1. Learn the exchange rate – This seems like common sense, but knowing the exchange rate will allow you to tell when you’re paying too much or at least more than you want to be spending.

2. Make a budget – By just setting yourself a limit on what you can spend each day, you’ll start to subconsciously limit yourself.

3. Make it a game – If you’re traveling with someone, try to make it a game to see who can spend the least amount of money. You’ll be surprised at what you can do.

4. Walk – Instead of paying for transportation and taxis, why not get a little exercise and save money at the same time? Or, you can always walk part of the way and pay for the rest – at a much lesser fee than you would have with the whole route.

5. Eat where the locals eat – Think about it. When you’re at home, you have certain places that you eat because they’re good and they’re cheap. So do people in other countries.

6. Take some risks – Head into the smaller stores that you find but aren’t all that crowded. You will find beautiful things at lower prices because they’re not catering to the tourists that are going to be there.

7. Talk to locals – When you’re interested in something, talk to the locals about where you might be able to find it. You will learn things that you wouldn’t get out of your guidebook as well as where these activities are cheaper.

8. Don’t drink your money away – Try to limit your alcohol wherever you can or save it for a few special days. It’s easy to spend too much.

9. Choose one thing – And then spend a lot of money on that. If you’re heading to Italy, for example, you might want to save your money up for a day of shopping, but be thrifty the rest of the time.

10. You only live once – When all else fails, just spend a little more than you thought that you would. You aren’t going to be there everyday, so why not make the most of it when you are?

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1. Plan Ahead – This may seem obvious, but an amazing amount of money is wasted due to poor planning. By deciding where to go, what to pack, and where to stay you can make smart spending decisions without the in-the-moment pressure you may have on the road.

2. Go Online – Most locales have tourism sites or Chamber of Commerce websites with heaps of tourist information. You can find out everything you need to know about your destination, get travel tips, and find discount coupons for popular destinations.

3. Tune Up Your Car – A well tuned car runs smoother and uses less fuel. You can also save a lot of money and frustration, avoiding costly breakdowns while on the road.

4. Pack Light – Avoid overstuffing your vehicle. More weight costs more fuel. Many places offer laundry facilities, reducing the need for clothes.

5. Visit Tourist Information Centers – These centers not only give you plenty of information about the region you are entering, but may also provide free maps and coupon books that will save you money.

6. Use Coupons – There is no point collecting coupons if you don’t use them. While a dollar or two off may not seem like much, it can quickly add up. Be sure to make use of any coupons you find for your intended stops.

7. Try Camping – Hotels cost a lot of money. You can stay at a campground for a fraction of the cost and enjoy a night under the stars. Many stores sell inexpensive camping sets for the beginning camper.

8. Eat Out – No, not at restaurants, but outside. Pack lunches, use the kitchenette in your hotel room or cook dinner over an open fire or on a grill. By bringing food with you and restocking at local grocery stores you can save a ton of money.

9. Bring Drinks – While it may not seem much at first, the cost of buying drink gets expensive. By using refillable containers you can stretch a jug of juice into four or more individual drinks. This adds up to a huge savings in the long run.

10. Enjoy Nature – While you will of course want to stop at the odd paid tourist attraction, natural wonders are usually free for your enjoyment. Take advantage of scenic lookouts, nature trails, and any other free attractions along your route. It will give you a break from the car and hours of cost-free entertainment.

While a vacation will naturally cost money, it does not need to break the bank. By planning ahead you can stretch your budget to the max and have the fantastic getaway you dreamed of despite the recession.

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