Ten tips to save money like a travel pro, before you go!

Caught the travel bug? When it strikes, many people are apt to feverishly throw money away. Could be the margaritas, could be too much sun. But a few simple tips from Tour Guide Jack can help you save some of that dough - and put it toward something really worthwhile, like another vacation!

Tip Number 1: Before you book those flights, check what perks your credit card company may offer. Many cards include free cancellation insurance, health coverage, and rental car insurance. Know what you have, before you purchase any more.

Tip Number 2: Booking your travel online? Purchase travel through an Ontario registered company (regardless of where you live) and you are automatically protected if that travel agency, airline or cruise ship goes out of business. Travel agencies in Ontario, Canada must belong to TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario), an organization that protects consumers and regulates the travel industry.
Tip Number 3: Don't just compare the cost of airlines when you are pricing out your next flight - be sure to check what is, and is not included. If the cheaper flight charges for checked luggage, food and in-house entertainment, it might not be the best deal after all.

Tip Number 4: Know where you want to go, and when's the best time to go there. High season tends to be when school is out. From North America, you will pay a premium to fly anywhere July and August. Traveling in May, June, September, or October could save you hundreds of dollars. Having said that, be aware of the weather at your destination. September is quiet time at the Disney parks; it's also the height of Orlando's rainy season. Of course, traditionally fall is also when Disney offers a free meal plan to on-site guests. So weigh your pros and cons!

Tip Number 5: Pre-plan and book your excursions before you leave. Although going with the flow can be tremendously appealing, a little preparation can save you time and money. Book your European train travel ahead of time, and save as much as fifty percent off the cost of your tickets. Trenitalia in Italy, for example, sells limited numbers of tickets at a "super economy" price for early bookers, and there are sites that will notify you when seats are released so you can be sure to snag yours early.

Tip Number 6: The trend is to pack lightly and try to squeeze it all into a carry-on. Sometimes, this is a great idea, particularly if you are on a multi stop trip and have to drag luggage on and off trains, or up and down steps. But if you are travelling to a single destination, consider the potential cost of purchasing an item you left at home because it didn't fit in your carry-on. Not to mention the cost of purchasing toiletries if your 100ml size doesn't last the week. Variable weather might mean you want both the tank tops and the sweaters, not to mention the extra shoes. Sharing a full size suitcase with your travel mate might be more economical.
Tip Number 7: Invest in an e-reader. Carrying around an arm-load of books is heavy and cumbersome. Running out of books on vacation means either having to settle for someone's leftovers, or paying for over-priced novels with limited choice. Reading on your tablet requires wifi, and is nearly impossible under sunny conditions.  Besides, the battery life of an e-reader lasts forever and no one will want to play a game on it. And if you do run out of books, hook up to wifi and buy more. At the regular price.

Tip Number 8: If you are headed to a warm, sunny beach, and you are planning on some underwater photography, consider investing in an underwater, digital camera. Otherwise you might succumb to a disposable camera, which, it's easy to forget, cost a lot of money to develop.

Tip Number 9: Throw an empty water bottle in your bag, and fill it up once you have gone past airport security. No more over-priced airport water for you my friend! And to go with that water, how about a snack? Most airlines permit you to bring food through security - just make sure it is not liquid based. Enjoy your snacks either at the gate or on the plane. Just be sure to finish it all before arriving at your destination. Food cannot go through customs, so keep it out of your checked baggage.

Tip Number 10: Save time and money by having TourGuideJack plan a customized itinerary for you! Visit us at ToutGuideJack.com, mention this post and save 20%!
Happy travels!