Planning your dream trip is exciting, from mapping out excursions to booking the perfect hotel. But costs can quickly add up. According to Chime, the average cost of a one-week U.S. vacation is about $1,991 per person. Total spending is driven by transportation, accommodations, food and entertainment choices.
This guide to saving money on travel covers booking at the right time, using member discounts like AAA and planning around lower-cost seasons. That way, you can free up more of your budget for the fun, memorable experiences that make your trip special.
1. Use Your AAA Membership
A AAA Membership can help you save money on travel before your trip begins and while you’re on the road. Through AAA Discounts & Rewards, AAA Members can save on essentials like rental cars, off-airport parking, hotels, theme park tickets and expedited passport services.
Depending on your trip, AAA Members may be able to save on:
- Car rentals from partners such as Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty
- Off-airport parking through The Parking Spot
- Hotel stays through AAA preferred lodging partners
- Theme park and attraction tickets
- Expedited passport and travel services through RushMyPassport
Before you book, compare the available AAA discounts for your destination, dates and travel needs. The exact savings will vary by partner and offer. But checking your member benefits first is one of the easiest ways to save on travel without cutting the experiences you want most.
2. Book at the Right Time
The right booking window can make a big difference in your total trip cost. Flights, hotels and entertainment each follow their own pricing patterns, so here's when to book each part of your trip.
When to Book Flights
Start monitoring flights three to four months in advance for domestic trips and six months or more for international trips. Search for mid-week flights, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and compare early morning or late-night options, which are often more affordable. If you're flexible with your arrival or departure time, you may be able to find a lower fare.
When to Book Hotels
Hotel prices can change based on demand, seasonality, local events and how close you are to major attractions. Compare several dates, nearby neighborhoods and refundable rates before you book. If your plans are flexible, checking both weekday and weekend stays can help you find the best value.
When to Book Entertainment
Theme parks, concerts, sporting events and museums can become more expensive if you wait until the last minute. Compare ticket options before your trip, look for member discounts and check whether buying in advance helps you avoid higher same-day prices.
3. Travel During the Off-Season
An easy way to save money on travel is by booking your trip during the off-season at your destination. With less demand, hotels, attractions and airfare tend to be more affordable than during peak season. Plus, you can enjoy fewer crowds and have a more relaxed experience at popular tourist spots.
If you don’t want to travel during the quietest time of year, consider shoulder season instead. Shoulder season falls between peak season and off-season. It gives you a better chance of finding lower prices while still enjoying better weather, open attractions and a full vacation experience.
Keep in mind that off-season travel may involve unpredictable weather or the closure of some attractions, but if you’re looking to save, it’s a great option.
4. Save on Car Rentals
Planning to use a rental car during your trip? Save money and stress by preparing ahead and comparing options to find the best price and fit for your needs. If your trip lasts a week or longer, consider renting by the week rather than by the day for a better deal.
Rental car costs can vary based on dates, destination, vehicle class and pickup location. Some of the cheapest ways to rent a car include booking early, comparing pickup locations, choosing the smallest vehicle that fits your group and checking member discounts before you reserve.
AAA Members can also save with popular rental car partners, including:
- Hertz: Save up to 20 percent off the base rate of rentals, plus benefits such as a free additional driver, a free child safety seat and 10 percent off the prepaid fuel option.
- Dollar: Save up to 15 percent off the base rate of rentals, plus benefits such as a free additional driver, a free child safety seat and 10 percent off prepaid fuel.
- Thrifty: Save up to 10 percent off the base rate of rentals, plus benefits such as a free additional driver, a free child safety seat and 10 percent off prepaid fuel.
Discounts, benefits and availability may vary, so review the offer terms before you book.
5. Use Travel Rewards Points and Miles
Sign up for hotel loyalty programs to earn points on each stay, which you can redeem for discounts on future bookings. AAA Members can also stay at AAA preferred hotels, enjoy lower rates with their membership and earn extra loyalty points. This is a smart strategy for getting cheap hotels while traveling.
