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When you avoid the regular tourist trail through Mexico, you’ll see a bit more of the real country without burning a hole in your pocket.

Though Mexico isn't the budget travel fantasyland that it may have once been, there are still some good deals to be had south of the border if you know where to look. By picking the right accommodations, eating where the locals eat and being a bit creative when it comes to your activities, you can have a great beach vacation and still have some pesos left for souvenirs.

Transportation: Regional bus travel is possible for hearty vacationers on a very restricted budget, but air travel is the best way to get to top destinations, including Acapulco, Cancun and Los Cabos. Most airlines offer package deals, with airfare and hotel priced together at a discount of up to 25%. Try tour operators like Apple Vacations and FunJet for charter flights and discounted hotel prices. Avoid peak travel times, such as Spring Break, Holy Week, Christmas and New Year's.

Once at your beach town of choice, take the local bus to see the sites. Fares are less than $1 and will get you from the tourist zones to the popular shopping, dining and nightlife districts. Avoid buses at hotel worker shift times, just after 3pm and 11pm unless you're prepared to stand, which can make it difficult to spot your stop.

Accommodations: Hotel prices drop dramatically as you move away from the beach. Pick a property a couple of blocks back from the ocean, and you'll pay half price. Since all beaches in Mexico are federal property, you'll be tanning on the same sand as everybody else. Small family-run inns offer prices as low as $40/night and provide more local charm than chain hotels ever could. Check near the town square in Cozumel, in Old Town Acapulco or near the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta for the classic beach town experience. For a trendier vibe, consider a budget hotel along Playa del Carmen's stylish Fifth Avenue or near the marina in Cabo San Lucas.

Dining & Nightlife: Start the evening with a little luxury; pick a fancy hotel and enjoy two-for-one happy hour drinks. Avoid the touristy spots for dinner and explore the areas where the locals eat, usually just a few blocks away. You'll find steaks, burgers, grilled shrimp, fresh fish and tacos at great prices. Stay away from the mega-clubs and discos with steep cover charges and head for the casual beach bars and taverns where the crowds are relaxed, the atmosphere is friendly and the drinks are cheap.

Activities: At the beach, many of the things you'll want to do won't cost a dime. Most budget hotels offer day use of beach towels for free and visitors can spend an entire day walking the shoreline, playing in the waves, snorkeling and building sand castles. Stop by the market for a picnic of sandwiches, snacks and drinks and avoid the high cost of beachfront restaurants. Take a self-guided walking tour of local historical sites, landmarks and attractions. In Cancun or the Riviera Maya, take the bus to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza or Tulum instead of buying a tour for five times as much. Hire a local boat captain to take you fishing, instead of booking at a tour desk.

Ready for more? Return to the On a Budget channel.

Joshua Hinsdale is a travel writer and author of "Great Destinations: Playa del Carmen, Tulum & The Riviera Maya" (Countryman Press).