20 Money Saving Travel Hacks for the Holidays

Lifehacker recommends using loyalty programs to save money. For example, some hotel websites will give you a free night after a certain number of stays.

That amazing hotel deal may not be as amazing as it appears. Lifehacker says you should always know what's included and what's not. If you end up paying for things like parking and WiFi, those savings will get eaten up real fast.

An easy way to save on your holiday is to stay out of tourist zones. You can get a better hotel and bigger room for far less money. Your savings will likely cover any additional transportation costs and then some. You'll also find lower prices in the local shops and, depending on where your hotel is, your experience may be more authentic.

Travelling outside of the peak season is a great way to save, Bob Atkinson, travel expert at TravelSupermarket, explained to the Daily Mail. Prices are much lower during shoulder and low seasons at your destination.

Go to places where the weather isn't guaranteed to be perfect – you might get lucky. Another option, if you don't mind the risk, is to travel to places like Egypt.

When you book online, you'll often have the opportunity to pre-book extras like breakfast, parking and baggage. According to the Daily Mail, you can reap substantial savings by taking advantage of these offers.

If you're travelling outside of the country, you need to have travel health insurance. If something happens to you outside of Canada, you can be on the hook for thousands – especially in the US.

Book your travel health coverage at the same time as your ticket. That way, says the Daily Mail, you'll have peace of mind and won't have to worry the expense closer to your departure. You'll save a few bucks if you take the time to shop around.

The Daily Mail says that the biggest money saving opportunities aren't the most widely advertised. Last minute bookings can save money on hotels – especially on Sundays and Mondays. If you're flexible, you might be able to bag a three-nights-for-the-price-of-two deal.

If you want a package deal, all-inclusive holiday or a cruise, look for sell-offs. Many of these deals are last minute, so you'll need some flexibility.

Even if you find the deal of the century on a hotel room online, you might be able to save even more by calling the hotel directly. It never hurts to try.

If you really want to save some money on your holiday, why not skip the hotel altogether? It's easy to find apartments and rooms to rent on websites like AirBnB. You might even try finding a house sit or a house swap at your destination of choice.

It's hard to keep up with rising and falling prices, but thanks to the Internet, you don't have to. Join Facebook discussion groups like YYZ Deals or YVR Deals. Members on these pages share amazing offers that they've spotted online. Some of the airfare deals are absolutely amazing and totally legit.

The Daily Mail recommends signing up for newsletters from airlines, hotels, and tour operators. You'll hear about insider deals first, and sooner-or-later you'll find a deal that's just right for you.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Bob Atkinson says that even if you've found a good deal, it's still worth comparing prices across multiple websites. You'll be surprised at how many different prices are offered for the same hotel room.

Don't bother bringing toiletries with you. Most hotels give you everything you'll need.

The Daily Mail says that you'll cut down on the weight of your luggage, reduce the risk of something leaking in your suitcase and make it easier to fly without checking bags. Even if the hotel doesn't have what you need, you can always pick up a travel-size version at your destination.

According to Lifehacker, the best travel deals are found when you book either way in advance or at the last minute. But be aware that the last minute strategy won't work during the holidays or if there is a big event at your destination.

Lifehacker recommends keeping an eye on prices after you've booked. If you see a price drop, many companies will refund the difference – even if it's on a competitor's website.

You've heard the horror stories about cell phone roaming charges. Someone goes on holiday, uses their phone and comes home to a massive bill. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Carry an unlocked phone with you and, when you arrive, pick up a pay-as-you-go SIM card. You'll have a local number, know how much you're spending, and there won't be any surprises when you return home.

Booking with a credit card will give you extra protection if a tour company or airline goes out of business.

You should also use a credit card that is meant for travellers: you'll get automatic insurance coverage for things like car rentals (a huge savings), lost bags and delayed flights. You can even earn loyalty points or miles for future trips.

Out-of-country ATM fees can really add up when you're on holiday. But there's a solution: check with your bank to see if they've partnered with a bank in the country you're visiting. If so, you can save on ATM fees. The Global ATM Alliance is one option worth considering.

And finally, remember that a little kindness goes a long way. The Daily Mail says that being nice to hotel staff can result in upgrades, lower rates and discounts (or freebies) for local attractions. Plus, it's just nice to be nice.