Tips for traveller

There are always ways that smart travelers can save money by looking at cost-cutting alternatives to the usual way of getting from point A to point B. You might worry that this means having less fun or depriving yourself, but look at it another way: If you're worried about the debt you're racking up for that family vacation, you're not going to truly enjoy yourself even if you're in paradise.

So get creative with these tips, travel off the beaten path a little, and save some of your cash for when you get home. Peace of mind is a fantastic travel souvenir.

1. Try the next generation of travel websites.

Surely you're familiar with the big three travel sites -- Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz. But more often than not they don't provide the best prices.

Rather than serving as online travel agents, these free sites search all of the other travel sites, dozens or even hundreds of airlines, discount websites, car rental companies, hotels, cruise lines, and more to find you the best possible price.

For best results, take some time to do many searches, including individual airline websites -- especially the small regional carriers.

2. Try the train.

If you're thinking about a car trip but balking at the skyrocketing cost of fuel, consider Amtrak as an alternative. Especially on the coasts, where the cost of gasoline is always higher than in the interior of the country, this can make a lot of financial sense.

3. Choose pedestrian-friendly destinations.

This one goes hand-in-hand with taking the train. Save hundreds on a rental car by traveling to a destination that's ideal for walking and has good public transit.

New York City, is an obvious choice for walkers because of the extensive subway system, but cities like San Francisco with its BART line; Portland, Ore., with its MAX light rail; Boston with its "T" lines; and Chicago with its El are also easily cities to navigate without ever stepping into a car.

4. Travel where the dollar stretches.

Because of the weak dollar, most of the major destinations in Europe are ruinously expensive for Americans right now. London, Paris, Rome -- they're all budget-breakers because the Euro and the pound are pummeling the greenback. However, there are still many great destinations where the dollar packs a punch and you can get an incredible experience for a reasonable amount of money.

5. Get creative with lodging.

Rather than staying at a major chain hotel like Hilton, Hyatt, or Marriott, why not consider more innovative options? For example, bed and breakfasts throughout the country offer great rates that often beat the major chains, along with other money-saving promotions.

If you're adventurous and don't care about amenities, try youth hostels. These backpacker-friendly lodgings are clean, safe, and usually full of interesting folks from all over the world.

6. Pay for a kitchen.

If you're staying in a hotel, pay a little extra to get one with a full kitchen, especially if you're going to be at your destination for a while and you have kids.

7. Find someone to take you on a tour.

Tours of a destination from a local tour company can get expensive, as the tour operators sell you on extras or hit you with "surprise" fees. So if you're staying at a bed and breakfast, why not ask the innkeeper to take you on a tour of the town in exchange for a fine dinner? Or in a bigger city, offer a local merchant $25 to guide you around the great local neighborhoods after he or she closes her store.

8. Stay close to home.

When the cost of gas, the rigor of air travel, and the hassle of packing up the kids is just too daunting, consider staying home and discovering nearby attractions you may never have seen.

So start to make a plan for your travel journey.