Traveling on a budget doesn't mean you have to compromise on comfortable accommodations and decent flight times. In fact, savvy travelers already know how to maximize their travel budget and take advantage of low prices on travel packages, airline tickets, and other travel-related expenses. Planning ahead will usually give you the upper hand when it comes to playing the vacation-booking game, and there are several tricks and tactics you can use to slash those costs even further. Whether you're dreaming of a trip to the Bahamas or looking to book an overseas adventure, make sure you're aware of all of the different deals, discounts, and specials available to your destination of choice.

Here are 11 tips to help you slash travel costs with ease:

1. Fly in to Alternate Airports

Don't overlook the opportunity to fly in to an alternate airport when you are heading to a major city or other hub with multiple airports. Flights to alternate airports can end up being slightly less expensive than flying into a larger, international airport in the same city. In some cases, you might also be closer to your final destination and be able to skirt traffic. Just make sure to calculate taxi fares from all airports, so you aren't paying extra for ground transportation when flying in to an alternate airport.

2. Book and Fly on the Right Day of the Week

Shop for airfare on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, says Travelzoo's Senior Editor Gabe Saglie. Most airlines publish their sale fares on Tuesday--this is when competition to match those fares begins each week. You're also likely to find a better deal when you fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday. This might mean you have to wait a few days to secure that vacation package, but you could end up saving a significant amount of money on those airline tickets.

3. Book Group Travel with a Rewards Card

Earn bonus miles when booking a group trip by paying for travel expenses using a travel rewards credit card. The best travel rewards card program will allow you to earn extra miles under your own account, and you can have the group members pay you directly in cash for their portion of the trip. Buying airline tickets with a rewards credit card is a smart move for most--especially if you travel frequently and are planning on taking another trip in the near future.

4. Plan Ahead for Holiday Weekends

Holiday weekends will be among the priciest times to fly, so unless you're heading to a destination specifically to celebrate the holiday, steer clear of those long weekend trips to save some money. The weekend before or after a major holiday weekend usually commands lower rates and fares.

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11 Easy Ways to Slash Travel Costs