In this economy, it pays to save money when you’re on the road. So how about tracking down activities that are absolutely free? In big cities, it can be easier than you think.

The first tip is that even museums with the priciest entrance fees often open their doors for free … if you know when to go.

For example, the Museum of Modern Art in New York normally costs $20 to get in, but on Fridays from 4-8 p.m., it’s free.

The same goes for Paris, when 15 museums—including the Louvre—are free on the first Sunday of every month.

In wine regions, try tracking down free tastings.

In Sonoma, California, for example, wineries such as Jacuzzi Family Vineyard and Cline Cellars offer free wine tastings seven days a week.

How about free bike rides? Denver recently launched free bicycle programs, where all you have to do is put down a refundable deposit.

Similar programs exist in Washington DC and parts of Europe.

And because summer is near, you can find free jazz festivals, outdoor concerts, and art walks.

What you want to do is pick up a copy of the local weekly alternative paper.

Of course, in this day and age, we know where newspapers are going … so if that fails, get online to map out your free activities before you go.

The extra effort will pay for itself.

For more helpful hints on useful travel planning tools to save you money, visit our Budget Travel section.

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