When thinking about international travel, most people’s first thought is to hire a travel agent. Why? In several years of travel, I have never been able to find a travel agent that can beat the deals they find for me. It takes a little longer, yes, but it makes the trip more worthwhile when you realize that you are the one who designed the trip. It belongs to you.

research your destination The first thing to do is research your destination. If, for example, you are going to England, decide if it is better for you to drive or take the train. If you decide to drive, you’ll need to research things like insurance, traffic rules, and mileage. You should also find out what interests you: do you want to see historical sites? Do you want to visit amusement parks? What strikes do you have fun? Use the Internet to find tourist sites in the area, but don’t neglect YouTube or a simple Internet search to find out what others have found in the area.

Cut your biggest expenses The first expense you’ll encounter in international travel is your airfare. There are many sites out there that will be useful to you. Cheaptickets.com, Travelocity.com, and Kayak.com are just three of the sites. Some sites allow you to receive email alerts when the price drops. Start looking several months in advance and be sure to check nearby airports. It seems strange, but sometimes smaller airports can offer even better deals than larger ones. Check rates daily or at least every other day.

For hotels in Europe, I have found that it is best to mix and match. Travelodge or Premier Inn are great budget hotels that are easy on the wallet, but it’s also good to splurge a bit. Bed and Breakfasts are a pretty cheap way to do it. Don’t forget to keep in mind that you are saving money on breakfast!

One way to find a cheap hotel is to simply type “cheap hotel Paris” and see the results. However, make sure you read hotel reviews before you book!

For transportation, a cheap car rental clearinghouse is AutoEurope.com. Simply type in your destination and the site will display the best rates it has. If you can find a cheaper rate through a rental agency, AutoEurope’s customer service agents will often match it. Also, check what is the cost of gas in the chosen place. If you are staying near major cities, it is best to stick with the train or bus as it is not easy to drive in a big city. If you plan to drive to and visit a major city, plan for that city to be your last and leave the car early. Paying for parking will often be expensive.

Despite the current economy, traveling is still a luxury you shouldn’t give up! With a little planning, you can have a wonderful vacation and go exactly where YOU want to go. No prepackaged deals for you!