You can travel cheap with out losing any of the value in your vacation experience. The keys to getting where you want to be at a price you can afford to pay is planning, patience, and perseverance.
To travel cheap to all the best locations, you have to do some research and planning. Check out the shoulder dates (the dates just before and just after the peak season) and see if you can fit those dates into your schedule. Shoulder or off seasons can make it possible to not just travel cheap but to stay and do for less as well.
When you travel cheap it can pay to be patient. As dates roll closer and rooms or seats are still empty, companies are likely to drop their rates. When the rates go down then you can go much farther for much less. Patience is not just a virtue. It is one of the leading ways to be sure that you travel cheap when you choose to go.
It takes perseverance to get the best rates, fares and prices. When you travel cheap, you have to develop a rapport with managers that can give you great rates for all the best rooms. Call regularly and don't give up trying until your travel date arrives. You can change or cancel many travel plans up to 48 hours in advance without penalty (although be sure you know your cancellation rights when you first book).
Money issues seem to be getting tighter for everyone. Instead of letting a tight budget get in the way (or even ruin) your fun, get creative. It only takes a few steps to travel cheap and you can still enjoy all the perks that you would if you were going all out for your vacation. You might actually enjoy it more since you worked to get it for less.