9. Look for travel bargains

Scout for deals or ask for them when making travel plans. Hotels may offer upgrades for better rooms, free parking, gas rebates, or restaurant coupons, said Justin Bergman, senior editor of Budget Travel magazine.

Stowe Mountain Lodge, for example, was offering massages to those who made reservations in November. Good deals for flights and hotels can be found at sites such as FareCompare.com or Travelzoo, Bergman said, but he also recommends visiting airline and hotel sites directly to find specials.