(MONEY Magazine) – If you've planned your upcoming vacation wisely--by traveling in the off-season or by signing up for cheap fly/drive deals, for example--congratulations. You've already saved quite a bit of cash. But don't stop there. You'd be amazed at how much you can trim your travel expenses and how many extras you can get for free during the trip itself. Remember: Those who ask (for free upgrades, for example) shall receive. Only shy types need settle for so-so hotel rooms and run-of-the mill service. Don't be one of them.

Here's my advice:

--Charm your way into a first-class or business-class airline seat. Never demand. Just ask, in your politest voice, "Any chance of getting an upgrade today?" Look blase, as if that big leather seat doesn't mean the world to you. You've got nothing to lose--and more legroom, free drinks and good food to gain. This strategy doesn't work every time, of course; you have the best chance of success if the plane is partially empty and the gate agent is in a good mood. So if you frequently fly on the same airline (and you should, in order to keep most of your frequent-flier miles in one place), make it a point to learn the gate agents' names--and treat them like the friends you'll need to get a free upgrade.

--Bargain down the price of rented wheels. Before heading to the counter of the rental-car company holding your reservation, walk a few feet away for a quick chat with the company's competitors. For example, say something like this to the Avis or Enterprise agent next door: "Hertz is giving me a weekly rate of $125. Can you beat it?" If the agent offers an appreciably lower rate, either take it or go back to Hertz and ask if they'll match the new rate to keep your business.

Another tip: Decline the rental company's collision damage waiver if your auto insurance policy--or the credit card you're putting up--covers cars you rent. The waiver can run anywhere from $10 to $15 extra a day--in some cases, nearly as much as the car-rental rate itself.

--Ask for a better hotel room, and a better price, when you check in. Desk clerks and managers have more power than you think; they may give you a snazzier room or drop the price, assuming the hotel isn't fully booked. Casually ask whether you can have an executive room or suite for the price you've been quoted for your ordinary digs. If you're a regular customer, mention it. Members of many frequent-stay programs (such as Hilton's HHonors and Hyatt's Gold Passport) are automatically entitled to a free room upgrade, when available, if they booked a room at a corporate rate.

--Dial smart. Surcharges for phone calls billed to your hotel room run between $1 and $4--as much as 300% above the actual price of the call itself. And forget about getting low late-night rates. Most hotels charge premium rates around the clock, stuffing the savings into their own coffers. But you can beat the phone sting by toting a phone card and using your own long-distance carrier. Hotels may charge you 50[cents] or so for each such call, but it's cheaper than the alternative. If your hotel secretly blocks access to other carriers, forcing you to dial direct, consider heading to the lobby pay phone.

--Get the best exchange rates in foreign countries. Use credit cards for as many purchases as you can. Most card issuers extend wholesale exchange rates to card users--rates far more generous than you'd score on your own. In fact, you'll get about 5% more for your dollar than if you'd paid with local currency you got at a bank in exchange for dollars or traveler's checks. When you must use cash, purchase the local currency through an automated teller machine (ATM) hooked to your account at home. That way you get the currency at wholesale rates and pay only about $2 for the transaction.