Getting a rail pass is one of the most popular ways to get around large countries/continents but generally you need to buy your pass before you leave home. If you are traveling overnight to a destination, rail travel is also a good way to get cheap accommodation. Mostly trains are a quick way of getting around, especially the rail system in big cities. However in some countries where the rail system is not so advanced, trains may be more expensive than buses. They can also be cold and slow. Pick the right networks in the right countries for a positive and cheap rail experience – Europe, India, China are good examples of rail being the cheapest form of transport and having excellent networks.

Buses can be quite cheap, (especially in Britain), but also slower than rail. In under-developed countries they can be a unique way to experience the culture and scenery but prices vary from dirt cheap to outrageous. Consider that you might have to stand for the whole trip and share it with the local chickens! Night buses, like sleeper trains mean you get a free night's accommodation thrown in. However a sleepless night on a crowded bus may not be appealing to many travelers.

Traveling by ferry or boat is another cheap form of transportation. Ferry travel can be cheaper than flying and can often get your there a lot quicker. Stories of over-crowding and boats sinking in some countries make the headlines. Ensure your ferry is safe and follows regulations.

Car travel can be a cheaper option if traveling in a group. Work out the cost of a rail pass for four people and then see how much you can rent a car for and divide it by four. Usually the car rental will come out cheaper. Cars also give you more freedom of choice when traveling and for families are probably the best option. Consider taxis when there are no other forms of transport available and you can share the cost with other travelers.

Flying internally around countries and continents can offer the traveler good value. In Asia and Europe it is worthwhile considering this form of transport as a cheap alternative. Although flying can cost more than rail and bus systems, the extra you pay is compensated by the time you save and the comfort you travel in. Many budget airlines are available now but avoid peak seasons if you can. It is cheaper to purchase your flight tickets from the country you will be traveling in.

Research the travel options in your chosen destination and work out the cheapest alternative for you. You may be surprised by how you end up traveling and be prepared for some culture shocks along the way!

Traveling on a budget can give you all sorts of experiences, depending on a) your budget, b) where you want to go, and c) what you want to do. Everyone's budget will be different, and traveling on a budget means knowing how much money you can afford to spend and sticking to that amount. So if you have a budget of two thousand dollars, your travel experience will be different from someone who has a budget of ten thousand dollars. It's all relative to the dollar amount, but knowing some tricks to help you save money while traveling will make your dollars stretch further therefore increasing your travel experience.

Do you want to travel overseas? Do you want to travel around your home country? Do you want to stay in luxury accommodation or are you going to back- pack? Are you traveling with children or are you honeymooning? Are you traveling with a bunch of friends or are you keen to experience a group tour with strangers? Do you want to go to popular tourist sites or do you want to experience a destination's way of living in remote areas?

All these questions are things you need to ask yourself before you begin to plan your trip. You can either plan your trip with your budget in mind, or plan your trip, work out how much money you'll need and save until you can get there. The first is probably a little easier to do because when the travel bug hits, you generally want to take off as soon as possible. Knowing your budget can guide you in making your decision of how and where you will be traveling. But if you have your heart set on a trip of a lifetime to an exotic island in the Pacific then you will need to save accordingly. It's your choice.

Once you know what type of experience you are after, it's time to work out the best way to get it on your available funds. Traveling on a budget is easier than you think these days. No longer does it mean living on stale food and sleeping in questionable accommodation. If you are wise and spend some time investigating deals to your chosen destination you could be able to enhance your traveling experience more than you thought possible. A bit of research will get you a long way when traveling on a budget.