How to save cash during travel

1. Book tickets way in advance - The most sensible way of travel is to plan ahead and book the tickets right away. You might get discounts. Book only if you are certain of the trip. Early train tickets are cheaper too.

2. Stay with friends or relatives - If you have close friends or relatives staying at the place where you are visiting, a lot of money can be saved if you stay with them. This could be more enjoyable also than staying at a hotel (obviously only if your friend/relative doesn't mind and would love to have you stay with them). It gives you a homely feeling even if you are in a new place for the first time.

3. Stay near major tourist places - If in case you don't have any of your close people staying at your vacation destination, it is wise to stay at a good hotel near most of the important tourist locations of the place. This gives you ample time to visit the major sight-seeing locations as well as helps you to save money on the travel within the city.

4. Don't buy snacks at the railway station/ airport - Its amusing how whenever a person waits at the railway station or airport, he/she gets tempted to buy a drink or a snack. Many people unnecessary buy books, cd's, perfumes etc. Items bought from these places are usually more costly, sometimes it they might be double the original cost. It is best to keep few drinks, snacks, water and books with you before starting on your travel to avoid making such impulse purchases.

5. Carry maps- Another wise option is to carry maps of the concerned tourist place with you beforehand so that you don't waste time and money on travelling too much searching for your location. This can also be done without spending money by downloading them from Google map.

6. Buy a local sim card when on long vacations - If you are going on a long vacation, it is much better to buy the local sim card. In this way, you will not have to use your local sim card and pay high roaming charges. Using the hotel phone excessively can also be avoided.

7. Don't shop for things you can get at home - Talking about impulse shopping, sometimes one ends up buying stuff which he can get from his own homeland. You will end up carrying extra luggage and also you get them much cheaper locally. Always think before buying and purchase souvenirs and items which you can only get from that place. Buy meaningful articles which can always remind you of your memorable vacation in future.

8. Carry a camera phone - Digital cameras need plug points, lot of charging, more place in the luggage and batteries. Plus, you will have to pay money at monuments to take digital cameras inside.

9. Travel off-peak season - Plan ahead and travel during the off-peak seasons. Weekend tickets cost more than weekday tickets. Hotels also charge more during peak season.

10. Make sure you have stuff to do on the journey - Carry all that you need during your journey to the destination. Pack enough books, music, magazines, pack of cards, travelling chess or anything which you love to do while travelling so that you don't buy them from the stations where they will cost much more.

11. Go for coach tours in metros - If you have absolutely no idea about the place where you are going on vacation, it will be a sensible decision to visit all the tourist attractions through coach tours. You can either book tickets with holiday package or find out the best coach tours after reaching the destination. Such tours are well planned by the guides. A lot of money can be saved this way because if you go on your own in an unknown place, you will definitely end up spending too much cash.

12. Pack the right clothes - According to the climate of the place, take enough clothing with you so that you don't have to buy clothes which you already have with you at home. If it's a very cold place, pack lot of sweaters for each person. If the place is a beach destination, take the necessary swimwear and other items needed for swimming. Take comfortable walking shoes.