How to make the most of your travel dollars? Travel Day 2011 included a program "Travel Tips for Budget Travellers". In case you weren't able to attend the program, I thought that over the next few weeks I would share some of the tips and tricks Patti and I talked about.

First and foremost, we emphasized that the best way to keep those dollars from flying away while you are travelling is to "Know before you go"! Research, research, research!! And be very careful that your sources are reliable, especially when using the Internet. Where better to start than your public library? We have a fantastic collection of guidebooks for all kinds of travellers.

For example, Fodors and Frommers are industry standards, covering most major tourist destinations. New editions come out every year, as a rule.

Rick Steves' series of guidebooks concentrates on authentic travel through Europe. These guidebooks cover all the major destinations, as well as including Europe Through the Back Door, which maximzes your time while helping you save money.

Lonely Planet, a series of guidebooks, was conceived after a young couple travelled across Asia. "A beat-up old car, as few dollars in the pocket and a sense of adventure" led to their first book, Across Asia on the Cheap. This series covers major destinations as well as some of the more out of the way places. Their books are often updated every two or three years.

Let's Go was started by students for students, and is great for those who are backpacking and hostelling, but also contains many great tips for all budget travellers. These guides have great ideas for budget travel and for off-the beaten path information.

Rough Guide leans more towards the adventure type of traveller with very practical information.

There are also books targeted just for budget travellers. Frommers has a series "Free and Dirt Cheap" for major cities such as Washington, Sydney, Paris and London.

More budget titles!!

And don't forget that we have travel magazines, travel atlases and maps for major tourist destinations!!

Join me next week and we will talk about some online sites for improving your budget travel experience.