There are many ways to save money on travel. But the best "how to" approach involves a step by step progression that considers the market conditions and your own itinerary. Here are ways to save money on airfares, car rentals, dining, rail pass purchases and baggage fees.

Mark Kahler, licensed to About.comBaggage fees are among the most annoying costs of air travel. Once free of charge, the privilege of checking bags now costs money on most carriers. It's important for a budget traveler to minimize or even avoid these costs. Check out 10 step by step tips for keeping your money out of the baggage fee equation.

Mark Kahler, licensed to About.comStart with establishing a travel budget and then commit to it. You'll be on your way to finding a cheap airfare. These 10 step by step tips will guide you through the process, which has become easier than ever with the ability to book your own flights and shop special offers online.

Mark Kahler, licensed to About.comDo we sometimes underestimate the ground-based charges that make air travel even more expensive? Here is a step by step approach to budgeting for items unrelated to airfares or airline fees. These charges are made on the ground, and they can make the difference between economical air travel and a grounded budget.

Mark Kahler, licensed to About.comThere are several money saving techniques that work particularly well within the United States market, including shopping nearby airports and taking a look at online auctions. Follow a pattern that has proven successful for other budget travelers seeking cheap U.S. airfares.

Mark Kahler, licensed to About.comHow does shopping airfares worldwide differ from your choice of domestic flights? Often, the differences are dictated by geography and market conditions in your destination country. Follow a proven path to success as you shop for international airfare bargains.

Mark Kahler, licensed to About.comIf you have at least eight hours between your flights, do you really want to spend that time in a terminal when there is so much to see and experience in Central London? If you have a minimum of half a day to spend in London, here is a step by step approach to making the most of your London layover.

Mark Kahler, licensed to About.comNot every cruise is a bargain, but shopping for cruises often proves to be a rewarding experience for budget travelers. Here is a step by step approach for finding an affordable cruise and then avoiding some expensive pitfalls common to these trips.

Mark Kahler, licensed to About.com, Inc.Every urban travel experience is different, but the world's biggest cities share some common traits. Although it's true that big cities generally are more expensive to visit than less populous urban areas, you'll can find opportunities for savings if you know where to look. Take a look at a step by step approach to saving money on urban travel.

Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesAre you shopping for a travel rewards credit card? If so, check out this list of seven simple questions you should ask yourself before you begin looking at specific cards. For some travelers, these credit cards are simply a bad idea. For others, a closer look at finances and travel patterns might make their first choice a worst choice. Consider your answers to these questions carefully before you make a card commitment.

Mark Kahler, licensed to About.comWhen money is tight, many travelers opt to stay closer to home. If you're interested in the benefits of a theme park vacation, check out a step by step approach to saving money at Six Flags parks. Here you'll find links to online tickets that save you the wait in lines and helpful tips for keeping your budget healthy once you're inside the park boundaries.