So you can now get to your destination cheaply after seeing our Top 10 Tips to Cut Travel Costs. But what about the post travel part, after you’ve arrived and your ready to go, go, go? Here are 10 more tips on saving when you finally reach your vacation destination.

1. Stay in One Place: Many times we try to squeeze it all in, so to speak, and visit not only the city we’re staying in but nearby metros too. These vacations often lead to stress, missing out on important sites and events, not to mention add hundreds to your bill. If you’re visiting a European city, trust us, there is plenty to see in a week or two, so go the distance and see everything you can – in one place.

2. Rental Car Woes: Although they might seem like a good idea at the time, rental cars mean fees, gas and if an accident occurs, possibly some unforeseen cash flow or injuries. Don’t tie yourself down with a rental car. Go by train or plane as often as possible. Most of Europe is connected by wonderful and easy to navigate train systems. Plus, you can often get a flat rate pass, like the European Global Pass, where a first class ticket that costs $675 and is good in 18 countries for 15 full days.

3. It’s Ok to Go Low: In Europe there are so many options on places to stay. Sure a 5 star hotel has insane amenities but really, how often do you plan on being in there? Probably long enough to study the back of your eyelids for awhile before heading back out. Try a lower grade hotel or hostel. Just because they may not offer the same thrilling amenities doesn’t mean they don’t have equally as good atmosphere, furnishings and customer service. If you’re staying for a longer period, it might be smarter to opt for an apartment rental too.

4. Meager Meals: Of course vacation is a time to indulge but with all the sides and wine that go along with European cuisine, your wallet might be begging for mercy in a matter of hours. When it comes to breakfast and lunch, try to be thrifty. Check out a buffet or snack stand where prices will be much less than a sit down meal. For every sit down dinner you eat, have a cheaper meal at a pub or café.

5. Get Your Walking Shoes Ready: Walking is a great way to burn off those extra vacation meal calories, get in some healthful exercise and see the sites in an up close and personal manner. It also saves a few bucks where you might’ve previously opted for the train or bus and when on a budget, every penny counts! Also, avoid taxis at all costs because some drivers may try to charge more for a tourist that doesn’t know the language or currency.

6. Note Discounts and Use Coupons: If you are traveling with your family and you see a restaurant with a sign that kids eat free on Tuesday’s, note it and come back with your brood. If you’ve got coupons, don’t be scared to use them! Again, if you are traveling with children, most kids will be too hyped to sit down and eat so ask for a doggie bag to take along so you don’t have to stop again and pay for another meal.

7. Do as the Locals Do: They live here so they know the best places to go for a discount. For example, if you come into Venice, it is highly unlikely that you will see a local taking a 45 minute gondola ride across the canal for $85 a pop. You are more likely to see them hoping aboard the gondola ferry for a low $0.75. For a handful of bucks, you can check out all of the gondola ferry routes and pocket the other $80 you would’ve spent on the latter.

8. Choose Sites Carefully: Although you may really want to see the Mona Lisa, do you really want to waste hours in line for a fleeting glimpse or spend double the cost for admission? There are many sites that are equally as interesting and leave you with time and money to spare. Try a cheaper walking tour of the main sites instead.

9. ATM Access: Like everyone trying to make an extra buck, many banks, credit card and traveler check companies, and currency exchange commissions are charging additional fees dubbed “conversion fees.” You can avoid these ungodly fees by getting your cash from an ATM as often as possible.

10. Leave Panic at the Door: Don’t come to your destination in a panic about going over budget. If you spent the extra few bucks to take a cab, it won’t affect your lifestyle. A few months from now you’ll have forgotten where the extra money was spent, but you will probably regret griping over your stacks the entire time. Set your budget, try to stay within in your means and even if you go a bit over, take it easy. It is vacation after all!

Happy piggy bank photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org