How to save money on holiday travel

Saving on the road
Those traveling by car may have high gas prices to contend with, but there are still plenty of ways for families to save.

The first is to maintain a speed between 50 and 60 mph on the interstate, which results in the best possible gas mileage, according to Robert Sinclair, a spokesperson for the American Automobile Association of New York. “Interstates aren’t much in terms of scenic beauty, but they get you where you’re going pretty quickly,” he says.

And when driving, just as with flying, much of the work in saving money must be done before leaving the house.

“If you’re taking a long trip, vehicle preparation is very important,” says Sinclair. “I don’t think there is any more important safety and fuel economy consideration than checking your tire pressure.” When tires are properly inflated, fuel efficiency improves by a couple miles per gallon, which adds up over long distances. And for those who want to save on gas along the way, AAA’s Web site shows stations with the cheapest gas along your route.

Green savings
Going green can reduce a vacation’s effect on the environment—and your wallet. Tips like packing a reusable water bottle, canceling your hotel’s newspaper delivery for a small refund, and walking or taking public transportation rather than driving are sustainable ways to make holiday travel cheaper. Many people also forget that they might be spending unnecessary money at home while they’re away.

“People don’t think about what the expenses are at their house,” says Samberg. “They don’t think of suspending newspaper service, unplugging the appliances and lowering the water heater and the thermostat. These all cost.”

Samberg also says families should take stock when in a strange city and decide what they really want to do rather than being persuaded to waste money.

“You can get sucked into doing every activity there is in a city,” says Samberg. “Maybe you’re not that into opera, but you end up going because everyone says to do it. If you don’t care, don’t do it.”

Finding cheaper ways to travel has become harder, especially when it comes to saving on flying. But patient, organized travelers can still get lucky.

“Wherever there’s an empty seat, there’s a deal to be had,” says Seany. “There are empty seats, they’re just fewer and farther between.”