Most trips and excursions are expensive, and traveling is often the most costly fee to incur. Many of your travel costs can include your hotel, food, and a rental car. If you are trying to save money on a tour or vacation, an all inclusive resort or cruise may help keep your budget in check. While there is no single guidebook on sticking to a budget while traveling, below are some tips to help you save money:

1. Ask about discounts

Traveling on a budget means looking for any possible discount or way to save. Before booking flights, booking hotel rooms, making dinner reservations, or renting a car, ask the company if they offer any discounts. More often than not, you will find they offer coupons or discounts for seniors, students, military personnel, city workers, or teachers. A small discount here and there can add up, so there is no reason not to take advantage of as many as possible.

2. Fly with a budget carrier

Back in the day, if you wanted to travel between continents, you had to go with expensive airlines. Now, you can fly on budget planes and reach destinations all around the world without breaking the bank. While these may not be as comfortable as the more expensive options, they can still provide you with a great travel experience. Many budget airlines service short to medium-haul routes.

3. Be flexible with your travel dates

The cost of travel can vary depending on the day of the week and the time of year you go. Some of the most common holidays people travel during include Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July. If you are planning on traveling with everyone else, then your expenses are likely to be higher. Try to be flexible with your dates, as some cities may be cheaper during the spring or fall seasons. For example, if you are planning on visiting Paris, you might want to go during the spring or fall as fewer people will be in the area. Plan on traveling off-season, as it can provide you with the best possible prices. If you are rigid about your plans, you might not be able to find a deal.

4. Be open to the destination

If you are finding it difficult to be flexible with the time of year you want to travel, sticking to your budget can be easier if you are flexible with your destination. Many websites allow travelers to compare different destinations and their costs to find the right option. Doing this can also help you become aware of great destinations you didn’t realize were a choice.

5. Sign up for travel alerts and emails

Before you start planning your trip, make sure that you’ve signed up for newsletters from different companies. This will allow you to keep up with the latest deals from airlines, hotels, and last-minute deal sites. Although most of these may not be available for your specific travel plans, keeping an eye on these deals will ensure that you get the best possible deal.