You can also look beyond hotel rewards when planning how to save for travel. Airline miles, rental car rewards and gas rewards programs can help lower future trip costs. Be sure to sign up before you book and use the same accounts consistently when you travel.
6. Pack Smart to Avoid Extra Fees
You’ll likely face baggage fees if your airline doesn’t offer free checked bags. A checked bag can cost around $50 each way, and overweight bags may incur additional fees, making packing more expensive than expected.
To avoid these costs, pack more efficiently by opting for just a carry-on and a personal item when possible. Rolling your clothes, using packing cubes and bringing versatile clothing that you can wear multiple times will help you maximize space and fit everything you need into a carry-on.
Before you leave, check your airline’s baggage rules, weigh your bag at home and review other ways to travel cheaply. This will help you know which fees to avoid before you get to the airport.
7. Prebook Your Airport Parking
Off-site parking is a great option if you’re planning a longer trip and need to park at the airport. The Parking Spot, located near many major U.S. airports, offers parking reservations and convenient shuttles to and from the terminals.
AAA Members can save 10 percent or more on parking at participating The Parking Spot locations, plus make free reservations. Seasonal offers may provide additional savings, so check the latest AAA offer before you reserve.
Prebooking your airport parking can also help you compare covered, uncovered and valet options before travel day. You'll know where you’re going, what you’ll pay and how you’ll get from your car to the terminal.
8. Bring Snacks for the Road
Consider packing your own snacks to tide you over between meals or while traveling, at the airport or in the car. Bringing snacks from home can also help you avoid paying convenience prices for every drink, granola bar or quick bite during your trip.
If you’re planning a road trip, use the ultimate road trip checklist to make sure snacks, drinks and a small cooler are part of your packing plan. AAA Members can also save 25 percent on regular-priced Harry & David and Wolferman’s products with code 25AAA at checkout, which can help you stock up on snack packs, baked goods or shareable treats before you leave.
For longer stays, meal kits can also help reduce restaurant costs. AAA Members can save on Home Chef, making it easier to plan a few simple meals at your rental, vacation home or hotel suite instead of dining out for every meal. AAA Members can also save on dining out by pre-purchasing discounted restaurant vouchers and gift cards at thousands of popular restaurants using AAA Dining Deals.
9. Cut Fuel Costs
Save on rental car gas fill-ups, road trip fuel stops or everyday driving during your vacation with a gas rewards program. Programs like Shell® Fuel Rewards® and the Love’s Travel Stop let you save a set amount on every gallon you pump.
Link your AAA Membership to your Fuel Rewards account to receive complimentary Gold Status and save 5 cents per gallon every time you fill up at participating Shell stations (up to 20 gallons). If you’re new to Shell® Fuel Rewards®, your first fill-up gets you 30 cents off per gallon.
Increase your savings by also signing up at Love’s Travel Stop. Link your AAA Membership there too, and you’ll save 13 cents per gallon on gas, 20 cents on auto-diesel and 50 cents on bulk propane at participating locations.
It’s a simple tip, but the savings can add up quickly if you’re driving around your destination frequently during your trip. Using fuel programs like these is an easy way to keep your budget on track.
10. Consider Alternative Travel Options
Transportation can be one of the biggest budget expenses, especially when airfare, rental cars, parking and rideshares are all part of the trip. If you’re traveling to a nearby city, buses and trains may be more affordable than flying.
Once you know where you’re going, compare the full cost of airport transportation, public transit, rideshares, shuttles, walkable hotel options and rental cars. At your destination, electric scooters or bikes may also help you get around without paying for a car every day.
You can also save by staying flexible with your travel dates or choosing a shorter trip. A weekend getaway costs less across the board, and there's no shortage of things to do over the weekend, close to home or a short drive away.
