10 Money-Saving Travel Hacks You’ve Never Heard Before

The start of summer stirs up some serious wanderlust — and the travel industry knows it. Despite our best efforts to adhere to a budget while traveling, we usually wind up splurging more than we'd planned (paying more for an "upgraded room" always feels like a good idea in the moment), forcing us to live a little leaner once we return home.

According to a 2013 American Express Spending & Saving Tracker survey, a summer vacation costs an average of $1,145 per person. And many travelers likely aren’t taking advantage of the extra ways to save, with 34% admitting they’re overwhelmed by the information and resources available online.

Before dusting off your carry-on, take heed of these insider-traveler tips — from making flight delays work in your favor to flipping someone else's canceled hotel reservation into your own amazing last-minute deal. Not only will the advice ahead save you money; it could make for a more memorable trip in the long run. And who knows — you might even have enough cash left over to squeeze in an extra getaway and opt for the ocean-view room.