5. Go on a staycation

Are you desperate for a vacation but put one off because you think it will be too expensive? If so, plan a staycation instead. For ideas, read Building a Staycation Package. By relaxing in your surrounding area you could save a lot of cash and still catch some much needed R&R. Check out discount sites like Living Social and Groupon to see what great local deals are available. If you do feel like venturing outside of your zone book a bus or train at least three weeks in advance. Booking earlier will allow you to maximize your savings. It's even possible to get bus trips for as low as $1.
(See our stories Try the Train this Summer and Roam Eastern Canada on the Cheap With Greyhound.)

Your savings: the price of a staycation will be beat any almost all-inclusive resort price by at least $1000.