Experiences: Dinner guests at Graycliff – an antique Bahamian mansion that’s played host to the likes of Winston Churchill and Aristotle Onassis – enjoy free viewing tours of the on-site cigar factory and the Graycliff’s award-winning wine cellar, which boasts one of the largest private wine collections in the world. Reservations in the cellar’s private dining room ring in at roughly $1,000, but five-star entrée prices at the restaurant begin at less than $50, providing a comparable – if slightly less private – experience. Western Esplanade Beach is free to access, and strolling through Straw Market in Nassau will score you affordable souvenirs. Hiking the 18^th- century limestone steps of the Queen’s Staircase will take you to historic Fort Fincastle, which is accessible for only a buck.

Perks: Many hotels and resorts in the Bahamas offer sweet perks to entice penny-pinching vacationers. For example, the Sandals resort on Great Exuma includes unlimited scuba sessions for certified divers, premium wine and spirit selections and spa facility access with their room rates. Comfort Suites on Paradise Island includes hot American-style breakfasts for guests, and complimentary day passes to the Atlantis water park facilities, where brave souls can experience the massive Mayan-themed water slide. These park passes typically cost $110 per adult! The One and Only Ocean Club includes the water park day passes as well, along with free use of bicycles, complimentary morning beach yoga and a number of day camp adventures for young travelers.

Transportation: Cab costs can be significant in Nassau. Fortunately, a number of cultural attractions are easily accessible on foot. For those that aren’t, public busses – known as jitneys – run from the hotels to downtown Nassau several times per day for a one-way cost of $1.25. Also of note are the ferry boats, which will take you from Nassau to Paradise Island proper. The roughly $6 ride will take approximately 10 minutes, and includes a waterfront view of Nassau’s harbor. Hotels offering free shuttle service are an additional avenue to savings. For example, guests of the Atlantis resorts can access no-cost passenger vans between venues, and travelers staying at Paradise Island’s One and Only Ocean Club receive complimentary transportation via private vehicle to a number of nearby casino and restaurant venues.

Photo Credit: Trek Hound

Activities: By arranging to have your winter destination wedding at a location loaded with amenities and activities options, you’re relieved of the stress related to coordinating entertainment for your wedding party. Guests can enjoy the resort’s hot tubs and snowshoeing trails for free, and other amenities are there to be experienced at their leisure. Samantha Goldberg, a celebrity event designer in New York City agrees, pointing to the Poconos and Vermont as popular choices. Her top pick for winter wedding favors? Ski lift tickets from your event’s venue.

Extras: Many resorts are willing to toss in a few extras if you are booking their venue for your entire event, so it pays to ask the coordinator what they are willing to include. Book your wedding at the Edgewood Tahoe this winter for instance, and your guests will enjoy all house wine, champagne and beer for free during the entire event. Who doesn’t love an open bar? Similarly, the Mountain Magnolia Inn in Hot Springs, North Carolina includes breakfast the next morning for your overnight wedding guests.

Decorations: Most destination resorts splurge on elaborate decorations for the winter holidays. This means a little extra greenery with candlelight on the tables could be all you need, depending on where you hold the ceremony. Scenery is also a serious money saver. By booking a venue overlooking something spectacular, your decorating needs are drastically reduced. For example, at Vail Cascade – a resort in Vail, Colorado – winter wedding guests overlook a serene, partially-frozen creek which makes for dramatic photos and adds to the frozen wonderland theme.

Transportation: The resort also offers package deals which include airline tickets for the bride and groom, and other establishments offer similar perks for couples booking destination weddings. Additionally, by scheduling the rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception all at the same location, you eliminate the expenses of limousines, guest parking and possibly rental cars if the hotel offers a free shuttle service.

Photo Credit: Sarah Elvin Photography

Freebies:

Many ski venues offer no-cost lift tickets to entice travelers. For example, Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna, British Columbia allows children younger than 5 to ski, tube and skate for free all season. Complimentary mountain tours with experienced snow hosts are also offered every morning and afternoon to familiarize skiers with the resort’s trails. Similarly, Mt. Bachelor near Bend, Oregon permits children up to eighteen years of age to ski for free all season with the purchase of one adult multi-day ticket. Big Tupper in the New York Adirondacks lets active duty military members ski for free all season.

