One of the most important ways to travel inexpensively is to plan as much before your trip as possible and to be flexible once you’ve arrived. Your airfare, lodging, and transportation will be the major costs and should be considered and planned before your departure.

Once you have arrived at your destination and have your lodging booked, your mode of transportation will be one of the biggest decisions you make. Walking is the most inexpensive option, if possible. The location of your lodging will dictate how much walking you will be able to do, so keep that in mind when booking your hotel. Be aware that some areas may not be safe for you to walk, especially after dark or by yourself.

Public transportation is the next option. Many large cities all over the world have bus or train systems that run frequently, are inexpensive, and are easily accessed. These systems may also be heavily used by the local residents, so they may also be crowded during certain times of the day. However, public transportation in some countries may not be safe for tourists. Investigate the accessibility of public transportation before you arrive on vacation, so you can make other plans for transportation if necessary.

In that case, renting a car or hiring taxis are the best way to get around. If you decide to rent a car, investigate what and how much extra auto insurance you will need. American auto insurance is not valid in some countries, so you might need to purchase additional liability insurance through the rental car company. Also, find out whether you will need an international driver’s license to rent a car. An American driver’s license is accepted many places worldwide, but it is not safe to assume your license is valid internationally.

Taxis are safe and readily available in most large cities worldwide. This is not always the cheapest option, as many cab companies cater specifically to tourists and visitors. Some of the taxis are regulated and operated by the city and may be more affordable than those that are not. Check the rates before you get in the cab to avoid paying a larger fare than you expected.