21 Resolutions for Smarter, Cheaper Travel in the New Year

When it comes to travel, New Year's resolutions often take the form of general vows to travel more or pledges to finally take that trip to (fill in the blank). This year, make resolutions aimed at reducing the expense and stress of travel and getting more out of your trips, whether your plans include an exotic vacation or a getaway closer to home. Here are some goals for traveling smarter and more cheaply.  

Related: Big Mistakes Novice Travelers Make and How to Avoid Them

Air travel comes with high costs, both monetary and environmental, not to mention high stress. Instead, consider hopping in the car for your next trip, whether it's a getaway to a bed and breakfast or a weekend visit to a national park. The average price for a gallon of gas hit $3.06 in mid-December, according to AAA.

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If you don't have to travel on a certain day at a certain time — or even to a certain place — you may reap the reward of lower prices. Airfare search engines such as Kayak and Google Flights allow flexible date searches. Sites such as Travelzoo and Airfarewatchdog are good sources for last-minute travel deals. Sign up for alerts and be prepared to pounce. 

Related: 11 Mistakes To Avoid the Next Time You Book a Flight

These days, online courses and apps can help travelers learn a language for free. Commit at least a few phrases to memory before traveling abroad to engender goodwill among locals and help you get more out of the trip. More capable linguists have an advantage when haggling.

As soon as you know where you're going, book a hotel— as the arrival date approaches, rates are likely to go up. Reservations usually (but not always) can be canceled within 24 or 48 hours of the arrival date without penalty, so there's no harm in booking early and continuing to search for a better deal.

Many hotels, primarily upscale properties, offer guests fun and free perks such as free bike rentals, snacks, and fitness classes. Many of these aren't listed among the usual amenities, but all you have to do is ask. 

Avoid airline baggage fees by packing only carry-on luggage. Tips include wearing bulky clothing on the plane and bringing as large a "personal item" as the airline will allow. If you're brave enough to stand out in the security line, try a travel jacket that lets you stash extra items on your person instead of taking up room in your carry-on or personal item.

A hotel can supply toiletries such as a toothbrush, but travelers staying with friends or renting an Airbnb may be out of luck. Other easy-to-forget necessities such as a phone charger are much more expensive to replace than deodorant. Frequent flyers can stay organized by stocking a case of travel essentials that's always ready to go.

Don't wait until the last minute to figure out where to park before a big trip that begins at an airport, train station, or port. Look into all the options for long-term parking well in advance to avoid paying high fees.

Frequent flyer programs aren't just for frequent flyers. It's free to sign up when you book a flight; miles and points on many airlines don't expire; and travelers can add to their totals steadily in many ways besides flying. Start working toward an upgrade or free flight on every airline you fly.

Some credit cards give sign-up bonuses in the form of miles to new cardholders who spend a certain amount within the first few months. Many U.S.-based airlines offer these types of cards, and many general rewards cards have incentives for travelers.

Busy professionals are liable to leave vacation days on the table at the end of the year instead of devoting them to a memorable trip. Paid time off is a valuable part of employee compensation— don't let it go to waste.

It's easy to forget about attractions close to home. Instead of burdening your budget with long-haul travel, seek out must-see destinations in your own state.

Being a member at Costco or Sam's Club comes with travel benefits. Before booking through conventional channels, ask about deals available through warehouse clubs, such as paying no fee for adding a driver onto a rental car contract.

Although it can be stressful, there are lots of ways to make traveling with kids a little easier. Try to plan the journey during nap or bedtime, so they will be asleep for at least part of the trip. And don't ever, ever forget a pacifier (or whatever your family calls it).

Speaking of kids, never underestimate the benefit of packing extra diapers, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, and clean clothes in a carry-on. Stash a few plastic baggies for soiled clothes and garbage. Family medications also belong in the carry-on, not in checked luggage.

Did you know that booking with an airline representative over the phone can cost up to $25? Airlines generally charge a fee for assistance, so reserve talk time for help questions only. Budget airlines such as Frontier and Spirit charge lower baggage fees for passengers who pay during online booking.

Even if you're a fan of tried-and-true hotels, sites such as Airbnb and VRBO are worth a shot. You may find unexpected deals that are cheaper and more comfortable than the basic hotel room. Self-catering also saves money.

Travelers often get hit with hidden fees of a few dollars each time they withdraw cash from a foreign ATM and up to 3% for paying with a credit card abroad. Switch to a bank with no ATM fees and a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

If work takes you to a desirable destination, take advantage of the free flight and spend some time as a tourist. Even if you can't afford to stay any extra days, try to carve out a few hours for sightseeing.

We've all been there — it's the night before an early flight, and you fill a suitcase without much thought. Then you realize you packed five pairs of jeans but not one outfit for an evening out, and you have to spend money and time shopping for something appropriate. Resolve to set everything out in advance and strategically choose clothing you can mix and match.

Even if it's just a smartphone camera, seek out tips and tutorials to help you take better photos and videos. Images of a trip are perhaps the cheapest souvenirs — and, for many people, the most valuable.