1) Read the fine print.

Because you will be using some unusual strategies to get cheaper travel you must pay attention to what’s going on. That means reading the fine print. It is something that will pay off in the end. You must be aware that you’re responsible for making sure things turn out the way you want them too.

Whether you dealing with consolidators or if you’ve just booked a great airfare online it’s always worth a look to make sure there are no hidden ‘surprises’ lurking in that fine print. It could be that it says the flight doesn’t include taxes (that you haven’t been told about) that you must pay at the airport. It may also say that you must ring to confirm your flight 3 days before departure or they’ll resell your seat (it’s happened!) Make sure you read it!

2) Search the internet.

We’ve just been talking about the growth of the importance of the Internet in travel. Search the net and get to know your way around the great online travel websites. As well as being one of the best places to nab a great deal you can also get to know a lot more about a particular place you may want to travel too. You can read other travelers experiences, look at pictures and find a whole wealth of other information online. Places like www.lonelyplanet.com can be a great place to start.

3) Common sense kids!

Here we are, telling you to go out and experience everything, stay in places no one has ever heard of, live among people who you’ve never seen before and use these unusual and wild ways of getting there. That’s all well and good, but not if you’re robbed, cheated or worse. Use your gut and your common sense. If something doesn’t seem right to you, it probably isn’t. That’s as true a block away from the place you were born as it is on the other side of the world.

No matter where you go, keep an eye on your luggage. Don’t check in luggage containing valuables like laptops or credit cards when you’re flying.

4) If you have a good travel agent, use them

This is a bit of a tribute to the really good travel agent. The ones that are in the know about how to get you a cheap deal on everything from flights to insurance. The ones that call you because they know where you like to travel and they noticed there’s a special fare. The ones that make sure you always get a window (or aisle) seat. The ones that know you well enough to call you when they hear about a tour they think you would be interested in. The ones who are incredible at finding you the lowest fares over and over again.

They can be hard to find but if you come across these bargain hunting travel wiz’s, they can be worth hanging on too (although I would always use them in conjunction with other strategies in this book to ensure you get the best deal). They can save you hassles and get you a good enough deal to cover their commission easily.

5) Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten track.

Seasoned travelers already know that often, the really incredible and enchanting moments that you’ll have, and most magical sights that you’ll see are off the beaten track. They are away from the tourist buses and crowds, and because of that fact, they are often cheaper (and more interesting) places to visit. Many are even free. Don’t be afraid to look.