11. Eat at Local Restaurants and Use Dining Discounts
If you’re visiting a popular tourist destination like Las Vegas, it’s easy to fall into the trap of dining at overpriced tourist restaurants. Instead, research your destination ahead of time or during your trip to find recommendations for local favorites that won’t break the bank.
If nothing catches your eye, you can always rely on trusted chain eateries and AAA dining discounts. AAA Members can save 10 percent on food and nonalcoholic beverages at participating Hard Rock Cafe locations. Members also save 10 percent on food and nonalcoholic beverages at participating Landry’s restaurants, including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Joe’s Crab Shack, Rainforest Cafe and Saltgrass Steak House.
Using restaurant discounts is one of the easiest ways to save money on vacation because it does not require cutting anything from your itinerary. You can still enjoy convenient dining while keeping more room in your budget for activities, transportation or souvenirs.
12. Check Out Free, Local Attractions
Exploring free attractions and activities in your destination is an easy way to save money during your trip. Use Trip Canvas to search your area and uncover unique, fun and budget-friendly options.
From iconic landmarks and public or National Parks to local outdoor concerts, walking tours and seasonal events, you might be surprised how many free activities can make your trip memorable without straining your budget. Planning a few free activities ahead of time gives you easy options between bigger paid experiences.
13. Save on Event and Park Tickets
Concerts, sporting events and theme park visits can be the highlight of a trip, but ticket prices add up fast. Before you buy, check AAA Tickets for savings on everything from attractions to sporting events.
Already know what sorts of events you want to attend? You can also find tickets by activity type. Look for sports tickets, Broadway tickets and concert tickets before your trip so you’re not relying on last-minute prices. If theme parks are part of your plans, AAA Members can also save on tickets to Universal (Orlando and Hollywood), as well as Disney (Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort).
From cheering on your favorite team to singing along at a live concert, these experiences create lasting memories worth every penny. Comparing ticket options in advance can help you protect your budget while still making room for the events and attractions you care about most.
14. Enjoy Free Entertainment During Downtime
When you have downtime during your trip, use it as an opportunity to relax without spending extra money. Instead of paying for movies, activities or extra attractions, look for free entertainment nearby.
Before you travel, check community calendars, local event pages and park schedules for free concerts, festivals, markets, movie nights or family-friendly activities. If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, also review the complimentary experiences included with your stay. Examples may include poolside activities, walking paths, fitness classes, game rooms or evening entertainment.
You can also bring your own low-cost entertainment for quieter moments:
- Read a book or listen to an audiobook.
- Play free or low-cost games on your devices.
- Curate a music playlist before your trip.
- Pack cards, travel games or simple activities for your group.
15. Travel in Larger Groups
Traveling with a larger group can help lower shared costs, especially for lodging, rental cars, groceries and rideshares. Instead of paying for every expense on your own or splitting costs between two people, a group trip lets everyone contribute to the parts of the vacation they share.
This works best when everyone agrees on the budget before booking. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a getaway with friends, splitting the right expenses can make the trip more affordable without making it feel smaller.
FAQs
What is the best way to save money on travel?
The best way to save money on travel is to compare prices early, stay flexible with your dates and use available discounts before you book.
Does a AAA Membership save you money on travel?
Yes. AAA Members can access discounts on hotels, rental cars, airport parking, dining, attractions and other travel expenses.
How far in advance should I book travel to get the best price?
For flights, start comparing prices three to four months before domestic trips and six months or more before international trips. Hotels, tickets and rental cars should also be checked around the same time so you can compare options.
Maximize Your Travel Savings with AAA
Learning how to save money on travel starts with planning ahead, comparing your options and using discounts wherever they fit your trip. Whether you want to save money on weekend trips or stretch the budget for a longer vacation, small choices on transportation, lodging, dining and entertainment can add up.
Before you book your next getaway, review your AAA Membership benefits to see which travel savings are available for your plans. You can also browse AAA Discounts for current offers on hotels, rental cars, dining, attractions and more.