Traveling on the cheap - vacations needn't break the bank

Traveling is often thought of as an inherently expensive activity. When you're away from home, you’ll have to pay more for every meal you eat, every night you stay away and, of course, your transportation. But there are many ways in which you can enjoy a vacation without breaking the bank.

Transportation can be the most expensive component of a trip; but there are several ways to keep costs down. If you're not traveling too far, consider taking a bus or sharing a car with friends and splitting the cost of gas rather than driving alone. If your destination is out of state or international, you may have to take a plane; but if you take the time to scour flight comparison websites, you can often pick up great bargains - especially if you start looking early. It’s also possible to find excellent last-minute deals; and with the advent of low cost, no frills airlines, flights are now very affordable.

Eating out is often a key part of a vacation, yet it’s possible to eat well and inexpensively if you go to the right places. Rather than heading to the first well known national chain restaurant that you see, try to hunt down eateries that specialize in regional dishes made from local produce instead. These are not only a great way of supporting the local economy, but they often offer the best value for eating out.

Accommodation can take up a large proportion of a travel budget, but there are many ways to cut costs. For young travelers and students, youth hostels offer excellent value accommodation, and are a great way of meeting fellow travelers. If you're the outdoor type, consider camping or staying in a caravan. There are thousands of campsites all over the country which cater to outdoor enthusiasts; but if you plan on staying in the more popular national parks, be sure to book in advance as pitches tend to fill up quickly.

For those who seek a little more luxury from their accommodation, there are still various options for discounted accommodation. Visiting slightly off season will normally get you a cheaper rate, and several large hotel chains offer hotel reward schemes through which you can earn and redeem points for free nights, discounted room rates, or free upgrades.

Vacations needn’t break the bank: if you do your research, you’re sure to find transport, dining and accommodation deals to suit any budget.

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