By some estimates, Americans who travel over the holidays can expect to drop nearly $2,000 on gifts and trekking expenses. That’s not a pretty thought for those of us trying to stick to a budget throughout the year.

Luckily, there are ways to cut travel expenses without losing your holiday cheer.

Hunt for Bargains

And I mean “hunt” the way our cave-dwelling ancestors did: you’ve got to be merciless out there. If you’re flying:

• Use multiple sites: While flight-aggregating sites like Travelocity.com can be useful for showing prices for major carriers, they often don’t include smaller airlines (like Southwest). Check the carriers that fly into the airport closest to you and make sure you check their sites individually.
• Use “secret” sties: Don’t just stick with a single website. Check several travel sites, as well as the airline’s main site. You might be surprised how much the prices can vary.
• Pack smart: Find out ahead of time whether you can check luggage for free. If you can’t, consolidate with your family members or try to take everything in carryon. You might even want to check the cost of mailing lighter items (like clothes) ahead of time so your travel is lighter and cheaper.
• Bring snacks: Airport food is massively expensive, so bring munchies of your own (there’s no security restriction on food). And, if you bring an empty water bottle, you can fill it once you get inside.
• Don’t splurge on ground transport: If you aren’t getting picked up by someone when you land, be sure to look into your travel options – buses, trains, rental cars and shuttles are generally cheaper than taxis.

If you’re driving (or getting driven):

• Book a bus: Services like MegaBus, Today Travel, Greyhound and others often offer great deals for travel between major cities, especially if you book in advance.
• Get a tune up: Well-inflated tires, a clean air filter and proper levels of oil can greatly increase your car’s gas mileage. Plus, making sure your vehicle is in top shape before you leave home will prevent you from dealing with the stress and expense of breaking down out of town.
• Bring meals: Most rest stops have tables where you can eat a bag lunch, so take advantage of the dollar-saving power of planning ahead.
• Hit the library: You can snag books on CD and other time-passing goodies (for free) to keep you and your family from losing the spirit of togetherness too soon.

Any other tips? Post them in comments!

Need help with major financial problems? Speak with a bankruptcy lawyer.

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