Vacation is becoming more and more expensive. Here are ten common sense tips to help you save money on your next vacation.

1.Rent a car. What sounds expensive can actually often save you money. Consider renting a car instead of using the airport shuttle. Many times the cost of the shuttle is more than that of a modest car rental – and you have the flexibility of having available transportation. Also, if you are driving to your destination, renting a car instead of using your own vehicle is often cheaper than the extra wear and tear on your own car. Take advantage of coupons to upgrade to a larger, and more comfortable, vehicle.

2.Eat breakfast where kids eat free and split meals. This can mean an enormous saving for a family of four or larger. Children are many times too excited or tired to eat much at a time. Restaurants that are kid friendly are more than happy to accommodate special requests for extra plates.

3.Eat lunch in your room. You will be surprised how good a peanut butter sandwich, chips, and fresh fruit tastes away from home, and everyone gets a needed break from the heat and crowds of tourist destinations.

4.Take advantage of coupons. Whether it is for lodging, food, or attractions – coupons SAVE money! Find them everywhere… online, in local newspapers, at convenience stores, motels, etc. Always read the fine print carefully for terms of the coupon.

5.Bring your own stroller. This can save $7 to $10 a day at some of the attractions.

6.Bring along individual refillable water bottles. These can be refilled at the hotel and at attraction water fountains. A family of four could easily spend $20 or more a day buying water.

7.Take advantage of multiple day passes at the attractions. This is especially a good deal when they can be used anytime.

8.Make your own reservations. Many hotels and airlines offer additional discounts and specials for booking online.

9.Give each child a set amount to spend. You can tame the “gimmes”, and your pocketbook at the same time, by giving children a preset spending limit for souvenirs. Also, invest in an autograph book (about $6 at most attractions) and watch the fun as the children collect the “autographs” of their favorite characters. My girls still cherish their “Barbie” autograph obtained at Epcot several years ago.

10.Spend the day away from the attractions. You are paying for that hotel swimming pool… use it! Spend the day at the beach or a nearby museum. The shopping areas near the major attractions (like Downtown Disney) have children’s play areas, providing an inexpensive day of fun for the little ones.

It’s the time of year that we start thinking about Christmas Breaks.  It’s hard to go past Goa, India for a cheap, bohemian holiday.  Goas is a beach resort on India’s west coast.  Famous for it’s never ending party scene and alternative lifestyle as much as it’s tropical paradise location, Goa is the ideal fun getaway.  Goa’s famous shoreline includes many coves and bays and even a fresh water pond.  Northern Goa has some of the world’s best beaches and Anjuna is a very popular tourist destination.  This town is famous for it’s artists and flea markets.  Goa’s full moon parties are known worldwide and provide a great excuse to celebrate.  There are plenty of outdoor activities from hiking to water sports like jet skiing, as well as local tours.  To find out more about Goa Holidays and other Cheap Holidays Abroad, take a look at www.holidays-over-the-net.co.uk and snare a bargain holiday today.

Cheap travel means you get to go more often, go on longer trips or just save some of your money for other things. Fortunately, it doesn’t mean low-quality travel. If you find a way to get a cheaper plane ticket, for example, you might be flying on the same plane as with the more expensive tickets.

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For many travelers, one of the central sources of angst and confusion is how to tip in a manner that is neither miserly, nor extravagant. Travelers run into far more situations where tipping is a concern than they would in their everyday life at home. And it’s made more uncomfortable due to the fact that when visiting abroad, the customs are foreign and easily misunderstood. Taxi drivers, porters, valets, waiters, and barbers/hairstylists are just some of the people you will encounter who will provide you with a service, and may or may not expect or require a gratuity.

The first key to understanding tipping is realizing the situation at hand. Starting with restaurants, the general rule is between 10-20% of the bill before taxes. Some people choose to tip extra if they feel the service is outstanding, while many will leave a small tip or not tip at all if they feel the service is terrible. However, not leaving a tip because the service did not meet expectations can often lead to a confrontation. It is often better to leave some kind of a tip; but be sure address the situation with the manager. It is also vital to know the local customs when it comes to tipping. In America, tipping is expected, and we are known to be some of the most generous tippers around. Many people in the service industry depend on tips to supplement their wages, which are often set artificially low in expectation of the tips they will receive. The key thing to remember is that tipping is a personal decision, but it affects others. So the idea of treating others as you would want to be treated clearly resonates. Be wary of restaurants that add a tip to the bill automatically: no one should pay two tips for the same meal.

In Europe, workers in the service industries are generally paid higher wages than in America, and therefore tipping is not always customary. When people do tip they generally tip less than in the states. However, it varies from country to country. Central European countries like Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Holland tip between 5-10% as a common practice, although it is not always required to tip. Countries like Spain and Italy are not advocates of tipping. In France and the Scandinavian countries, a service charge is included in the bill, while Ireland and the U.K. generally adhere to an optional tipping policy. When traveling in Europe, unless you are in Spain or Italy, it is generally a good idea to leave a tip close to 10% unless the charge is included, or the service was not satisfactory.

Traveling in Asia is often a culture shock, and this is magnified when it comes to tipping. While most of the globe follows the thinking that gratuities are required, or at the very least expected, many countries in Asia strictly forbid it, and many service workers will be offended if you attempt to tip them. Tipping is not the custom in India, China, Korea, Taiwan, and especially Japan. Likewise, in Australia and New Zealand, tipping has not historically been a custom and it is not expected, although the practice is growing, and has become especially common in the tourist areas.

Other parts of the globe also have some guidelines for tipping. Canada is very similar to the U.S., as is Mexico. The key thing to keep in mind when traveling is to be respectful of the customs in the country you are visiting. It is also better to lean towards generosity rather than stinginess when in doubt. Also, keep in mind that many restaurants and hotels add on a charge for gratuity, so carefully inspect the bill before leaving a tip. Furthermore, if you are traveling on business it is especially important that you represent yourself well. Always be sure to tip well when it is called for, and give your client the impression that you are interested in seeing others succeed. Tipping is definitely a touchy subject for many, but if you can master it, then you will enjoy yourself far more, and also ensure the happiness of those around you.