The number one rule when it comes to cheap travel is to do some homework and plan ahead. The biggest costs of traveling will be transport and accommodation, and it follows that this is also where the biggest savings can be made.

Booking in advance with budget airlines can save huge amounts, as can checking dates (and times) around your preferred time of travel to find the cheapest; airlines adjust prices due to demand and flexible schedules can be a great way to find a great deal.

Accommodation prices are also often subject to variation; particularly considering where you book. Hostel bookers allows travelers to compare hostel prices quickly and find the best value options for cheap travel. Moreover, there's no additional booking fee charged on the price of a bed!

Hostels and cheap hotels can change their prices at any time so it can pay to book early, especially during the peak season. Conversely, prices can drop at the last minute, but usually only out of season.

However, there's more to cheap travel than booking and research from home! Once on foreign soil, the best bet is to find some local secrets, especially when it comes to eating and drinking. Don't be afraid to ask friendly locals, other travelers or the staff at your hostel for tips - your credit card will thank you for avoiding the tourist prices.

Sticking to a budget on your travels needn’t hamper your trip; in fact, it can be an advantage. Instead of staying around the spots geared towards tourism (and paying for the guidebook's 'top' attractions) can mean missing out on a real, authentic taste of the country or city where you're traveling. And stepping off the beaten track to find those low prices can be both exciting and rewarding!