If you have chosen to drive to your next trip destination, a few things need to be taken into consideration when trying to save as much money as you can on gas. Years ago, not only was the gas cheaper, but it also lasted a lot longer because there was little to no ethanol added to the gas. Now, unfortunately, gas costs are a lot higher and it burns faster. You still have options, though. If your car is a gas guzzler like an SUV, truck or similar vehicle, you may actually save money by renting a car, especially if you're going on a weekend trip. You could rent a small vehicle, provided your group is small enough, and just make sure that the car gets good gas mileage. By choosing to travel on the weekend, picking up the car on Friday and returning it on Monday, you can take advantage of Enterprise's fifty percent off weekend special. You could end up paying as little as sixty or seventy dollars for the actual car rental, when it may cost more than that to fill up the fuel tank once in an SUV.

If you wish to travel by plane, the cheapest way to travel is to purchase your tickets well in advance. Waiting until the last minute, like one to two weeks prior to your departure date, often results in you paying a higher price. Depending on your destination, you could possibly nab some great last-minute rates, but you shouldn't count on it if you really need to save money. Waiting for something that may not happen could potentially cost you a lot more money than you wanted to spend. In order to save even more money when traveling by plane, it's also a good idea to check out websites like Priceline and Cheaptickets. Although these sites operate somewhat differently, they share the same goal--getting you the cheapest plane ticket to the destination of your choice.

An even better option to help you save money on your travel expenses is to travel by Greyhound or similar bus. Not only are the tickets economical, but traveling by bus saves you the trouble of driving, yet without the necessity of getting on a plane. Most Greyhound buses have been updated in the past few years, for your added comfort, and just prior to departure, you even have the option of paying five dollars extra for "upgraded" comfort seats. Another advantage of traveling by Greyhound is if you are traveling with a friend or companion, the bus company offers a half-price rate for the second person. The more people who travel together, the more money you save. Additionally, if you purchase your tickets at least two weeks in advance, you can save even more with their fourteen-day advance purchase discount.

If you know people who are going to the same destination that you're planning to go and either you or one of the other travelers has access to a vehicle large enough to accommodate several people, perhaps carpooling is an option. Carpooling would allow you to save money by enabling each rider to only pay a portion of the travel costs. This mode of travel is also a great idea if you were initially traveling alone, because you will have some companionship as you travel to your destination. It's also great, of course, because it is a win-win situation for everyone, as no one has to pay full cost for any of the travel expenses. If your group is large enough, you could even charter a private bus and have the chartered company drive. This option would also allow you to get your lodging, amusement park tickets, etc., at reduced rates as well.

There are many ways to travel economically, and all you have to do is thoroughly check out your total costs while making the arrangements. Even if you can't save on gas like you may have originally planned, perhaps you can save on your dining or lodging costs. Many five-star resorts will offer you extremely low rates for a stay at their resort provided you agree to attend a sales seminar. You could end up staying at a luxury five-star resort for as little as thirty-five dollars a night. Westgate Resorts is a popular resort that offers reduced rates for attending their seminar. They have resorts all over the United States, including several in Florida, so you should be able to find a location you'd be interested in staying at.

You can save a lot more on your travel costs than you ever thought possible, but you can't always accept the first price you're given. Don't be afraid to negotiate hotel rates. There are always rates lower than the ones offered, so use your AAA card, AARP membership, or any other means that will allow you to pay the absolute minimum. If you're attending certain events while on vacation, there are always methods of obtaining tickets for less than the at-the-door price. Find out ways of getting the tickets for less prior to traveling, and you could save ten, fifteen, and even as much as fifty percent, provided you land a great deal. It doesn't matter if you save money on gas, tickets, airfare, dining, or all of the above, as long as you're seeking the absolute lowest prices possible, you're on your way to having an economical trip. This will allow you more money for spending, as well as peace of mind.