Trip savers

1. Budgeting

An oldie, a goodie, but never very easy.

Brett Robinson of Thomas Cook says their VTM card is a good way to keep one hand on the purse-strings.

"It's just like an ATM card and it allows you to spend a set amount - say $NZ1000 - and once it's gone, it's gone," he says. "You set the exchange rate when you go, so it's not like a credit card bill that blows out when the dollar does."

2. Get a good deal

If you're planning a long-haul trip and know you'll be burning a hole in your pocket, follow the exchange rate and try to get the best deal you can before you go. Every little bit counts when it comes to spending money.

3. Plan ahead

Matt Freeman of the Travel Centre says costs of flights and travel packages are falling all the time. Watch for the best deals on flights, arrange car hire before you go and try to get package deals that are all-inclusive.

"Do your budgeting from this end," he says. "Plan ahead so that when you arrive you'll be paying for as few hidden extras as possible."

4. Freebies

Some of the best things in life are free.

These includes museums, art galleries, historic monuments and, of course, feeding the pigeons while you take in the atmosphere of a distinctly different place to your own.

5. Travel light - that means economically

Get to know the best way to get around the place you are visiting. Most cities have travel passes and many countries have rail passes which you can buy before you go.

Remember to avoid peak-hour traffic - it is much worse than the Harbour Bridge.

6. Do things on the cheap

This doesn't just mean taking public transport and dossing at cheaper accommodation. It goes so far as shopping for your meals from a supermarket just as you would at home.