Money-Saving Tips and Tools

Think you know all the ways to save on travel? Think again. We've found the best money-saving tips and tools insiders use to find cheap airfares, hotels, cruises, and car rentals. Combine several of the key steps below and you could save $500 on your next vacation.

Tricks and Tips to Find Cheap Airfares
Flying is often the biggest expense of your trip, but it can be a source of huge savings if you know how to work the system. Use the steps below to find the cheapest airfares.

• Let the deals come to you. Use a free automated service that tracks fares and alerts you when the prices drop. Here's how.
• Be flexible on dates. When you fly is one of the most important money-saving factors. Start your search by figuring out the smartest days to travel. It's easy.
• Consider surrounding airports. In major metropolitan areas there are often several airports, and prices can vary dramatically at each. Follow these steps.
• Look at flexible dates and surrounding airports in one search. You might need some extra information for this little-known trick. Check out this tutorial.
• Bundle everything together and save a bundle. Buy a Flight + Hotel or even Flight + Hotel + Car package and save $240 on average per person. You can even add in Activities for extra savings. Shop now.
• Being spontaneous pays. Traveling at the last minute limits your choices, but it could help you save up to 70%. Take off in two weeks or in two hours and enjoy final-closeout prices. Off you go.
• Pack lighter and smarter. Many major airlines now charge from $15 each way to check a bag (and from $25 each way for a second bag). Keep your luggage to a minimum and fly cheaper. Plus, bring your own food and you could save $10 round-trip. These steps could save you $50-$90 round-trip.

The Best Ways to Save Money on Your Hotel
The average nightly rate of a U.S. hotel room is topping $100 according to Smith Travel Research. Take overnight flights and sleep on the planes instead--and you could save $200. Plus, when shopping for a hotel, use the tips below.

• Are your dates the cheapest? Maybe not. Try doing a dateless hotel search to find the best days to save. Click here for more details.
• Add value to your trip with special promotions. Many properties offer perks like complimentary spa treatments, free nights, and special discounts to reel you in. Here's where to find the deals.

Insider Tips to Save on Cruises and Car Rentals
Not all vacations involve taking a flight to stay in a hotel. Home port cruising and road trips are some of the best ways to stretch your budget. Check out these cheap travel options.

• Packaging your travel components together helps keep costs down--and cruise ships often provide a boatload of savings. In fact, cruising costs $1,000 less on average than a traditional land-based vacation. See for yourself.
• Get a steal on a set of wheels. Many people think car companies and promotions are all the same. But that's not true. Learn how to unlock the deals.