Traveling and hotels can be expensive, requiring months or even years to save for. The cost of flights, hotel accommodations, food, entertainment and a rental car can add up quickly. While some expenses are out of your control, there are ways to cut costs when planning a trip.

One of the best ways to lower your traveling budget is to be flexible with your plans. For example, instead of going to Paris, you could visit a different city or region of France for half the price. Or, you could choose to stay in a hotel with fewer amenities but is located in an area that interests you.

Another way to save money on your next vacation is to book hotels that offer a loyalty program. These programs allow you to earn points toward free stays at hotels you have stayed in before. They also often partner with airlines, so you can collect miles by staying at certain hotels.

Another way to save on a trip is to research the areas where you plan to travel ahead of time. Look for websites that offer maps of the city or region, as well as information about transportation and attractions. This can help you narrow down the list of available hotels and find the right fit for your needs. You can also use online reviews to help make your decision, but don’t rely solely on them. In many cases, hotels address issues brought up in reviews on their website or in other promotional materials.