With a crappy economy, traveling may be the last thing on your mind, but don’t rule it out. Airlines, hotels and especially cruise lines are offering stellar savings in an attempt to prevent further losses. Even if money’s tight, you can use the five budget travel tips below to stretch your dollar and enjoy your dream vacation.

• Stay Informed
  If you have a favorite airline, follow them on Twitter where you can learn about deals as soon as they’re announced. If you’re in search of a specific flight {i.e. NYC to Paris, LA to Hawaii, etc}, sign up for Fare Alerts on Airfarewatchdog. You just select your intended destination(s) and they’ll email you when a great deal is available.

• Pack wisely
  Unless I’m traveling for more than two weeks, I only do carry-on. Packing your two allotted carry-ons can mean the difference between a $20 checked bag fee on most airlines {JetBlue does allow you to check your first bag free of charge}. Not sure how to efficiently pack your bag? See how you can pack 10 days in one carry-on.

• Buy public transit cards
  If you’re visiting a major city with accessible public transportation {NYC, Paris, London, Chicago}, opt for a transit card. Buying a one, two day or even week long pass will save you money, instead of whipping out cash for each ride.

• Go Off the Beaten Path
  It’s tempting to fall in to the trap of solely chowing down at establishments in a major tourist hub or on a resort, but this is one of the quickest ways to go broke. Popular restaurants that attract masses of tourists are always overpriced. Ask a local or concierge where the locals go to eat. You’ll save cash, enjoy a yummy meal and get a real feel for the new city or country you’re in.

• Lodging
  The natural impulse may be to stay at a large resort or well-known chain hotel but what about hostels or even renting an apartment? Many think of hostels as dirty and unsafe, but they’ve come a long way. Many feature free wifi, breakfast and some are family friendly. Check Lonely Planet for hostels that come highly recommended by travelers. Also, if you’re staying in a city for an extended period of time, look in to renting a small apartment. Not only is it cheaper than a hotel but you can save on food by cooking your meals instead of eating out.

These are just some of the tips that have helped me over the years. What’s your number one tip to save money while traveling?