget travel favorites. Remember to bring a bag for discreetly tucking away leftovers.