5 Ways to Save Money When Traveling Domestically

If you're planning to travel this summer, keeping costs down is probably on your mind, whether you're staying state-side or venturing abroad. But whatever's on your itinerary, you can make the most of your travel dollars with some careful planning and preparation. A vacation doesn't have to be expensive to be fun and memorable.

Here are five ways to help keep travel costs down while traveling domestically.

You could save a lot of money by traveling when others—such as families tied to a school calendar—can't. Prices for airfare, hotels, and rental cars often rise and fall with demand. One way to save is to travel during "shoulder season," the period between a destination's peak and off-peak times, when rates may be lower but the weather is still pleasant. In many places, that sweet spot falls in the spring or fall.

And 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 survey by CheapAir.com found that flyers generally get the best ticket prices about 2.5 months to 3 weeks ahead of their travel date. But don't wait too long: Airfares also tend to climb fast in the weeks right before departure.

Hotel rooms, however, tend to be the cheapest within a week or two of your travel date. But if you want to stay at a specific hotel or want to stay in a specific type of room, you shouldn't hesitate to book earlier.

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. 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 sharply increased over the past decade. And ancillary revenue—including fees for baggage, extra legroom, onboard food and beverage sales, early boarding, and other niceties—is now one of the main income streams for airlines. Minimizing those charges can save you 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 tend to fade away, and the good experiences will be the ones you remember.