Have economic jitters got your rethinking your summer vacation? Well, you might want to reconsider — as morbid as it sounds, a recession is often the cheapest and best time to hit the open road.

It pays to do some research and to handle your own arrangements. If you leap blindly into a resort package trip, you could end up spending a fortune, which is no good in any economic climate.

To help you out, we’ve put together this handy guide to cheap travel tricks. Whether you’re looking for a cheap two-week escape with the family or are a recently unemployed vagabond looking to circumnavigate the globe, you’ll find a little something for everyone. (via wired)