Q:  My husband and i love big city getaways, but our travel funds are limited. How can we save money on stays, dining and activities in cities like Atlanta, Houston, Miami and Nashville?

A: While economic news appears gloomy, take heart.  Competition for tourism often leads to travel deals and savvy planning also saves travel dollars. Here are some of my favorite ways to save on getaways:

• Timing makes a big difference and flexibility pays. Travel off-season or on the shoulder season  before peak travel time. For instance, book a trip to Miami during the late spring or summer rather than during peak season  winter months. Sometimes, delaying a trip by a week or staying during the week versus weekends saves 20%-50%. \

• Choose a hotel a few minutes away from the city center or theme parks. Use public transportation to get around town fast, cheap and with no parking fees or traffic snarls.

• Capitalize on local promotions.  Freebies, reduced rates and coupons are often found at destination Visitor and Convention Bureau Websites. Take advantage of promotions such as staying three nights and a fourth night free, complimentary breakfasts and free WIFI. Watch out for add-ons resort fees, parking fees and room taxes that can sabotage any travel budget.  

• Buy a “City Pass” or “Go Card” that provides admission to multiple attractions, shopping and dining discounts.  For example, get aGo Miami Card for admission to 35 attractions like The Seaquarium, city tours and Everglades eco-tours at savings of up to 50% off regular admission. And, an Atlanta CityPASS offers admission to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, Inside CNN Tour, Fernbank Museum, Atlanta Botanical Garden, High Museum of Art and Atlanta History Center for $74 per person versus individual admission costs of $152.

• Check local newspapers for dining specials. Save dining dollars with “early-bird” specials, two-for-one entrees and discount coupons. Splurge at lunch. There are often the same menu choices as the dinner menu with smaller portions at half the cost. Buy discount dining certificates at Restaurant.com. Just enter a state and city and purchase $25 to $50 dining certificates for $10 or less. 

• Join the clubs. Enroll in airline, hotel and rental car membership programs. Members get preferred rates and other perks. Scan their newsletters for deals. Sign up for email notices of last-minute travel offers.