If you are suffering financially due to the bad economy, you might be tempted to nix your travel plans this year. This article will give you some great ideas for the budget-minded traveler.

Create a packing list for your trip! Between one week and three months before you leave for a trip, sit down and write down every item you are going to take with you. If you are delayed in beginning your packing, having a comprehensive list will make the task quicker, easier, and with less clutter.

Be sure to have a good, clear, color photo of your child on hand to be prepared in the unhappy event your child becomes lost. Being away from home and losing a child is a very scary prospect. Unfortunately, children get distracted and wander off or something else happens. If you have a picture of your child on you then this can come in handy if they ever end up getting lost.

To stay on budget when planning your trip, plan it with plenty of time. Despite the many, many different things you can spend money on when you travel, virtually all of them have a common characteristic: they are cheaper the earlier you purchase them. You can save more money by avoiding last minute costs.

Be aware of people pretending to be officials in a foreign country. Do not give anyone your actual passport. Also, if you have to go somewhere with this person, be sure to walk along with them. Always use common sense and never accept a ride from a stranger.

Pack lightly and take only what you need, when traveling. You’re more likely to have your things stolen or become lost if you do not have too much. Limit the amount of shoes you take since they’re usually the heaviest and largest items you’ll bring along.

Use a price watcher. This is a feature many travel sites use, and allows you to enter the destination you want and it will watch for deals for you. Once the price drops to your specifications, then you will receive an email alert. This saves you from checking every day for the price.

If, to get to your cruise travel port, you need to drive your car into a city, consider arriving the day before and finding a hotel with free parking. Be sure to ask about parking deals in case they are not published.

Trying getting in a big workout before you board the plane. Longer flights can be boring. Having to remain seated in one position that long can give you cramps in your back and legs. Having a quick workout or, at the very least, stretching before a flight can reduce or eliminate leg cramps and soreness.

Give a copy of your travel itinerary to a loved one. This will let them know your whereabouts at all times. Stay in contact with them as well. If they hear from you often, they will not be concerned.

As was discussed in this article, due to the poor economy you might be wanting to put off going on vacation this year. If you follow the advice listed here, you will soon figure out a way to make your travel plans budget-friendly.