5 Ways to Save Money When Traveling Domestically

Travel budgets are under pressure. On one hand, high demand for flights, car rentals, and cruises is pushing prices up, according to AAA. On the other, historically high levels of inflation have made for eye-watering increases in food and fuel costs. But with careful planning, you can make the most of your travel dollars.

"Your vacation doesn't have to be expensive to be memorable," says Chris Kawashima, CFP^®, a senior research analyst at the Schwab Center for Financial Research. "There are many ways to save money, and none of them make the experiences any less special."

Here are five ways to help keep travel costs down.

You could save a lot of money if you can travel when others (like families on a school calendar) cannot. The prices of not just airplane tickets but also hotels and rental cars vary significantly based on demand. Think weekdays versus busy weekends.

If you want to be really contrarian, go to a summer resort destination in the fall, or head to a ski mountain to go hiking in the summer. 

Planning a trip can be fun on its own—and if you're thoughtful, you can also save money in the process. 

Although you'll have a greater selection when airlines first publish fares, the price tends to fall in the months leading up to departure. A 2023 survey by CheapAir.com found that flyers get the best ticket prices around one and a half months ahead of their travel date but no more than five and a half months prior (even booking nearly a year in advance was more costly). But don't wait too long: Airfares also tend to climb fast in the weeks right before departure.

A number of travel websites offer discounts, exclusive packages, or low fares and may even notify you when these specials are available only for a limited time. If you're open for an adventure and not set on a specific destination, take advantage of these deals to help plan your next trip.

If you favor experiences over expensive indulgences, you may come away with a more memorable vacation, Chris says. For example, camping in a beautiful park may cost less than a hotel in ho-hum surroundings.

The travel industry likes to market luxury, but good company can make any meal or outing more fun—no matter how much you spend. Your vacation doesn't have to be the occasion for your most expensive meal of the year.

The revenue airlines collect for flying you from point A to point B has quadrupled over the past decade. Ancillary revenue—including fees for baggage, extra legroom, onboard food and beverage sales, boarding early, and other niceties—earned U.S. and Canadian airlines more than $39 billion in 2022. Minimizing those charges can save a lot. Review the fine print, and if you travel frequently, it may be worthwhile to use a travel-focused credit card that covers first-bag fees or offers other perks.

Similarly, be mindful at the rental car counter about selecting add-ons—ranging from satellite radio to enhanced roadside assistance—that you don't need. Opting for rental car insurance, especially, may be redundant if your credit card or auto policy already provides it.

If you need to withdraw cash during your trip, try to find an ATM owned by your bank. Non-bank ATM fees can add up when you're in an unfamiliar territory, so check if your bank has a policy for refunding such fees.

And even before you leave, be sure to research different attractions or events you want to enjoy on your journey. Many cities offer free access to museums, parks, or walking tours. Or you may be able to pay a lower price by purchasing tickets or passes in advance. Also, depending on the length of your stay, popular tourist destinations may have package deals for various attractions that can save you money.

Keeping your options open and doing a little extra legwork can help keep your travel budget low. For example, you might be able to cut costs by booking accommodations in the next town over from your destination or flying at a less convenient time. 

If you're planning to spend more than a couple of days in one location or traveling with family or a large group, renting an apartment or vacation home can be more affordable—and practical—than staying at a hotel. Because you'll have access to a kitchen, you can save quite a few dollars buying groceries and cooking for yourself instead of eating out for every meal. Sometimes, "living like a local" can help save money and make your vacation more interesting.

Finally, don't fall into the trap of feeling like everything has to be perfect—no matter the expense—when you go on vacation. Travel experiences tend to get better in retrospect. "When you look back on a trip, the less-than-perfect parts will fade away, and the good stuff will be what everyone remembers," Chris says.