Did you ever repurpose an old pickle jar, depositing spare change and hard-earned babysitting money into it as you saved up for something special? Seeing crisp dollar bills wadded up through the glass was always such a thrill. Planning and saving for a dream vacation elicits that same thrill, even as an adult.

Yet, no matter if your jar is full or if you still have a way to go before you can book that trip, no one ever wants their hard-earned money to buy them less than the maximum value. It’s true that no two vacations are priced alike; someone is always paying more for that flight, hotel room or experience. Here are a few tips to make sure you’re getting the most value for your dollar.  

1. Utilize Tools – Booking websites arm travelers with options, photos, reviews and mounds of research. They let you compare the flights, hotels and excursions; map out driving directions and proximity to attractions; and, oftentimes, allow you to set up alerts to track fluctuating prices. Many booking sites also offer savings if you bundle flights, accommodations, rental cars, etc.

2. Be Flexible – Peak season travel often brings with it peak season pricing. Consider shoulder season travel (spring or fall) or even flying mid-week to take advantage of lower prices. If you’re a “go with the flow” type of traveler, cost savings can really add up if you commit to being flexible when booking. Do you need to select an aisle or window seat, or are you comfortable leaving your seat assignment to chance? (This may not work well when traveling with children!) Likewise, for cruise enthusiasts, you can save hundreds of dollars if you let the cruise line choose your stateroom. You must be willing to accept a room at the aft of the boat or one with an obstructed view. But, in many cases, you may end up in the ideal stateroom with a few hundred extra dollars in your pocket.

3. Build Loyalty Rewards – If you travel very infrequently, this tip isn’t for you. But if you venture out of town for occasional business trips, youth sports or other getaways, building loyalty is a sure way to unlock some additional savings. But the first step to collecting rewards is becoming a loyalty member with the brands you frequent, whether airlines, cruise lines, booking sites, hotel brands, rental cars or parking facilities (hello Fast Park!). Free flights, free stays and other discounts and perks are just a registration away. And the best part of this tip – you’re building savings by simply frequenting the brands you likely already gravitate toward.  

While your vacation fund may not consist of crumpled up dollar bills that smell a bit like pickle juice, one never outgrows the desire to stretch the value of a dollar. Check out this video from Fast Park that provides a few more tips on stretching your dollar when traveling.