Budget Travel Tips: Five Ways to Save on Your Next Holiday

Vacations should be a time to relax and enjoy yourself. But while you're having the time of your life, you might be burning a large hole in your pocket. Holidays can be expensive, but with a few handy hints you'll be able to get more for your moolah and not lose your lira.

1.Go off-season Traveling during non-peak periods is one of the easiest ways to save money. Arriving at prime time usually means paying heftier prices -- not to mention the crowds. The cost of hotels alone can drop by as much as 50% if you go off-peak. Seasons vary around the world, so check with local tourist bureaus to find when the best bargains can be had. The Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory can help you out there.

2. Avoid hidden hotel costs Delve into the fine print when you make a booking and research any extras you may be billed for during your stay. These can range from parking and internet access fees to billings for safe deposit boxes and automatic "resort fees" whether or not you use facilities. And in-room phones are convenient, but can add hefty charges when it's time to check out.

3. Use public transportation Public transportation is there for a reason. Grab a map, jump on with the locals, and cruise your way around the city without having to dip into your pocket for taxis or car rentals. Bonus: No parking worries! Here are some useful public transport links:

• Bangkok: Skytrain / Underground
• Singapore: : Transport in Singapore
• Hong Kong: Hong Kong public transport
• Phuket: Getting around Phuket
• Kuala Lumpur: Getting about in KL
• Tokyo: Tokyo transport
• Manila: Manila Metro
• London: Transport for London
• New York: New York subway

4. Fly on a Tuesday, Thursday, or national holiday As long as they aren't part of a long weekend, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the quietest times for airlines, and so you're likely to save a bit of money if you fly then. Busier days mean higher prices, so why not fly out on a national holiday? Most people will be in a rush to get home for a certain day, but very few will actually fly on that day.

5. Research your destination A painful way to waste money is to not know enough about where you are going. Most cities have programs to help tourists save money, such as travel passes for public transport or multiple-attraction passes. (These can be especially useful if you're traveling with a family.) The London Pass and New York Pass are two good examples of how to save money on attractions and restaurants. Do your homework and avoid paying top dollar for everything. There are numerous websites dedicated to easing the strain of travel. Travel.agoda.com is just one example of a website where users can pass their knowledge onto other travelers. Join in and contribute, and make travel better (and cheaper) for everyone.

With a bit of planning, you should be able to come home without worrying about how much you've racked up on your MasterCard. Bonus: You'll have more money in the kitty for your next trip!