1. It's always best to spend frequent flier miles before spending real money.

If we operate on the assumption that every frequent flier mile is worth at least one U.S. cent, the 25,000 miles required by many airlines for a roundtrip domestic flight would be worth at least $250 USD. There are many roundtrip tickets priced below this figure. Because frequent flier miles can be difficult to accumulate, you should always be certain to use them to your fullest advantage. Above all, use them! The worst thing you can do is let them expire.

2. If I stay in a hostel, I'll always have to share a room with strangers.

Some places with the word "hostel" in their names also offer private rooms at prices well below what is available at a conventional hotel. Other people shy away from the "H-word" because they think they'll find dirt, drugs or debauchery. You can avoid the few hostels that fall into these categories with a little research. That homework will also tell you if there is an age restriction at your proposed location.

3. Bidding on a room saves money but makes you a second-class citizen at the hotel.

I have used Priceline dozens of times and only once was I treated poorly. That stop was so bad that I later received a full refund. Far more typical was this experience: After saving maybe $150 by staying off-site from a meeting I attended, I asked the front desk at my "Priceline" hotel to call a cab for me. Instead, an employee drove me (at no charge) to the meeting. If you use an online auction, be sure to note that purchases are almost always non-refundable. Also be sure not to overbid.

4. Rail tickets are always cheaper than renting a car in Europe.

This is one of those rules that could be true without the word "always." But many travelers refuse to think beyond rail tickets in Europe. While it's true that many cities are set up to cater to train travelers (central stations, many connections), on short trips with larger parties you might find renting a car less expensive. For example: With a family of four, I saved about $100 on a one-day journey between Berlin and Amsterdam. I also got to experience driving on the autobahn.

5. Off season trips save money but leave travelers disappointed.

Don't expect Bermuda to be balmy in December. Don't be surprised by cold winds blowing off the canals of Venice in February. You might also find businesses in those places closed for the season, and even a few attractions shut down for remodeling. The key, once again, is research. Find out if the things you want to see and do are available in the off season. If so, trade-offs like shorter lines and lower prices might more than compensate for less-than-perfect weather.

6. Low fares are only available for those willing make a Saturday-night stopover.

For many years, this was no myth. The airline industry locked out business travelers from the best airfares by requiring them to spend a weekend night on the road. Budget airlines broke those standards and offered low fares to everyone without such restrictions. The financially troubled majors are now having to re-think these silly requirements. Don't assume you'll have to stay over Saturday without shopping carefully.

7. A duty-free item is so under-taxed that it is almost always the best bargain.

How is something a bargain if it is overpriced? Some "duty free" items are bargains only when the tax portion of the total cost is considered. Others are very solid buys. You'll only know the difference if you avoid impulse buys and stick to things for which you know the going prices. When traveling internationally, it almost always make sense to look in city centers before assuming the airport duty-free price is the best available.

8. Any consumer who wants to earn free travel needs a 'mileage' credit card.

Mileage cards work for people who can afford to pay off the balance each month. They are earning travel discounts for every-day purchases. They are not paying double-digit interest rates to borrow money. If you are paying hundreds of dollars, euros or pounds in interest, your "free" travel is not a very good deal.

9. Flying within Europe is impractical and very expensive.

This is another axiom that has been relegated to "myth" status in the past few years with the rise of budget carriers such as easyJet. It is still wise to rent a car or buy a train ticket and drink in the countryside as you travel. But a few well-placed flights in your European itinerary could save precious time as well as money. Many flights are actually cheaper than the available ground transportation.

10. Some cities are too expensive for the true budget travel and should be avoided.

I'll never be convinced that London, Paris or New York are too expensive to visit. There are too many things worth seeing in those cities to miss them because of money problems. In these and many other cities, public transportation is extensive, safe and affordable. You must control accommodation and dining costs, but the Internet provides many opportunities for doing so.

Guide Discussion & Comments