Traveling to Savannah on a budget? Then, check out these tips to help stretch your vacation dollar:

- Avoid the tourist restaurants, primarily on River Street. There are plenty of wonderful places to eat throughout the Historic District. Many locals, in fact, go to Bay and Broughton Streets, where they can find diverse food for reasonable prices. A few reasonably priced local restaurants include: B.Matthews, 325 E. Bay Street, Juarez Mexican Restaurant on 420 E. Broughton Street, Saigon Restaurant on 4 West Broughton Street, Kayak Cafe on 1 E. Broughton Street.

- Pick up a free Connect Savannah at many new kiosks or stores downtown. You’ll find many free or low-cost events that are truly enjoyable.

- Stay in a Historic District Vacation Rental: There are plenty of comfortable and well-located vacation rentals available in the Historic District (thanks, in part, to the housing downturn).

These vacation rentals range from carriage houses to homes that can accommodate 10 or more people. They are highly cost-effective for couples traveling with other couples, or families. In fact, vacation rentals will decrease your lodging costs quite a bit. Most also have a fully equipped kitchen, so you can prepare a meal or two daily.

- Visit the Savannah Convention & Visitors’ Bureau on Martin Luther King Blvd. before you begin your touring to pick up free brochures, maps and advice from representatives there.

- Walking the streets provides its own storytelling. You can check out the architecture, wrought ironwork on the houses and plaques in the Historic District’s scenic squares. It will be a truly delightful walk.