Top 10 Money-Saving Travel Tips

Traveling the world and visiting exotic places can help make wonderful memories that are treasured for the rest of our lives. Unfortunately, traveling can also result in massive bills that haunt you for quite some time after the trip is over. Here are 10 tips for saving money while traveling:

1. Remain flexible about departure/arrival dates. Try to keep an open schedule for when you can depart and arrive at your destinations. Many airlines advertise reduced fares for weekend or late night travel.

2. Don't take taxis. Cab fares in some cities and/or countries can be exorbitant. Instead of hailing a cab from the airport, learn about the city's bus or train routes and take advantage of them.

3. Avoid tourist-filled restaurants. Rather than pack into yet another tourist-filled restaurant, seek out the low-lying and unpretentious local restaurants and bistros. You'll get a better feel of the area and save money to boot.

4. Spend a few nights at a hostel. Hotels and motels in major cities can get quite expensive, especially if you're staying several nights. Try booking a common room in a hostel; you'll save at least 50% off of a standard hotel room rate and meet lots of interesting folks, too.

5. Find a local grocery store for snacking and dining. You don't have to go out to eat every night of the week while you're traveling. Find an area grocery store and buy your bread, coffee and other consumables from there.

6. Shop at the farmer's market. Local farmers and artisans often offer trendy souvenirs and gourmet food at rock-bottom prices. Shopping at a farmer's market can save you considerable cash when it comes to buying your family and friends a few mementos from your trip.

7. Stay with family and/or friends. If you have any family and/or friends that live in the area to which you are traveling, don't be afraid to ask them if you can stay with them. Even if you end up paying them some money for their troubles, your family and/or friends will probably be best able to direct you to area sights, good, affordable restaurants and other places and deals that only the locals know about.

8. Learn to bargain. In many countries, it is common to haggle with hotel owners, shop keepers and other retailers with regards to price. If you feel that the price of an item is too high, say so; you may be pleasantly surprised to find it lowered.

9. Learn the local language. Nothing works better at lowering travel costs than speaking the native tongue. People are friendlier and more liable to give you a deal when you take the time to actually learn their language.

10. Don't forget your student/military/AAA card . Your ID card can save you money. Many hotels offer military and government discounts. A student ID can often get you cheaper seats at theaters and museums and on public transportation.