Do you have the desire but not the dollars to go on vacation? Not a problem. There are many ways to travel on the cheap while enjoying yourself as much or more than the "tour package" travelers!

If you haven't already, make the internet your best friend. Have your heart set on a particular destination? Sign up with discount travel websites such as www.sidestep.com or www.expedia.com. Most offer e-mail notifications of price reductions between the cities that you specify. Be patient. As a general rule, airlines don't discount popular destinations more than 3 months out. Fortunately, many large cities have more than one airport in the region, and flights into the smaller (or farther) one are often far cheaper, and often have cheap shuttles into the city.

When traveling to Europe, don't fret if you can't find a great fare into, say, Rome. Consider a flight to London, and then take one of the numerous low-fare inter-European airlines (Ryanair, Easyjet or Jet2, to name just a few). There is a discount airline for nearly every European country these days.

Destination is typically the first step in planning your itinerary. Why not let the deals determine where you travel? Many websites allow the potential traveler to see current deals on flights. For example, pulling up www.travelzoo.com or www.clarkhoward.com/shownotes can alert you to rock-bottom fares that must be booked within a few days. By thinking outside the box, you are likely to be pleasantly surprised.

For example, while listening to Clark Howard's "Friday Flier" on the radio, I heard a deal on flights between Atlanta and Billings, MT. The fares were good for 9 months, but you had to book the ticket by the following day. I hadn't considered Montana, but a quick glance at the atlas showed Billings as a great starting point for a trip to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone and the Tetons. We booked the trip 6 months ahead of time, giving us plenty of time to research the best way to maximize our time. We joined AAA and enjoyed great discounts on lodging and car rental. By finding cottages with kitchenettes, we were able to prepare most of our meals, saving lots on food.

With the sharp decline in the value of the U.S. Dollar, Europe seems prohibitive. But by utilizing your new best friend, the internet, it is easy to find bargain accommodations. Hostels, of course, are the least expensive way to stay overnight, and, contrary to popular belief, are not limited to certain age groups or "backpackers". Many, in fact, have pubs and restaurants, as well as a limited number of rooms with private bathroom facilities.

Apartments are typically half the price of a hotel, and range from homey studios to multiple bedroom suites. Staying in an apartment in someone's home is a favorite way to find out about local (and therefore cheaper) markets and other activities. If your stay in a particular area is longer than one night, apartments are the way to go.

Most Americans feel the need to rent a car when abroad, but I have found that, generally speaking, public transportation is safe, cheap, and readily available. It also allows the traveler a more intimate view of local life. Hiring a driver for the day can also save time, money and frustration. Better yet, walk your way around a city. Self-guided tours are available at nearly every tourist information center, and offer walks or a combination of walks and public transportation covering a range of interests, from market to gastronomic to cultural tours.

In short, if you are willing to think outside the box, and become a traveler instead of a tourist, you will find that many more doors will open to you and welcome you into a whole new and exciting world of travel!

Learn more about this author, Julie Fredrick.
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