Jet Set And Save

Ah, vacation time.

A chance to swap demanding bosses, daily hassles and congested highways for a gorgeous location packed with entertaining activities, quality family time and scintillating adventures.

Sounds great, right? But, whether you're planning a trip to a theme park, an all-inclusive beach resort or perhaps something more exotic - say Thailand or China - getaways can launch a devastating assault on finances, quickly turning cherished memories into regrets.

Did you know that, according to a survey by LearnVest, Americans spend 10 percent of their annual income on vacations? Furthermore, the survey revealed that 74 percent of people have gone into debt to pay for a vacation.

But it doesn't have to be that way. There are ways to save money - before, during and even after your trip - and still have a vacation to remember. Keep reading for stellar advice from experienced travel experts who know a thing or two about destinations on a dime.

Before You Go

All our travel experts stress one word of advice when planning your vacation: research. Reach for the computer or specialized guidebooks for information on everything from the least expensive places to eat to off-the-beaten-path, low-cost gems.

We like to consult Frommer's, the iconic travel guidebook series created by Arthur Frommer. Apparently, others agree, considering that 75 million guidebooks have been sold, including the groundbreaking "Europe on $5 A Day."

So who better to lend expertise on traveling on the cheap than Pauline Frommer, Arthur's daughter and a traveler extraordinaire?

"When you save money, you get closer to the local life, and you can travel more," she tells Forbes. "What's better than that?"

She shared this advice with us: Decide where you're going while keeping in mind the current exchange rate, which can make a big difference in expenses.

"Argentina's exchange rate plunged by 47 percent in just the last year," Frommer says. "Going to Argentina right now could be extraordinarily cost-effective. Argentina is a very glamorous destination, where you'll have steak dinners and boutique shopping, but you'll be doing it at a real discount."

Another option is Canada, she says: "A couple of years ago, the 'Loonie' was at par with the dollar. Now, it's at around $1.30, which means everything in Canada is 30 percent discounted for people from the U.S."

To save money on flights, Frommer suggests using Momondo and Skyscanner websites for great fares, and try to book on a Sunday, when prices are usually cheaper.

For the best deals on accommodations, use websites like Booking.com; contact hotels directly for their best rates; or stay at an Airbnb, a hostel or even a monastery. Accessibility is key when choosing a location: If you can walk or take public transportation to the places you want to visit, you'll save bigtime.

Planning to visit a theme park? Stay in an onsite property or one nearby that provides free transportation to the parks to save some dough. With so much to do at a theme park, every minute counts. So, when you book ahead, don't make your ticket reservation for the day you arrive, Frommer advises. Instead, start your park visit the next day so you can enjoy a full day's worth of fun.

She also suggests buying a multi-attraction pass to save on admission fees, with one caveat: Be sure to pick ones that have the sites you want to see and allow sufficient time to see them.

Peggy Goldman, president and founder of the international tour provider Friendly Planet, claims that choosing a package vacation can be an effective money-saving move because you avoid markups on air and ground travel, hotels and attractions.

"If you buy a package that's air inclusive, usually you are saving markups because the packager takes all of the net costs, what it actually costs, and adds a handling fee," she advises. "That saves the traveler money."

Although we admit it's not easy, try to pack light. If possible, take only a single carry-on to avoid extra baggage fees. Pack small detergent packets and nylon clothing, which can be washed in a hotel sink and hung and dried overnight, to prevent using pricey hotel dry-cleaning services, Goldman says. Bring incidentals like sunscreen and OTC medications (like Imodium or aspirin) to avoid purchasing them in tourist areas, where they can be outrageously expensive.

Linda Benedon, president of the travel agency Boca Express Travel, advises using a single airline for all your travels to accrue frequent flier miles, which can be used to save money on flights. She also suggests insuring your trip to protect against emergencies and using a professional travel agent to plan your trip.

"They don't put you at risk," she explains, "and they don't put you in a bad neighborhood. They know the hotels you are going to visit, and they have contacts where you might get upgrades."

Kurt Crowl, president of the travel agency Travel Leaders - Palm Beaches, agrees: "Using a travel agent is the best idea in saving money because of what we do and what we know and the relationships that we have."

He also suggests traveling during "shoulder seasons," between peak and off-peak seasons, when "weather will not be absolutely perfect, but you also won't be fighting crowds."

While You're Away

Eating out can be a huge vacation expense. After all, it's not easy to resist those once-in-a-lifetime restaurants.

Goldman shares this advice: "Pick hotels that include breakfast in the cost of your room. Americans don't eat three huge meals a day. Start out with an abundant breakfast, lunch typically will be something light you pick up on the street and then you can deal with dinner."

Avoid asking a hotel concierge for dining suggestions - they might be receiving kickbacks from restaurants that they recommend. Instead, she suggests, ask locals for their go-to spots. And, if your budget includes a splurge on a pricey restaurant, dine there at lunchtime, when prices are more reasonable.

Several of our experts suggest stopping at a local market, picking up the makings of a picnic and enjoying it in a park while taking a break from excursions. All that sightseeing is bound to make you thirsty, and bottled water can be costly. Pack a reusable water bottle, and refill it along the way.

Of course, you'll want to bring some trinkets home with you, but Goldman advises against spending money on expensive local items unless you have the knowledge to determine their value. Things like emeralds in Colombia or carpets in Turkey can be a bad buy if you don't know what you're doing.

"People waste a tremendous amount of money shopping, but you should not buy anything in a destination where you're going to have to rely on someone's expertise other than your own," she says. "If you don't know how to appraise it yourself, you're better off leaving it."

Instead, she proposes, buy small items that are symbolic of the places you visit, which won't cost much but will evoke memories of your vacation for years to come.

And, she insists: "Learn how to bargain." Many markets and smaller shops will negotiate on pricing, so give it a shot. The worst they can do is say no.

Another way to save? Find no-cost adventures. Many museums offer free evening admission, universities feature free events or lectures, and towns host free celebrations and street fairs.

There are also free local tours available all over the world from organizations like Global Greeter Network, where local volunteer guides give you an insider's perspective of your vacation destination. Free Tours by Foot offers pay-what-you-like tours of cities throughout the country. Local guides lead two-hour educational excursions - including food tours - that wind through historical districts, non-tourist areas and more.

When You Get Back

You can get a nice kickback at the end of your vacation by saving receipts for everything you buy while abroad and claiming your return of the Value Added Tax (VAT) levied by many countries in Europe and Canada. This can equal up to 20 percent or more of the cost of your purchase. Locals pay it - tourists don't. If you spend a significant amount on souvenirs, it can add up fast.

Do your research, know the rules and claim the return of the VAT you paid. Fill out forms and show your purchases at refund booths at most airports on your way out of the country, and you will receive a check for the difference after you return home.

"You could get a very nice surprise at the end of your vacation," Frommer says. O