YOUR MONEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

“I want to take a summer vacation, but don't want to spend a bundle. Are there ways to save cash while still enjoying a fun getaway?”

- —BY GABRIELLE LICHTERMAN

Absolutely! Taking off on a grand adventure doesn't have to empty your wallet. Here, budget travel experts share their money-saving secrets that'll help you spend less without skimping on a good time.

Visit cheaper hidden gems

Instead of heading to popular (and crowded!) vacation spots, consider exploring lesser-known locales that offer a similar ambience and experience, suggests Jen Ruiz, author of 12 Trips in 12 Months (JenOnAJetPlane.com). “If you're craving a quaint beachside getaway, for example, try the Great Lakes,” she advises. Other options: Traverse City, Michigan, and Door County, Wisconsin, offer sandy shores, clear water and charming towns reminiscent of Key West, Florida, and Nantucket, Massachusetts, but for less.

Want a European feel without the huge expense of an international flight? “The Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York delivers a Parisian flavor with its world-class wineries and creameries featuring artisanal cheeses,” Ruiz adds. By veering off the beaten path, you can save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars.