Look for making the travel inexpensive. Make a list and map of each day's activities in advance so that each expense is given a place and some amount is set aside for it. It will make a comprehensive list for all expenses making a projection of the travel cost.
Pay attention as to how much you are going to pay for the transportation. Inter European no frill city flights are available at around $20. Next in the list are the places of stay like the hotels and the motels. Online booking which is done simultaneously with the air tickets makes each hotel stay inexpensive. Stay at those where breakfasts and evening cocktails are complimentary. You can have late breakfast, which can accommodate lunch and then have fiber-rich fruits, whole grain breads and scrambled eggs for whole day. Children can have light snacks like popcorns at dinner time.
Less known travel destinations will cost much less and also gives value for money. If the travel is for a retreat, then get yourself into such destinations rather choosing London, Paris and Barcelona. Of course, you can't have such a choice in case of a business visit.
The last minute discounted cruise or the re-positioned cruise is going to cost less. Port areas of Europe can be integrated with North Africa city visits.
Always use site maps to discover the territories of the unfamiliar city. Travel agents are there so do the tourist buses which can take you round the city at reasonable prices if you are to do a whirlwind. However, if you choose spots previously, you can transport yourself to spend the day at and around the spot like a zoo or river side.
Never spend too much in acquiring travel accessories if you are going for any adventure travel or sea exploration. Rather, you can do better if you can find out the not so used travels stocks of friends or relatives.