6 Tips to Save on Holiday Travel

As long as you have a reliable vehicle, you can usually save money by driving instead of flying to your destination. Gas prices might go up, but you’ll still spend less money by driving than by buying airline tickets.

If you have to fly, you should try to avoid peak travel days when prices often skyrocket. That includes the day before Thanksgiving, which is one of the most expensive days of the year to fly. You could save hundreds of dollars by flying on less popular days.

Pack light so you won’t have to check any luggage. Many airlines charge $20 to $35 for your first checked bag. If you have an additional bag, you can expect to pay $75 or more.

If you have a lot of items and presents to carry, then you should consider mailing them to your destination a few days before you start traveling. Mailing a box of presents costs much less than checking an extra bag at the airport.

Traveling usually means that you end up spending a lot of money at restaurants and airport food courts. Pack your own food so you don’t have to spend as much during your travel. Good food options include:

• Granola bars
• Muffins
• Sandwiches that don’t include dairy
• Trail mix
• Dried fruit

On average, hotels cost about $130 per night. You can avoid that expense by staying with friends or relatives. If you have to stay in a hotel, use a travel site to find an inexpensive option.

Most travel websites give you a discount when you book multiple services at once. Bundle your flights, car rentals and hotel rooms to decrease the overall amount that you have to spend on those services. Some of the best sites for travel deals include:

• Travelocity
• Kayak
• Travelzoo
• HolidayPirates

Check several sites to make sure you get the best deal possible.

Holiday travel doesn’t have to ruin your family’s budget. Follow these tips and make smart choices that will help you travel inexpensively this year.