Almost all of us love to travel and these hard economic times are putting a bite into our travel plans. But if you travel wisely, you can get that bite down to a nibble rather than a mouthful. Here we continue our ongoing “Recession Travel Tips” series to help you lower your travel costs.

The Major Savings

The key here is research. While gas prices have gone up and the dollar has gone down, that doesn’t mean that all is lost. If less people are traveling that means there hotels out there with lots of extra room, even during peak seasons. So spend some serious research time and sign up for travel newsletters that offer great last minute discounts. And don’t always look for the cheapest place. Often the best deals are great hotel properties at deep discounts. And a great hotel with beautiful grounds also means you will enjoy your hotel more – and spend less by having to go elsewhere.

There are always new travel sites being created so keep updated. A good place to start is the well known Hotels.com, which often has deals. One of my favorites if you are heading to warmer weather is CheapCaribbean.com and two great site for last minute deals is LastMinute.com packages with Site59 and Sherman’s Travel.

When I was a student, backpacking around the world, I often used STA Student Travel, which has great deals for those lucky enough to still be under 26.

The Minor Tips

1. Find a place with a free breakfast – and stock up a bit for later. Usually the food is better at the hotel for breakfast and can save you a lot over a week’s time.

2. Ask for a better room. It never hurts to ask. Just be nice and not demanding. If you are nice and friendly, others usually want to be friendly back. If you book a bigger or fancier room beforehand, you will pay more, but often these rooms are empty when you arrive and you can have them just by asking – or for an extra fee. I remember checking into a beautiful spa hotel overlooking Sanibel Island. I had booked a 50% off room through an association, so wasn’t expecting much. When I arrived I asked if there was a choice of rooms. I was told for $10 or more I could have a balcony overlooking the bay or $20 more get a beautiful mini suite with a stunning view and balcony – which we eagerly took. We looked all over and could not find a restaurant with as nice a view as our balcony, so bought food and had great meals there.

3. Ask to see the room first. If you are not in rush, ask to see the room, or preferably a few room options before you commit. You will be stunned how much rooms differ – even of the same caliber. I remember another time checking into a hotel and asked if there was a choice of rooms. The receptionist asked me what I wanted –so I replied, more space and a great view. And she gave me one – just because I asked.

4. Get to know the concierge or reception people. They can be your best friends, giving you both great entreating and money saving advice. Ask what is free and if there are coupons available. Ask where the “Locals” shop or eat – and your food cost just dropped 50%. The places usually advertised the most and the places you should avoid. Overcrowded, overprices and no ambiance.

5. Know what the hotel offers. Ask for a hotel map and spend 10 minutes asking about services the hotel has – and the charges if any. Often you can save money by learning about certain things such as a free shuttle to town or that beach chairs are free from a certain vendor or shoes can be shined for free just by leaving them in a bag outside your door. Never assume someone will tell you things. You need to ask. You can literally save hundreds of dollars if you know what is included.

6. Get a refrigerator for you room. Most often this is free – especially if you need it for medical or dietary reasons, but they are limited so must be booked in advance. Then go to a supermarket and buy lots of drinks and snacks, or even some take out food if you want to save from expensive dinners every night. Then you can eat on your balcony, at the beach, on the top of a mountain for skiers or just have a nice picnic.