How to Save Money on Your Holiday Travel

The pumpkins have been put away, the trees are letting loose their leaves of gold and red, and the clouds threaten their first snow: it's officially the holiday season, when we often travel to spend time with family and friends.

Regardless of how you get there (by plane, train, or automobile), holiday travel is expensive. Here are some ways save when planning your holiday travels.

If flying:
There are many ways to cut back on airline expenses, including:

• Use a rewards program. Using a rewards program or frequent flyer program can get you a return on the money you spend on airfare.
• Be flexible in your dates. Oftentimes, you can snag better deals when you stay over the weekend or avoid the busiest travel days (such as the day after Thanksgiving).
• Plan ahead. You can usually save a great deal of money by booking far in advance of your travel date.
• Consider a connecting flight. Though often a pain, flights that have a connection between your departure city and arrival city will generally be cheaper than those that fly direct. 
• Be familiar with fees. Many airlines charge hefty fees for checking bags, among other things. If you can travel with a small bag that can be carried on the plane, you will save yourself upwards of $30 per flight. Familiarize yourself with the carry-on regulations for each airline you are considering and pick the best fit. If you do choose to carry on a bag, make sure it falls within the airline's size and weight regulations.
• Compare rates. By comparing the rates listed by various airlines, you can select which has the lowest airfare and related fees. Additionally, using a site like Expedia or Travelocity compares rates for you, and you can also save money with these sites by bundling hotel and car rentals into your travel package.
• Use social media. By following different airlines, travel agents, or travel sites via Twitter or Facebook, you can be notified of the best deals as soon as they are available.

If driving:
Gas is (in general) the biggest expense when driving long distances. Here are a few ways to save on gas and other car-related expenses during holiday travels:

• Plan ahead. Planning your route ahead of time can help you map out major cities where you can fuel up (gas is often less expensive in larger cities than their surrounding rural areas, due to supply and demand. Better to fill up for a cheaper price in the city than be forced to pay more forty miles out when you run out of gas).
• Use price comparison websites or apps. There are several available apps and websites (including GasPriceWatch.com) that will tell you the price of gas at several nearby stations.
• Beware gas stations nearest the highway. Gas is often most expensive nearest a highway exit/entrance, as you are paying for the convenience of not having to search out another station further into town. That said, if there are two or more stations very close to each other (even near a highway exit), you will likely get a good price because of the competition.
• Perform necessary car repairs. Even small things like changing your oil can save you big money on gas mileage; the harder your car's engine has to work, the less fuel economy you will have. 
• Use the cruise. Assuming road conditions permit, using your car's cruise control will keep your car at a perfectly steady speed, increasing your gas mileage (and reducing the likelihood of leg cramps).
• Get cash back. If you use a credit card, consider using one that provides points or cash back on fuel purchases. See my list of the 6 best credit cards for rewards for more information.
• Bring your own snacks. Packing a cooler with water, soda, and snacks will not only satisfy everyone in the car (so you're less likely to hear cries of "I'm hungry!" coming from the back seat) but you'll also save money by not making impulse stops at fast food locations along the way. Bonus? The snacks you bring are very likely to be much healthier than what you'd find at a drive through.

If taking the train:
I will admit upfront, the only trains I've ridden were scenic. That said, I do know that there are some great deals to be had if you decide to take the train for long-distance travel.

• Look for discount codes. According to TrainTicketUSA.com,  Amtrak often provides discount codes online for their fares. Doing a bit of research ahead of time could save you some cash.
• Book in advance. Just as with airfare, the best deals are typically to be had well in advance of your departure date.
• Bring your own snacks. As with driving and flying, bringing your own food will be cheaper than purchasing what is offered during your trip.
• Take advantage of deals. According to eHow.com, Amtrak offers discounts to AAA members, senior citizens, veterans, students, active military personnel, children, and others. Like using these discounts in other places, you will likely need to ask for it up front.

Safe and happy travels!