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With the economy still in a downturn and gas prices skyrocketing, for some traveling may be seem like a distant, unattainable dream. Still Forbes reports that 53 percent of consumers look forward to traveling even more in 2012 than last year, even with a shaky confidence in the economy. Two-thirds of these traveling consumers want to increase their travel budgets. If you’re a travel-loving, vacation-craving and adventure-seeking person included in this percentage, there are ways to get around without breaking your budget. Here are a few tips:

If you can’t get afford to get away for a week or two, think about a weekend trip. But try thinking beyond your typical out-of-town by the pool or beach kind of getaway. Sites such as the up and coming Vayable offer a new and unique kind of experience created and hosted by local residents in communities around the world. Activities range from a Tesla Roadster ride in San Francisco, touring with celebrities to touring an eco-farm in Costa Rica or a nightlife tour of underground Berlin. The average adventure on this site ranges from $30-$60, but there are also some offers that will only run you $3.

If you can afford to take a week-long trip, think of more affordable destinations. By traveling to lesser-known but still interesting places you skip the inflated prices offered to tourist as well as the crowds. For instance, instead of traveling to Paris, France try Metz, France. The prices drops drastically from around $3,000 for the flight and six-day hotel stay to only $813 a person. Sites such as Wanderfly help you find and budget these lesser-known traveling destinations.

Lastly, do an extended meaningful holiday trip. Abroad volunteer work or “voluntourism,” allows you to have immerse yourself in another culture through a unique and impactful vacation. Habitat for Humanity is a good place to start looking for these voluntourism experiences.

Keep in mind that foreign transaction fees can add unnecessary costs to your experience. Try to find a card with no foreign transaction fees such as the Capital One Venture Card. In addition, the Capital One Cash Card has great travel rewards and no annual fee. Now that you’ve got a few ideas to get your thinking about travel both domestically and internationally, start thinking creatively and plan your next trip!

Are your co-workers getting on your last nerve? Are you one minute away from murdering your boss? Don’t catch a case, my friends; it may be time for a getaway. Summer is not the only season to get that vacation in. In fact, the cooler autumn months can be a perfect time to plan a trip.  You avoid the summer crowds and prices are often lower. So where are some good spots to visit during the fall months?

Check out our picks.…

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Got time off, but no dough to jet off somewhere fancy?  No worries! Take a staycation instead! A staycation is when you are taking time off from work, but you’re not hopping on a plane anywhere. The key to a successful staycation is to stay close to home, spend little to no money and have a good time.

Here’s how to do it:

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If the pressures of your real life are getting the best of you, it’s time for an escape. Don’t think about your vacation as running away from your responsibilities; but rather making your mental health a priority. If you think you’d like to indulge in such a treat, consider your budget, but also consider your own wishes. Whether you can leave today or you’ll have to save for a year first, check out these relaxing vacation spots that will make you think about changing your permanent address.

What Madame has not visualized herself sitting at an outdoor cafe on the Champs Elysées behind a fly pair of shades, looking chic as can be? Any city known for fashion, food and flirting is for Sisters, right? But what if we’ve got big dreams and a (Quelle Horreur!) small bank account? Even pricey Paris can be enjoyed on a budget. Here are some tips from one Madame to another.

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