7 Hacks to Cut Your Car and Travel Costs in Half

Traveling is a favored pastime by many. And unfortunately, it’s a rather expensive endeavor at times too. Between flight costs, pre-travel maintenance checks, and luggage fees, you could easily spend thousands of dollars before you even reach your destination. The truth is traveling as of late has left many people feeling less adventurous and more tied down by their wallets.

This year, in particular, we’ve seen plane tickets spike up in price and car rental costs reach exorbitant rates. This is on top of the already inflated gas prices that have taken a toll on every driver in 2022. The good news is there are still some ways to save money while traveling so you can enjoy your destination without feeling the burden of expensive travel costs.

In this post, we’ll show you how to start saving ahead of time and use these 7 hacks to cut your travel expenses in half.

Hack #1: Enable private browsing

When you begin searching online for a flight, be mindful of your browsing behavior. This is especially the case if you plan on holding off on making a purchase. Many airlines will keep track of your viewing history and intentionally increase prices the next time you visit their website. One way to avoid this common scenario is to enable private browsing or be diligent about clearing your cache memory. You can also open a new incognito window once you officially commit to your travel plans.

Hack #2: Sign up for email alerts

While it might be a nightmare for some travelers to have airlines spamming their inbox, most times this is the best way to learn about upcoming offers and promotions. Certain airlines will offer discounts on set dates during the month. Others will provide incentives to book in advance. The point of the matter being — if you subscribe to email alerts, you’ll always be in the know of when the best time to buy is.

Hack #3: Don’t stick to one mode of transportation

Depending on where you travel to, you might have an abundance of affordable transportation options at your disposal. Our best advice — take advantage of them all! Don’t strictly rely on Uber just for the convenience and ease. Look into bus routes, metros, and train tickets as well. Some cities even offer a day pass where you can enjoy all modes of transportation at a standard rate. In most cases, this will allow you to see more of a destination all the while avoiding expensive Uber or taxi charges.

Hack #4: Look for relocation car rentals to cut down on travel costs

Some travelers might not know this but many times car rental companies are in need of returning a specific vehicle back to its original location. That’s where you step in! It doesn’t hurt to ask if relocation cars are available because sometimes this means you can get a lower rate or even fuel costs included. Another great way to reduce your car rental bill is skipping out on pricey insurance add-ons. Most times your own insurance policy covers it so there is no need to buy additional coverage.

Hack #5: Make the most of free activities

Many destinations around the world offer plenty of things to do that will cost you very little or nothing at all. While city tours provide an informative experience, they are often overpriced and crowded. Consider doing some research ahead of time to create your own walking tour, free of charge. Check out complimentary art exhibits, local parks, monuments and other enjoyable activities that won’t break the bank.

Hack #6: Scout out the most affordable gas stations to fuel up

When you’re on a long road trip, gas costs can add up fast. However, knowing where the best gas prices are will help you save a ton when the time comes fill up. One of the best hacks is to avoid gas stations that are directly off the highway. These stations are often more expensive due to the convenience and demand of travelers nearby.

Hack #7: Travel during the off-season

If possible, consider planning your family get togethers and weekend getaways outside of busy season. Holiday weekends like Labor Day and Memorial Day tend to be the most expensive time to travel due to the large number of vacationers flocking to new destinations. Should you book a trip during popular    travel dates, expect to pay more for flights, hotels, food and gas.

Overall, we hope these 7 hacks lead you toward better savings this year. While exploring new places and visiting friends and family is a priority for many, it does come at a cost. Use these hacks to your advantage and do your best to save on your next trip!