Location:

Booking lodging away from the slopes is a huge money-saving strategy. Ski instructor Kathy Bechtel of Italia Outdoors, an adventure tour company, agrees. Bechtel points to the town of Bolzano in Italy’s Trento-Alto Adige region as offering off-mountain accommodation value along with culture and charm. Traveler Leonard Lee uses a similar strategy for ski getaways to Salt Lake City, Utah where affordable urban motels offer significant savings compared to higher-priced resorts in the mountains.

Outerwear:

Vacationer Lori Lenz recently started planning her first ski trip. Her main hurdle? The specialized clothing necessary for a comfortable ski experience. Determined to get the best prices possible, Lenz is using several online savings strategies. For example, she saved $170 on a quality-brand ski jacket by purchasing it in gently-used condition on Ebay. Steepandcheap.com is another must-check resource, according to Lenz. The site offers daily discounts on many ski-specific gear items such as sunglasses, insulated pants and more.

Policies:

Booking months in advance to get the best deal leaves you susceptible to the whims of Mother Nature. When unpredictable snowfall impacts ski conditions, it pays to know your resort’s refund policies. ResortQuest.com for example, has a snow guarantee program which allows travelers to check the projected ski conditions at their chosen venue prior to departure. If it looks iffy, they’ll transfer your lodging reservations to a comparable participating resort, based on availability. Since the program includes several resorts in Colorado, planning your getaway to that state makes it possible to travel between venues with your rental car, skipping air fare change fees altogether.

Photo Credit: Skistar Trysil

Live Locations:

Live Olympic events coverage will be provided on large, outdoor screens in more than 20 urban locations throughout the United Kingdom, including Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol and others. Sports fans looking to combine a bit of tourism with their Olympic visit will be able to keep tabs on the games while exploring a bit of history at the same time. Further information regarding these live sites and the community events they will be hosting can be found at www.london2012.com.

Ticketless Events:

While tickets for stadium-style competitions can be steep, there are a number of ticketless events that London locals and visitors alike will be able to witness for free. For example, the road cycling course will travel by some of London’s premier locations including Richmond Park, Hampton Court Palace and the natural history museum. Similarly, the marathon route makes its way past other famous London landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Admiralty Arch and the houses of parliament. Nature fans on the other hand should head to Hyde Park, which will host both the Olympic triathlon and the 10 km open water swim. For further information about no-cost, ticketless event times, visit www.londonandpartners.com.

Free Festivals:

Olympic fans unable to score tickets will still be able to experience their fair share of excitement through a number of free outdoor festivals scheduled for places like Trafalgar Square and Victoria Park, in Bow. In addition to large live event screens and other activities, complimentary concert performances by top acts will also be part and parcel of the party experience.

Budget Accommodations:

Open to an urban camping excursion? The Camping and Caravanning Club will be operating several temporary camp sites just minutes away from the Olympic action, with rates as low as £7.50 per person per night. Partner with friends to share equipment, and prepare your own food on site for even greater savings.

Photo Credit: TJ Morris

Activities: Forgotten beach towels and misplaced shower shoes are replaced for a song at places like Dollar Tree, or even Goodwill. These are also great locations to restock those sand toys that Susie left at Grandma’s two days ago. Coupons printed from the hotel business center provide savings on everything from extra sunscreen to pizza delivery.

Weather: Packing light means you have to make your best guess as to what the temperature will be at your vacation destination. Stop at the nearest thrift store for sweaters and gloves if it looks like that drive into the mountains will be unexpectedly crisp, or grab some light-weight items if the weather at your beach cottage becomes unseasonably warm. There’s no need to pay full price for items you’ll only be using temporarily.

Storage: Lost luggage or an unexpected windfall of family gifts can create storage stress. Why dish out retail dollars when a $6 replacement piece from the Salvation Army will work just fine for the drive home? Drawstring mesh bags and zippered pencil pouches from the dollar store are extremely affordable ways to organize damp beach laundry and other vacation incidentals like snorkeling gear.  Inexpensive carry-on totes provide overflow storage for extra items accumulated on the trip.

