Money-Saving Travel Tips

A dream vacation can be in reach.

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Away We Go - Tight budget? No problem. Check out our cost-saving tips from how to avoid airline fees to eating well while on your dream vacation. — Britt Middleton (Photo: Getty Images)

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Pack Lighter - With baggage fees varying by airline, why not sidestep any extra costs by packing lighter for your trip? You may consider packing fewer items and launder as needed. There are also a number of spacing-saving luggage options on the market that fit airline carry-on size requirements. (Photo: G & M David de Lossy/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: G & M David de Lossy/Getty Images

Weigh In - Going along with being mindful of how much you pack is avoiding those pesky overweight baggage fees. Weighing your luggage with an at-home luggage scale before you leave can save you hundreds in unexpected costs, plus the embarrassment of re-arranging your unmentionables in the middle of check-in. (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

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Weigh In - Going along with being mindful of how much you pack is avoiding those pesky overweight baggage fees. Weighing your luggage with an at-home luggage scale before you leave can save you hundreds in unexpected costs, plus the embarrassment of re-arranging your unmentionables in the middle of check-in. (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

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Bring Your Own Food - Don't let hunger pains catch you — or your wallet — off guard! Try packing your own non-perishable snacks like dried fruit, nuts or frozen grapes for a cool mid-flight treat. Try to avoid most baked goods as they can leave you feeling dehydrated on a long flight. (Photo: Getty Images)

The Road Less Traveled - Be open to travel by bus or train, as fares can be significantly cheaper than airlines, depending on the season.   (Photo: Alex Wong/Newsmakers)

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The Road Less Traveled - Be open to travel by bus or train, as fares can be significantly cheaper than airlines, depending on the season. (Photo: Alex Wong/Newsmakers)

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Go Public - Once you get to your final destination, try to get a feel for the public transit system and use it when you can. This can save you a bundle when accounting for the price of car rentals or cabs. (Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

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Go Public - Once you get to your final destination, try to get a feel for the public transit system and use it when you can. This can save you a bundle when accounting for the price of car rentals or cabs. (Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

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Mix and Match - You may be able to cut costs by flying in and out of different airports and through different airlines. If your schedule allows, flying indirect with a stop-over may also keep your budget on track. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Use Technology - The iExit app gives real-time updates of shopping, gas stations and more when driving on the interstate, while the free TripAdvisor app is a handy source for user-generated reviews of hotels, restaurants and more. (Photo: Courtesy Apple)

Park Far Away  - It’s common advice for adults trying to work more movement into their day, but it’s also a good practice for kids, too. Park at the far edge of the lot when you go to the mall and choose stairs over escalators in the airport to get them moving.  (Photo: George Rose/Getty Images)

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Plan Ahead for Parking - If you plan to leave your car overnight at the airport, travel experts suggest pre-paying for parking as some garages charge more on the day of. If available, look for off-site locations that provide a shuttle to and from the airport for customers. (Photo: George Rose/Getty Images)

Live Like the Locals - Hotels can add a glamorous touch to your stay, but they can also eat up your budget. You may want to try renting an apartment through a site like Airbnb.com or HomeAway.com, which offer accommodations in cities around the world. (Photo: Courtesy HomeAway)

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Live Like the Locals - Hotels can add a glamorous touch to your stay, but they can also eat up your budget. You may want to try renting an apartment through a site like Airbnb.com or HomeAway.com, which offer accommodations in cities around the world. (Photo: Courtesy HomeAway)

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Eat Like the Locals - In the mood for tapas or perhaps looking for the best burger in town? Apps like Foodspotting, Urbanspoon and Yelp help map out dining destinations wherever you are. Many times these local favorites offer big flavors that don't break the bank. (Photo: Courtesy Apple)

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Eat Like the Locals - In the mood for tapas or perhaps looking for the best burger in town? Apps like Foodspotting, Urbanspoon and Yelp help map out dining destinations wherever you are. Many times these local favorites offer big flavors that don't break the bank. (Photo: Courtesy Apple)

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Dine In - As dining out can be costly, try cooking in your hotel kitchenette, if available, or suggest casual dinner parties at home if you're staying with a friend. You may also want to pick up healthy snacks like fresh fruit and bottled water at a local grocery store to keep yourself satiated in-between meals. (Photo: Getty Images)