Most of us would love to travel internationally every year, but popular destinations like Paris, London, and Rome can be too expensive for many travelers. Fortunately, if they’re adept at their planning, travelers can plan vacations to other countries for a fraction of the price.

Here are some tips for traveling internationally on a budget:

1. Travel out of season.
The most popular time of year to travel is from late spring to early fall. This is when students are on summer vacation and the weather is optimal. However, traveling during the colder months, such as late October through early April, can save you 30 to 40 percent on your international getaway. Flights to European destinations from DC and New York can drop as much as $650 in the winter months, and hotels drop 33 percent or more. If you are concerned about the weather, fly towards the beginning or end of the off-season when temperatures are milder and there are more daylight hours.

2. Book a discounted package.
America is a nation obsessed with coupons and discounts, which is why websites like Groupon and Living Social have become extremely popular resources for local deals at restaurants, museums, and other businesses. These sites now offer vacation packages at discounted prices. If you’re flexible about when and where you want to travel, you can find great deals for flight and hotel packages to many places abroad. If you find a good deal, you can travel to Europe or China for up to 50 percent off.

3. Travel to international destinations “close to home.”
Europe is one of the most popular international vacation spots for Americans, but popular tourist destinations in Western Europe tend to be more expensive, especially during the summer months. One way to reduce the cost of international travel is to take a vacation in a more “local” international city like Toronto, Montreal, or Cancun. An international getaway to North America may not be as “chic” as Paris, but a destination closer to home has many benefits. You can book an international flight for a fraction of the cost, and travel time is significantly reduced, which means that a getaway to a destination like Toronto could easily happen over an extended weekend or half a week of vacation. Just because you’re on a limited budget and time frame doesn’t mean you can’t have a great international getaway!

4. Book cheaper accommodation.
Save money for flights and attractions by renting a private room for your family at a hostel or renting apartments on popular websites like Air B&B. Not only will you save on lodging, but both options typically include kitchens so you can easily prepare breakfasts or pack lunches before a day of sightseeing.

Dreaming of an adventure abroad for the holidays this year but have limited funds? Explore some of these options to help make that dream a reality!