Delays: If unforeseen circumstances force you to extend your trip by a few days, there are ways to keep the costs from spiraling completely out of control. Vacation dining expenses can be culled by purchasing dime store utensils and other items to prepare simple meals in the room, and entertainment activities can be handled with a laptop computer, area parks and the hotel pool. Use the downtime to research the best gas prices available for the drive home, and to stock a cooler with meal items that can be consumed easily at highway picnic areas.

Photo Credit: iStock

Funding: According to Poe, certain companies offer adoption assistance programs as part of their employee benefits package. For more information on this option, check with the human resources department where you work or the Dave Thomas Foundation’s web site for a list of adoption-friendly employers. She also points to the military adoption subsidy as a benefit many active-duty service members are unaware of. The program offers up to $2,000 per child, with a $5,000 annual calendar cap for multiple adoptions.

Access: Poe advises balance with how much cash you take. Foreign currency conversion fees can be extra hefty in certain countries, and while cash machine withdrawal fees can be tedious as well, the cost is often less than you would pay otherwise. Credit card purchases can also get out of control when out-of-country transaction fees get factored in to the equation, so plan accordingly.

Taxes: Tax credits and deductions are another area of cost management many adoptive families fail to take advantage of, according to Poe. Certifiedtaxcoach.com’s Dominique Molina agrees and states that for 2011, you can claim up $13,170 in credit for qualified adoption expenses, including reasonable and necessary fees, court costs, attorney fees and similar expenses. If the credit is more than the total of your final tax bill, you get a refund for the difference. For foreign adoption, Molina advises filing for the credit in the year the adoption actually becomes final.

Accommodations: While you may have little control over the cost of your airline tickets, where you rest your head while the process is finalized is totally within your control.  For free digs, check Housecarers.com for available house sits in the country you’ll be traveling to, or swap out access to your home with a family living in the area on Homeexchange.com. Both options provide a no-cost roof over your head, along with full kitchen access to prepare money-saving meals and skip the restaurant tab.

Photo Credit: iStock

Volunteer to Get Bumped:

When overbooking occurs which is often in the industry, airlines are often searching for travelers who will volunteer to be bumped to a later flight. Typically, the compensation for this is a subsidized free airline ticket for a date in the future. While it may not always be convenient, if you have the time anyway it might be worth your while. Spend the extra hours during your layover enjoying the Priority Pass lounge in comfort with free drinks, WiFi and soft lounge chairs. You’ll be able to catch up on work and have a comfortable seat while you do so.

Online Discounters:

There are a number of online portals available for purchasing airline tickets on the cheap. One such service is El Cheapo Air. By comparing prices in advance, you should be able to budget accordingly for your getaway.

Military Flights:

Active duty and retired military members – as well as their families – are allowed complimentary access to MAC (military air craft) flights, which take place between military airports around the world. Seat availability is subject to change, luxury is nonexistent and mission objectives will always take priority over your vacation plans. That being said, if you have a flexible schedule and plenty of patience, it’s possible to travel for free to destinations such as Hawaii, Thailand, Japan, Italy and more. Check the military flight web site for further information.

Flexibility Is Frugal:

For business and vacation travelers looking to save money, a flexible attitude is the first step towards finding frugal air fares. Mid-week and pre-dawn flight times are routinely less expensive than other peak travel times. If you’re flying out of an urban area serviced by multiple airports, you can expect the rates for airline tickets to vary sharply between venues. Compare departure locations to get the best deal possible. Also, if you are able to be flexible regarding the items you’ll be bringing with you, baggage fees will be greatly reduced. This savings can be rechanneled to other travel expenses such as spa services, theme park tickets and more.

Discount Airways:

Spirit Airlines allows travelers to join their discount club for an annual fee, which grants them access to jaw-dropping ticket prices that frequently drop below the $10 price range. Other discount airlines include Middle East Air, Southwest and the Irish airline Ryan Air. It pays to do your research and be patient with price points. Chances are, you’ll eventually get a price you can live with, provided you have the time to wait for it.

