Ditch Travel Guides to Save Dollars -- Savings Experiment

When you're on vacation, splurging on travel guides and tour groups can be a great way to see the sights, but there are also many free apps and podcasts out there that can get you all of the same info without the extra costs. Here are a few options that can save you some cash.

If you're a traveler who likes a little spontaneity, Triposo is a handy app that features over 25,000 destinations worldwide. Not only does it provide you with your standard hotel, restaurant and activity options, it also gives you smart, personalized suggestions about where to go and what to do.

Weather, location and business hours of local attractions are all factored into your recommendations, so you'll be able to make quick decisions on the spot. There's even an option to download your info before you travel, so you won't even need an internet connection to access your guide.

For those of you who want to learn a few things that aren't in a typical guidebook, check out the podcasts from Amateur Traveler, a site that focuses on some of the best places to travel across the world.

Each episode features an interview with either a destination expert, a local resident, or recent visitors. You'll learn travel tips and hear first-hand accounts about what to see, what to avoid and, most importantly, how to save money.

So before you drop those dollars on walking tours and guide books, check out these options first. You can still enjoy the sights without spending big.

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