Finding Cheap Flights

Airfare is often the biggest travel expense, but with the right tools and timing, you can find significant savings.

Flight Comparison Tools

• Google Flights - Comprehensive search with price tracking and flexible date options
• Skyscanner - Multi-city searches and "Everywhere" feature for budget destinations
• KAYAK - Price alerts and explore by budget feature

Booking Strategies

• Use incognito/private browsing to avoid price increases from cookies
• Be flexible with dates - flying mid-week is usually cheaper than weekends
• Consider nearby airports for better deals
• Set up price alerts for your desired routes
• Check budget carriers not always listed on comparison sites

For US Travelers: Major budget carriers include Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, and JetBlue. Visit the Department of Transportation for passenger rights information.

For Canadian Travelers: Check WestJet, Air Canada Rouge, Flair Airlines, and Swoop for domestic deals. The Canadian Transportation Agency provides information on air passenger rights.

Affordable Accommodation Strategies

Budget Accommodation Options

• Hostels: Hostelworld offers dorm beds and private rooms at budget prices
• Home Sharing: Airbnb, Vrbo - Often cheaper than hotels, especially for groups
• House Sitting: TrustedHousesitters - Free accommodation in exchange for pet/house sitting
• Couchsurfing: Couchsurfing.com - Stay with locals for free (great for cultural immersion)
• Budget Hotel Chains: Motel 6, Super 8, Days Inn, Travelodge

Loyalty Programs & Discounts

• Join hotel loyalty programs for free nights and upgrades
• Use AAA/CAA membership for hotel discounts
• Book directly with hotels - they often match online prices plus perks
• Consider longer stays for weekly/monthly rate discounts

Free and Low-Cost Activities

You don't need to spend a fortune to have memorable experiences. Many destinations offer incredible free activities.

Free Attractions

• National parks and public beaches
• Free walking tours (tip-based)
• Museums with free admission days
• Public festivals and events
• Hiking trails and outdoor recreation
• Historic districts and architecture tours

For US Travelers: The National Park Service offers free entrance days several times per year. The Annual Pass ($80) provides unlimited access to all national parks.

For Canadian Travelers: Parks Canada manages national parks and historic sites. Discovery Pass ($72.25 CAD) provides year-round access.

Budget-Friendly Experiences

• Visit local markets and food trucks instead of expensive restaurants
• Take advantage of happy hour specials
• Use public transportation instead of taxis/Uber
• Book activities through deal sites like Groupon
• Explore neighborhoods on foot or by bike rental

Money-Saving Travel Hacks

Before You Go

• Travel during shoulder season (between peak and off-peak)
• Pack light to avoid checked baggage fees
• Bring reusable water bottle and snacks
• Download offline maps and translation apps
• Research free WiFi locations to avoid roaming charges

Currency and Payments

For US Travelers: Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Notify your bank before traveling internationally. Use ATMs at banks rather than standalone machines for better exchange rates.

For Canadian Travelers: Many Canadian credit cards charge foreign transaction fees (2.5%). Consider travel-specific cards like the Home Trust Preferred Visa or Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite. The Canadian government recommends purchasing travel insurance before trips.

Food and Dining

• Choose accommodations with kitchen access
• Visit local supermarkets for snacks and picnic supplies
• Look for restaurants away from tourist areas
• Use apps like Yelp to find local favorites
• Take advantage of free hotel breakfasts

Transportation on a Budget

Getting Around

• Public Transit: Buy day/week passes for unlimited rides
• Walking: Free and the best way to explore cities
• Bike Sharing: Cities worldwide offer affordable bike rentals
• Ride Sharing: Split costs with other travelers
• City Tourist Cards: Often include free public transport

For road trips, compare rental car prices across multiple companies and book in advance.GasBuddy helps find the cheapest gas prices in the US and Canada.