What are Carolyn Scott's top five methods for saving money on travel?

Hi, I’m Carolyn Scott-Hamilton from The Healthy Voyager. Here are five of my favorite ways to save money on travel, pulled from my articles and TV tips:

• Know your budget first so every choice (destination, lodging, activities) fits what you can truly afford.
• Be flexible and travel in the off-season to save on flights, hotels, and car rentals.
• Use rewards programs and travel rewards credit cards (and pay them off monthly) to earn points toward flights and hotels.
• Choose vacation rentals, hostels, or shared stays instead of pricey hotels, and consider splitting costs with a travel buddy.
• Research smart: stay and eat just outside tourist hot spots, and use apps to track spending and find deals.

What kind of trip are you planning next—domestic, international, budget backpacking, or something in between?