If your vacation money is limited, it is always a good idea to check out many of the books available either at the library or the local bookstore. Fodor's and Let's Go are good choices. These books can help you plan out your trip by locating the lower-priced hotels, motels, or hostels. They also have listings for various restaurants and include price ranges. Ideally, when traveling and trying to save money, you should do all the research you can about your destination, and then map out a tentative itinerary. To really save money on lodging and food, it is best to stay with someone you know--friends, family, or friends of friends. Before you go on your trip, let friends, family, and coworkers know where you're going, they may just know of a place to stay. If you can't do that, you can find a safe, legal, and free or low-priced places to camp. Also, it is important to remember to have some form of replaceable cash, like travelers checks, in case they are lost or stolen. Finally, always carry American dollars. You never know when someone may want to trade their money for American dollars.