Traveling has a long tradition and our societal wanderlust gives us an opportunity to revitalize ourselves by experiencing the world. Unfortunately, the cost of traveling is up and it appears it will continue an upward trend.

It has often been said that the oil and dollar are tied together. Well, the current situation seems to prove as much. As fuel prices rise dramatically, the dollar is plunging. Fuel, in particular, is not expected to return to lower prices.

Will falling dollar values and rising fuel prices stop us from traveling? No, but we all are going to need to cut costs where we can. Yes, that means we are going to have to get creative when it comes to spending our travel dollars.

Obviously, the biggest expense for most travelers is the actual transportation from one place to another. Specifically, we are talking flights in most cases. Is there any way to cut down on the cost of flying? Of course.

The first strategy is pretty well known. You should fly during the off season to your destination. The prices between high and low seasons are dramatically different. Flying to Paris in July is going to be expensive unless you think out of the box.

What kind of out of the box thinking should you be doing? If you have to fly during high season, try to find a charter flight. These are airlines that only work during part of the year. The flight comes with no frills, but it is often much cheaper than regular airlines.

Yet another out of the box strategy is to become a courier. Specifically, an air courier. Yes, they really exist. You agree to carry documents in exchange for help with the ticket. Free tickets are rare, but you can save 70 percent or so easily.

After flying, putting your head on a pillow is usually the second biggest cost you will face. You pay for a luxury hotel. To save some serious cash, try a hostel or dorm. You can usually save five to 10 times the money you would spend at the hotel.

Another great way to save money on accommodations is to hit the train station. Most have a booth where locals rent out a room in their house to you. This can also be a good way to meet the locals and get a taste for the real life in the area.

With oil demand growing and supplies dwindling, there is great concern about whether traveling abroad might become a more difficult proposition for most people. It need not so long as you are creative with your money. Just go!