Traveling doesn’t have to cost a mint. With a bit of time on your hands, it’s possible to score drastically-reduced prices on airline tickets to coveted vacation destinations and business hubs.

Photo Credit: Cliff1066

Tablet Devices:

Tablet devices such as the Kindle Fire provide an affordable intermediary device that fires up quickly, providing access to digital books, magazines, streaming video and a variety of other web platforms such as Twitter.

Free Newspapers:

Catch up on local and international news at no charge by taking advantage of the free newspapers offered in Priority Pass lounges, hotels and airplanes. Publications I’ve seen provided frequently include the International Herald Tribune, Wall Street Journal, USA Today and the New York Times.

Street Performers:

Hay Market Square in Boston, St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy, and La Ronda Street in Quito, Ecuador all have street performances on a regular basis, making them a great free source of cultural exposure when on the road. Purchasing a coffee or bar beverage is relatively affordable, and provides a chance to sit on the sidelines and take in whatever street show is being performed at the time.

Laptops:

When you have to financially choose a single device that will serve you for work, communication and entertainment on the road, it’s pretty tough to beat a good laptop computer. You can listen to tunes and watch movies during flight delays, catch up on correspondence, and join in Twitter conversations that interest you. Since outlet access is usually limited near the gate, if you find yourself having to wait there for any period of time, be sure you pick up the proper travel supplies at the hardware store. In this case, an electrical adapter that allows you access to multiple plugins from a single outlet.

Magazine Access:

You can certainly purchase digital versions, but if the thrill of flipping through glossy pages is your favorite part of the experience and you find yourself living abroad without access to print magazines in your own language, Subscription Agent offers international shipping on a wide variety of popular titles and subscription prices up to 90 percent off the regular news stand prices.

Discount Coupons:

Many destinations have discount passes and local coupons that travelers can use as money-saving tools while traveling. Groupon is probably the most common, and offers up to 90 percent off regularly-priced restaurant items, entertainment venues and hotel accommodations.

Performing Arts Centers:

Many large cities have performing art centers that offer affordable live performances across a number of art mediums. Dance, theater, music and more can be enjoyed by urban residents and vacationers alike. One such venue is the the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami. Located near the Marriott on Biscayne Bay, home to the chic restaurant Catch, it’s possible to enjoy an affordable wine pour and tasty flatbread appetizer before strolling over to catch a show. Bonus? If you’ve pulled up in your boat, Catch restaurant will validate your boat parking with a receipt from their establishment.

Being stuck on the road for business travel doesn’t have to be boring. Use these strategies to stay entertained, informed and in touch.

Photo Credit: Arab Crunch

Special Ops Catalogs

I covered this somewhat in my travel bag solutions post for Wise Bread a while back. People who make their livings on S.W.A.T. teams, special operations missions or with law enforcement careers need gear that hustles, stands up to abuse and holds a variety of items in an easy-to-grab-and-use manner. They also don’t tend to make a great deal of cash, unless they go into the private sector. And they typically have to buy their own gear. This makes tactical gear catalogs and web sites a great source for luggage and peripheral items you need to use for travel, particularly if you are mobile media professional who needs to do photo shoots and interviews from the road.

Hardware Stores

There are a number of travel items you can buy at the hardware store. Some of my favorites include colored key tag labels (five for a buck) that I use for luggage ID, universal sink stoppers that pack flat in my bag for on-the-fly laundry around the globe and door wedges to provide extra security in third-world hotel rooms.

Dance Catalogs

I picked up this little bit of inside knowledge from veteran travel writer Gretchen Kelly. Once, when we were both on assignment in a remote mountain location, I complimented her on her travel pants, which were a wrinkle-free, easily-packed black jersey. She’d paired them with numerous items during the trip, including a white top and black cardigan to form an outfit that would have been just as appropriate for spending the afternoon in a European café. I’d been looking for such a pair, but hadn’t wanted to dish out the 100 plus bucks for the ones I’d seen featured by various travel clothing companies.

