We do everything we can to travel on the cheap. In light of our most recent road trip, I have a few tips that can help with planning an inexpensive vacay.  If you have anything to add, feel free to add it to the comments section!!

1) scan the Internet. Then call the hotel directly!!

We stayed at the extended stay in Ottawa. It was a great hotel. Very clean. By calling the hotel directly we saved $5.00 off the posted Expedia cost. I have yet to call some where directly and not have them beat or match the cheapest price I find I line. And call as close to the date you want to go. We usually wait until the morning we are leaving. Sounds risky, but just make sure you have a back up plan. 

2) Bring food!!

By far for us, the biggest expense in traveling is food costs. For all 6 of us to eat out it is just crazy. We are always bringing coolers with us with drinks, fruit and cut up veg, sandwich fixings, salads, what ever we can easily take with us and do up right in our rooms.  Also a lot of grocery stores have not meals you can buy that are hot and you can get a few meals out of. Lugging a cooler is well worth it and has saved us a fortune! Recently we have discovered that you can also book decent priced suite rooms. So having that kitchenette is awesome. ( as well as extra space with the 6 of us!!) and we found that the money we saved having the option to cook a meal was well worth the extra money for the room. 

3) conntenetail or grab and go breakfasts. Here is another thing that I think is worth the few extra dollars in a room Rental. (If you don't want to bring your breakfast in the cooler) breakfast is expensive in most restaurants. Not worth spending money on. 

4) if you need to eat In a restaurant do it at lunch!
I live for hot meals. Not always easy when you are traveling on the cheap. Lunch prices are most often better.  For slightly smaller portions. The service is usually faster since its not crazy busy, and leftovers will make a great midnight snack ;)

5) week day travel!!

Our jobs are super flexible, and since we homeschool. We always travel during the week.  Hotel rates are generally better, and lot of times the cost of doing things is a bit less. Money saved all around!!

6) take your job with you!!
Ouch right. no  one really want's to. I have 2 home based businesses that I can easily take with me on the road, AND it doesn't feel like I'm working at all, so, it feels good when you can pay for your trip while on your trip. :)

7) look for deals on activities!
This seems like a no brainer. But I've totally forgot to do this! some museum's have free days, or buy to go to tihs one and get in this one free/%off etc. IF you can book around this. AWESOME. and leads me too...

8) get a hotel close to where you plan to visit.
You can save a ton on not having to park!! or even if the transit route is easy.