I don’t think I’ve ever met a single person that said they’d like to travel less. There are a lot of reasons that traveling should be at the top of everyone’s list, but I’m pretty sure what holds the majority of us back is finances. Even if seeing the world is a priority for you and you make a point to save up for traveling, you can still benefit from a few tips to save money when you do so. These hacks are for anyone and everyone: broke, rich, or as middle-class as it gets, you’ll be able to use these tips to get the most for your money.

1. Travel During Off-Peak Times

Prices for everything from gas to flights to accommodations to food go up during peak times. This could mean many things depending on where you’re from and where you’re going. Major holidays are always peak times, and if you’re traveling to a specific destination for some sort of festival or large event, that will be a peak time as well. People from the northern hemisphere often travel south during their winter, and vice-versa for those below the equator. If you’re not into bad weather, you can save money by visiting your destination during its “shoulder season,” which is after the main tourism has died down, but before the weather gets completely bad. If you decide to travel either when your destination doesn’t get many tourists, or when people from your hometown aren’t traveling much, you’ll always save money.

2. Flight Booking Hacks

Every time you search for flights, make sure you clear your cookies before and after, and poke around in an incognito tab (or from a VPN.) It's possible that airlines are tracking your behavior online and jacking up the prices for flights and destinations you search often, so make sure you search from a private browser, or maybe even a public computer that can’t be traced back to you. Also make sure you book at the right time: if you’re traveling domestically, 47 days out seems to yield the best airfare prices. You’ll definitely want to book international travel earlier, but not too early: anything over 6 months might leave you with the most expensive ticket on the whole flight. Also, don’t be afraid of layovers, and don’t only search for non-stop tickets. Layovers may triple or even quadruple your travel time, but they’ll likely cut your costs at least in half, and it’ll give you an opportunity to see even more destinations along the way!

3. Take Advantage Of Perks And Rewards Programs

First off, if you have a credit card and you like to travel, you should be earning frequent flyer miles and using them. Second, airlines themselves often have their own rewards programs that don’t necessarily have to be attached to a line of credit. You should definitely sign up for each and every one of these. Hotel chains have similar rewards programs, as do gaming establishments (though, if you’re a big gambler, these programs may not result in any money saved.) There are also lots of good fuel rewards programs that can save you a ton, especially if you’re a big road tripper. Also, be on the lookout for service providers that have travel-friendly perks, like a cell phone provider that offers free in-flight texting and wi-fi.

4. Consider Unconventional Accommodations

Sure, a hotel is always the most comfortable and convenient option, but hotel chains are aware of this, and they charge a hefty fee for those luxuries. If you are on the adventurous side and traveling overseas, consider staying in a hostel. Hostels aren’t common in the states, but we do have a ton of free and cheap camping options speckled all over the country. We also have apps that allow homeowners to rent out their homes. While this option is often cheaper than a hotel, keep in mind that there might be a large deposit, so you may need an initial investment up front. There are also apps that allow you to meet new people and couchsurf for free. While these types of apps are very popular, make sure you use them safely. Only stay with hosts who have been verified or vouched for, read the reviews previous guests left, and only communicate via the app for your own protection.

5. Try A Volunteer Or Working Vacation

The quickest and easiest way to cut your travel costs exponentially is to book a service vacation. This is where the costs of your travel, food, and accommodations are covered fully or partially by an entity in exchange for work you will perform when you get to your destination. There are so many ways to take a volunteer vacation, and you might even be able to fundraise in order to pay for the meager expenses you’ll have in the first place. Volunteer vacations aren’t just a great way to save money: they’re also an excellent way to give back and make a difference in the world, and individuals who take part in experiences like this always walk away with amazing stories to tell and new lessons learned.