A budget-smart traveler knows to avoid tourist traps and excess souvenirs, which trims a little off the top. But what if you want to save more?

Here are a few pointers from my last trip:

Book Early and Watch the Price: Check the cancellation policy, then go ahead and book. (Just be careful with airlines.) As for resorts, hotels, and rental houses, the earlier you book, the longer you have to renegotiate should prices drop. Even a year in advance is okay.

On my recent trip, I noticed that the hotel was offering a $200 resort credit for a 4-night stay. I had booked months before and wanted in. No dice, new reservations only and the credit could not go to the room fee. I was, however, able to negotiate a full breakfast each morning.

Check for Third Party Deals: Financial services companies and associations will often partner with hotels, destinations, airlines, restaurants and other locations as part of a broader marketing effort. In doing some work for another piece at FiLife, I found a great deal at American Express Selects offering $20 for every $100 gift certificate bought. Doing some quick math, that’s a 16.7% discount for every $120 spent.

Comb Through Your Bill: Four days on vacation and you can get a little free-wheeling with your room number. Extra drinks at the bar, sure! More ice cream…here are my digits. Just be sure to check your bill as you go. I was able to catch (and correct) an increase in my room rate that wasn’t applicable. I had the reservation terms handy as back up.

Consider the Local Economy: When you’re on vacation, you can get tunnel vision. Beach, golf, etc. etc. But stop to think about where you live (usually) and where you are (now). Resort aside, if you are in a cheaper area, then prices for all goods tend to be cheaper. Also, be mindful of the local tax laws.

Looking for new jewelry? Need some new clothes? Getting married?

All of these purchases may be less, considering where you live. Just don’t buy so much that you need to pay for an extra bag on the airline