If you have spent the last few months saving up for your big trip but still find your budget to be rather tight, don’t fear. It is possible to travel on a tight budget; it is just a matter of knowing where you can save.

When booking your flight, study up on airline fare cycles and alternate routes to save a lot of money. Knowing the seasons that airfares change and not reserving a flight during peak travel times will be much cheaper. When searching for flights, be inventive with the routes and don’t be afraid of layovers and stopovers. Even though they may be inconvenient, they can save you a lot on your flight. Also try searching for dates that are somewhat flexible as this will help you to find better deals.

Your accommodations don’t have to be in three or four star hotels. As you will probably be spending most of your time out of your hotel room, this shouldn’t be an important aspect of your trip. Look into renting an apartment or a house-swap as great ways to save on your lodging. House swapping can be fun if you are comfortable with another family being in your home. This way your accommodations are virtually free and you will be able to experience local living during your stay.

For souvenir shopping, get creative and stay away from the overpriced touristy stuff. Remember that pictures you take during your vacation will last forever and are the ultimate souvenir of your experience. But if you want to purchase some items, focus on smaller local shops and rural communities. This way, not only will you end up with a souvenir that is authentic but they will also be budget friendly as well. Use your credit card to pay for merchandise in a foreign country and use a debit card rather than traveler’s checks to get local currency. This will give you the best exchange rate and save you fees.

When getting around, utilize public transportation over cabs. Better yet, walk when you have the chance. You can purchase rail, metro, and bus passes designed specifically for tourists that will save you money and get you to wear you are going easily, quickly, and cheaply. No matter where in the world you are traveling, there tend to be well-run public transportation systems. Even if you are in a city that has a poor bus system, chances are they will have a much better train system. Look into public transportation before you leave, especially if you are buying a pass, as these tend to be cheaper when purchased in advance.

Look out for free entertainment and attractions. You can find free concerts, lights and music shows, nature trips to parks, beaches and conservation areas, as well as other known free attractions. Some museums are free to get into, while others may have free entrance during specific times in the week. Again, it pays to research into the sites, attractions, and entertainment before you arrive so you know of fun and cheap things to do that will keep you on your budget.