Pack your bags! Travel expert reveals the ultimate budget-savvy hacks for booking a last-minute Memorial Day getaway

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Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner - but if you're worried that you've missed your opportunity to book a fun-filled getaway that won't break the bank, fear not - because one travel expert is opening up about the most budget-friendly ways to take advantage of the holiday. 

Jeff Klee, the CEO of budget travel site CheapAir, told DailyMail.com that there are number of ways to keep costs down, with some of his tips including traveling with hand luggage only, opting for a road trip over flying and locking something in as soon as possible. 

The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts that 42.3 million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend, a seven per cent increase over 2022, so airports and hotels are set to be busier than ever.  

Despite rising costs, it is expected to be the third busiest vacation weekend since 2000 and it could be the busiest at airports since 2005.

If you're still looking to book last minute travel, scroll on down for some of Klee's expert tips around saving some dollars this Memorial Day holiday travel period - defined as the five-day period from Thursday, May 25 to Monday, May 29.

Book now and don't delay

An estimated 42.3 million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend, a 7 per cent increase over 2022, according to new findings

Klee says that 'airfare continues to increase the closer travelers get to their departure date, and holiday weekends are statistically more expensive than non-holiday weekends due to the influx of travel.'

With this in mind, to save big on Memorial Day flights, he suggests booking travel as early as possible and jumping on a deal when you spot one. 

Set aside some time to get your travel plans locked in and you can book regardless of what day it is.   

The team of travel experts at Thrifty Traveler highlight that there is an 'outdated myth' within the travel community that Tuesday is the cheapest day to book flights, but 'there's just one problem: It's not true.'

Instead they instruct travelers to try different searches throughout the week as there is no reasoning behind deals and they could crop up at anytime.

The flight deal analysts say they 'find crazy cheap flights, mistake fares, and unadvertised award sales every single day of the year.

'And no, airlines aren't tracking your searches and raising your prices based on how many times you search. That means there's no need to search incognito for flights, either.'

Book smart if you can't book early

AAA booking data for the Memorial Day weekend shows tourist hotspots like Orlando, New York City, and Las Vegas are top domestic destinations

If you're looking into a last-minute flight, Klee says it is best to consider a getaway to destinations or markets with a lot of flights. 

'These will offer better airfares and best hotel deals most of the time,' he reveals. 

AAA booking data for the Memorial Day weekend shows tourist hotspots like Orlando, New York City, and Las Vegas are top domestic destinations, while European cities including Rome, Paris, Dublin, London, Barcelona, and Athens are the most popular international travel spots.

It's also worth considering where you are traveling from in the US.  

If you are looking at traveling to an international destination, the experts at Going previously revealed New York JFK, Newark and Chicago as the top three US airports offering the best deals. 

So it might be worth making a journey to another airport by train, car or a budget airline to try and cut costs. 

Use a site that protects your price

If you can, Klee recommends booking through a travel website that offers a price guarantee.

Google Flights, Priceline and Orbitz all promise partial refunds under certain circumstances, while CheapAir.com offers a Price Drop Payback feature. 

Klee explains: 'If airfare prices drop after purchase, CheapAir.com will issue a travel voucher up to $100, so travelers can book early with confidence knowing their airfare is protected.'

Some travel sites alert you to better deals, while others require you to look for better prices yourself and submitting a claim.

Don't check a bag

To avoid paying extra for luggage, Klee recommends traveling with carry-on only

An increasing number of airlines are implementing checked baggage fees for long haul journeys.

Where as in the past it was a given that tickets from the US to Europe would include at least one checked bag, now many basic fares only come with an item of carry on.

To avoid paying extra for luggage, Klee recommends traveling with carry-on only. 

If you can, try and wear bulkier items to the airport and if you are traveling with friends, family or colleagues see if items can be distributed among the group. 

Klee says that an 'added bonus' of traveling with hang luggage is that 'travelers won't have to worry about lost luggage and can relax knowing their bags will arrive at their destination.'

Book a mid-week flight

If you can be flexible with your Memorial Day travel plans, Klee says it is best to book mid-week flights as these are generally cheaper.   

The lowest fares, he reveals, are typically found on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

On average, departing on Wednesday could save travelers up to 22per cent compared to leaving on Friday.

By traveling mid-week, you will also avoid crowded airports.  

Take a road trip instead of flying

The AAA says INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Friday May 26 to be the busiest day on the roads during the long Memorial Day weekend

Instead of jetting off for long weekends like Memorial Day, Klee says it might be worth 'considering a shorter hop by car or even a staycation at a hotel with great vacation amenities like a spa or pool.'

By keeping travels closer to home, this could bag you considerable savings. 

With gas prices are lower this holiday compared to last year, when the national average was more than $4 a gallon, the AAA says Memorial Day road trips are up 6 per cent on 2022.

It's predicted that 37.1 million Americans will drive to their destinations, an increase of more than 2 million. 

If you are considering a road trip, it's worth planning your travel times to avoid delays. 

The AAA says INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Friday May 26 to be the busiest day on the roads during the long Memorial Day weekend.  

Meanwhile, the best times to travel by car are in the morning or evening after 6pm and the lightest traffic days will be Saturday and Sunday. 

Major metro areas like Boston, New York, Seattle, and Tampa will likely see travel times double compared to normal. 

Consider going all-inclusive

Costs can quickly add up when you are on vacation, so Klee suggests opting for an all-inclusive hotel to ensure you stick to a budget.

Isabel Sobel, luxury travel advisor from concierge site Two Nights In, also puts forward the idea of an all-inclusive resort or all-inclusive cruise for extra peace of mind.

She told DailyMail.com: 'Spending more up front for an all-inclusive experience can help reduce overall trip spend. 

'Many resorts and hotels now offer all-inclusive plans as well as room-only options, and going all-inclusive is good for both your wallet - and for eliminating the need to make budgeting decisions while on vacation.

'There are still lots and lots of great all-inclusive deals around for this Memorial Day, so it's worth getting on to this asap.'