Here are some sure-fire, money-saving tips from the real travel pros—the Society of American Travel Writers. These guys and gals hold to a high ethical standard. So when they trot around the world uncovering exciting things to see and do, it’s usually on their own dime. You, too, can stretch your budget and save big without sacrificing the thrill of getting to know a place and its people.

1. Travel in the off-season. In many places this means spring and autumn. In addition to beating the crowds at popular attractions, you’ll find that “cab drivers, hoteliers, merchants and locals are more accommodating and welcoming,” according to freelancer Judy Wells.
2. Go to less well-known destinations. “Across the world, less well-known destinations, off the beaten track, are cheaper as well as more fun,” travel writer Chris Tree explained.
3. Consider doing a home swap or renting a vacation home. “Renting a real home in a small town gives you a chance to feel that you live in the place. You meet more people, find out more about how they live and more about their culture,” said Catherine Watson, freelance writer and photographer.
4. If you choose to stay in a hotel, select one that offers free breakfast and has an in-room refrigerator. “If you load up on breakfast you may be able to skip lunch all together, ” suggests Robert Haru Fisher, columnist and contributing editor, frommers.com.
5. Use public transportation between airports and cities. If you rent a car in a city you’ll have to pay for parking. Don’t count on your hotel to offer this as a free service. It can cost $40-$50 a day even for hotel guests. Robert Jenkins, another freelancer, advises that it’s also a good idea to stay in a big city’s suburbs and use public transportation to commute into a city. If you need a car to drive to outlying rural or wilderness areas, rent a car on your way out of the urban location.
6. Get to know local bus/metro routes when staying in a city. Ask about multi-day specials or special one-day tourist cards. “Public transportation allows you to get to know the flavors and nuances of the locals,” writer Roger Toll said.
7. Make the local visitors center your first stop. Collect coupons, brochures, free maps and be sure to ask the staff about insider tips—free days at museums and other attractions, free parking opportunities, and special discount offers. Before you travel check out the websites of convention bureaus and state tourism offices.
8. Eat your big meal at lunch. Prices are cheaper and the lunch menu is often served until late afternoon so you can go light on dinner or skip that meal all together. “You usually don’t need reservations and the food tastes the same, only you can afford more courses,” said Lorraine O’Donnell Williams, travel writer.
9. In cities, shop for hotels near, not on the big-name street. “Wander a few blocks in either direction and you’ll have the same neighborhood without the premium price,” according to freelancer Margie Goldsmith.
10. Picnic! Visit local markets, bakeries and delis but avoid uncooked street food especially beyond U.S. borders. Parks and gardens are great but freelancer Mary Ann Treger also likes to picnic indoors. “My husband and I picnic in our room. A good bottle of local wine from a liquor store costs a fraction of those on restaurant menus and take-out food from local gourmet shops gives us quality equal to a fancy restaurant. It’s what locals buy to eat at home. And we never buy hotel [bottled] water. It’s usually over-priced.”

 

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