Summer travel is a great way to have fun, relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Travelers can still plan their summer getaways without breaking the bank. Discover Card has these easy tips for budget-conscious vacationers:

Sign up to receive e-mail updates Many airlines and travel agencies send out e-mails to customers with information about the latest airline, cruise, hotel and rental car prices. This is a great tool for weekend travelers looking for last-minute deals.

You can visit during the off-season. The rates drop drastically when there are fewer tourists in the area. For weekday travellers who are able to avoid the crowds, hotels can be significantly cheaper. Even the most luxurious resorts offer lower rates weekdays, which allows luxury travelers to upgrade their rooms at a fraction of the weekend price.

Tourists should travel to destinations in the off-peak seasons. The Caribbean, Florida and Phoenix are less popular during the summer so those who love the heat will find great deals.

– Shop around, even after you’ve made a reservation. Most car-rental cancellation policies apply to reservations that are cancelled within 24 hours or 48 hours of check-in/pick-up. Vacationers should be aware of cancellation policies and can take advantage of last-minute discounts at hotels and car rental companies as long as they are informed.

Protect your vacation funds. While cash is fine for vacationers, credit cards are essential. Credit cards can be used to track spending and provide protection in case the card is lost, stolen, or damaged. They are also a secure and convenient way to book vacations or cover expenses while on the road.

Cardmembers can save on future travel by getting credit cards. Cardmembers like the Discover Open Road Card earn additional rewards for gas or auto-maintenance purchases. Meanwhile, the Miles by Discover Card provides extra benefits for travel by plane, bus, and train.

You might consider renting a condominium or a house. Renting a condo or house can be cheaper than staying in hotels for vacations that last more than a week. A lot of condos and houses come with kitchens which allow you to cook your own meals.

You can find more ideas on making your money go further at www.investmenttips.com www.discovercard.com/edge.