My travel motto? Save money, so I can travel for longer. The more I travel, the happier I am. So, I am always on the lookout for ways to stretch my travel budget. While there are a million ways to save money FOR travel (making your own coffee instead of paying 5 dollars for a latte, eating at home instead of dining out, and finding websites like Groupon, LivingSocial and MyVoucherCodes that save you money on things you buy all the time), there are some clear ways to save money ON travel. Here are my top 5:

1. Timing. Timing is everything - you'll save a lot of money traveling during the shoulder season, for instance. The weather is still great, but there are less crowds, more space, and lower prices. Ascertain when to travel for the least amount of money - this is a no-brainer!

2. Look for deals. You can find plenty of online deals on everything - from finding an Expedia discount code to save money on your bookings, to researching the lowest fares for certain time periods on sites like Hipmunk or FareCompare. You can stumble across bargains - and codes - to make the purchasing a little less painful!

3. Stay with locals. Check out tripping or couchsurfing for places to stay for free! The bonus is that you'll make new friends, and get an inside glimpse into another culture. Be sure to reciprocate - host people while you're at home! You'll also gain new friends and new places to travel TO.

4. Rent a home or apartment. If staying with locals isn't your thing (or you're traveling with several people), rent a house or apartment. You'll save money on food by buying groceries and cooking at home, and also pay less per night than a hotel, per person. You may also get a yard to play in! We love renting while we travel - it's a way to BE at home while you're in a different place.

5. Look for package deals. Sometimes, a package deal can be unbelievably low-priced. If this includes airfare, car rental, and hotel, even better. The more money you can save (and pay for upfront), the better. You can look for First Choice discount codes or Expedia deals, as well as other package sites. Be aware of auxiliary fees and taxes, when looking for the lowest price. And, package deals can introduce you to some new locations - like Splashworld waterpark resorts! Count me in for a week of playing in warm weather!