It is not hard to enjoy the benefits of traveling, but funding your travel fun can prove to be a more difficult task. Because living lavishly at the literal expense of your financial well-being is not fun, here are a few ways to enjoy the joys of travel in a financially responsible way.

Saving makes more cents. Keeping your leftover change can really add up. Instead of the old school way of wrapping coins, TD Bank’s Penny Arcade makes saving a little bit more fun. Bank of America’s Keep the Change program also allows you to do the same thing with debit card purchases. Setting up automatic transfers into a vacation savings accounts is also an excellent strategy.

For those who are truly dedicated, you can even take your savings strategy a step further. Make it a personal challenge like the Glam Globetrotter $20 a Day Vacay savings plan. Giving up a few small luxuries (like eating out every week, regular happy hour outings, consistent trips to the hair and nail salon) will certainly be worth it when you’re enjoying the luxury of your hotel room a few months later.

Take advantage of rewards programs on debit and credit cards, but don’t let them take advantage of you. In her book Girl, Get Your Money Straight, Glinda Bridgforth warns to not let the reward of a free flight lure you into a credit card agreement you can’t keep up with. It would be wise to set up a rewards program with debit cards that you currently use and get rewards without taking on the risk of creating more debt.

Being loyal can pay off, literally. Sign up for the mailing lists of your favorite airlines, and they will keep you abreast of special deals and offers. Using frequent flier programs, you can earn free flights. It’s a good idea to sign up for a few (but not too many) different programs to expand your options.

Patience is a virtue. Sites like Orbitz.com and Travelocity.com do a good job of providing price comparisons of numerous airlines. However, if you are only shopping for a flight, your next step should be to go directly to the airline’s (with the lowest price, of course) site to avoid unnecessary fees. Also, prices fluctuate throughout the week. Check frequently to compare price changes. For further savings, go against the grain and plan your trips during the off seasons.

Limit your expenses, not your possibilities. With a little pre-trip research and planning, you can create a budget that will allow you to have fun without digging any financial holes you’ll have to fill after the trip. A prepaid travel card is a great tool to help you stay on track.

Now that you’re equipped with the tips and tricks that’ll save you a few dollars, the most important part is to savor every fun-filled moment of your trip!

Written by Danielle Fontus

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Tags: Travel, Weekend Fun