Although a trip may seem like an extra expense that should be shelved in today's economic climate, most devoted travelers are not inclined to relinquish their cherished pastime. Instead, those of us who aren't ready to hang up our packable travel hat are desperately seeking less expensive ways to get away.

If you want to stick to your budget and satisfy your wanderlust, try rethinking your travel style. Just because one type of trip is less expensive than what you're used to, it doesn't mean you're getting a sub-par experience -- you're just getting a different experience. Go out on a limb and try some cheaper ways to take a trip, like cruising, couch surfing or taking a day trip. You'll save money by choosing a less expensive vacation, and the best part is you may even discover a new favorite way to travel.

With spring approaching, travel providers are serving up a variety of shoulder-season deals for popular destinations like Europe and Alaska. While shoulder-season deals offer great prices to destinations just as the weather turns favorable, those brave enough to take the less-traveled path of low-season trips can expect to put up with less desirable weather for deliciously low prices. In many destinations (like Ireland and Greece), some attractions, restaurants and even hotels close during the low tourist season -- but that doesn't mean that you can't plan a great low-season vacation.

Vacation rentals may not be your best bet if you're a solo traveler or you like to eat out. But if you're traveling with a family or another couple, a vacation rental could save you big bucks over a hotel. Staying in a vacation rental with a number of people is less expensive because each person you add to your party cuts costs significantly.

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