That’s when she let me in on her secret. They were dance pants, and cost less than $50! I was immediately intrigued. Like special operations professionals, dancers tend to be the type of people who are willing to work for less money in order to do what they love. And like those same spec ops pros, they tend to dish out for their own supplies. Other packable purchases I’ve noticed in this career field are tanks with built-in bras, sweater dresses and a variety of clothing items suitable for on-the-road fitness, adventure travel and yoga.

Discount Chains

I’m not sure why more people don’t target the bargain shopping retailers such as Marshalls, Ross and TJ Maxx when gearing up for a trip or restocking travel supplies. Most of these stores have at least a small travel department, as well as other categories of inventory that can serve a business traveler well. I’ve seen career totes for women at all three chains, as well as luggage, neck wallets and even wraps and scarves that I was able to put to use for a business trip to Saudi Arabia.

Dollar Stores

Other than the twenty-cent luggage tags, travel shopping doesn’t get much cheaper than this. Buying travel supplies at Dollar Tree enables me to pick up extremely inexpensive versions items that need to replaced frequently. Umbrellas and rain ponchos are two of my faves, but there are numerous other travel products I always purchase there for their ultra affordability.

Beauty Supply Stores

There are several travel supplies at Sally’s Beauty that make my short list. They’re affordable, and have a variety of locations where I can purchase what I need for hair care, cosmetic replacements, nail care and more. That being said, there are beauty supply stores around the world, and most of them have a few simple items you can always count on such as emery boards, bobby pins and even curlers if you have to squeeze in a formal event or two while traveling.

Pharmacies

Antacids aren’t the only travel supplies you can buy at the pharmacy. Travel-sized bottles for security check points, emery boards and smaller pharmaceutical containers for things like aspirin have all made my pharmacy shopping list at one time or another. I’ve also used cheap lip liners as blush and lip color while backpacking, and picked up a box or two of semi-permanent color to touch up my roots on the road.

Amazon

If you’ve got an Amazon Prime membership, you can use Amazon to ship to anywhere you might be in the United States. So if you’ve just ripped a hole in your favorite leggings, or dropped your Nikon out of the river raft, free shipping is just a click away. We also use this when we find comparable prices to other stores we use and simply don’t want to drive the 45 minutes it would take to reach them.

While there are plenty of items I prefer to purchase through traditional travel gear suppliers, I certainly want to save a buck where I can. These sources enable me to do that.

Photo Credit: 05com

Menus:

As long as you have access to a single burner stove and a water supply, it’s possible to enjoy a few posh menus while roughing it. French press coffee, angel hair pasta with pesto and chef’s salad are all items I’ve enjoyed during back-to-nature getaways. Other items worth tossing into the mix include salt and pepper grinders, a corkscrew, candlelight and an impromptu tablecloth such as a sarong.

Destinations:

Difficult-to-reach locations come with additional transportation costs, whereas choosing to glamp outside of D.C. brings a bargain alternative to otherwise highly-priced accommodation options. Urban camping in general is a great way to break into the glamping experience, as it allows access to entertainment venues not typically found in the woods. Also, countries known for their affordability can also be a source of luxury camping experiences for less. For example in Monte Verde, Costa Rica a number of lodges provide fireside dining with views of the cloud forest.

Amenities:

Book camping reservations at campgrounds that come with perks. KOA resorts for example, typically come with access to power and water, Wi Fi, and even swimming pools and hot tubs along with hot showers, laundry facilities and clubhouses for the kids. They have convenience stores on site and the numbered campsites make ordering pizza delivery a snap.

Equipment:

We use a two-room Eddie Bauer tent with an electronic power point in order to work from the road while camping, and have a separate changing area for privacy. Other helpful items are popup canopies with screened walls to serve as insect-free kitchens at campgrounds. If you have room in your vehicle, consider bringing along foam mats to soften your sleeping experience.

It’s clearly possible to camp with a bit of comfort. By packing the right gear and choosing the right venue, your back-to-nature vacation getaway can be romantic as well as rustic.

Photo Credit: Phil and Pam