Vacations are one of the most expensive things most people buy, so saving money on vacation can add up to lots of money left in your bank account when you come home. Whether you are traveling to Europe, Disney World, alone or with your spouse and kids, saving money on this vacation can help you get to that next vacation that much faster. Here are the top 10 tips to save money while on vacation.

1. Buy a guidebook: Guidebooks give you insight into the place you are traveling. A good guidebook not only points out quality restaurants and hotels, but will also help you avoid bad ones. In addition, a guidebook will help you avoid common money wasting pitfalls. For example, a good guidebook could point out that the airport is well-served by public transportation, allowing you to save money on taxis.

2. Research your destination: While some destinations are designed to be traveler friendly like Disney World or other resorts, others, especially big cities, are more challenging. Whatever your destination, you will save money by researching your destination in advance. If you already know what attractions you want to see, researching the attractions in advance can tip you off to coupons or discounted rates for children or seniors. In addition, research can help you find free and low cost attractions that you might not have heard about otherwise.

3. Have a budget: Having a budget can be a lifesaver on vacation. If you have a budget planned in advance, and you stick to it, you will be less tempted by impulse purchases at your destination. This tip is even more important if you are traveling with children to a kid-centric destination such as Disney World, because tempting merchandise is placed to attract children. Having a budget can help you avoid worrying about spending way too much.

4. Fees: If you are traveling overseas, understand your credit card and bank fees. Many banks charge extra fees for using credit or debit cards overseas. If you plan ahead, you can avoid these extra fees by using a credit card that does not charge these extra fees.

5. Find a cheap place to stay: One of the biggest costs in vacationing is lodging. Hotels can definitely eat into your vacation budget. If you are traveling to an area where you could stay with friends or family, you can save a lot by avoiding hotels. Another way to travel inexpensively is to stay in hostels, although this is often not practical if you are traveling with kids. Again, advance planning is key to this tip.

6. Find cheap places to eat: Another major cost of traveling is dining out. If your lodging arrangement has a kitchen, you can save money by finding a grocery store and preparing your own food for some meals. When eating out, check your guidebook for inexpensive yet tasty restaurant options.

7. Don't overbook yourself: By leaving extra time in your schedule, you will not only have less stress but you will also save money. With a flexible schedule you will be able to take advantage of deals and visit attractions that you find while on vacation.

8. If possible, avoid tourist traps: Places that draw large numbers of tourists are generally more expensive in all aspects of your stay. Even if a major attraction draws a lot of tourists, you can lessen the tourist trap aspect by staying and eating further away from the attraction. For example, you may still want to see the Eiffel Tower while in Paris, but if you eat and stay outside of the tourist zones you can find better deals.

9. Pack light: If you are flying, avoid checking luggage at the airport if possible. This will save you time and frustration lugging a big bag around an unfamiliar place, and you'll save money by avoiding checked baggage fees.

10. Don't be afraid to take public transportation: No matter where you are in the world, renting a car or paying someone to drive you around will be more expensive than using public transportation. In many places where public transportation is available, the difference is very significant. For example, cab fare in New York City can easily cost 10 times subway fare. Advance planning is key to helping you efficiently negotiate an unfamiliar public transportation system.