Save BIG on last-minute holiday travel

Can't wait to visit family and friends for Thanksgiving but dread the high cost of getting there? Here, simple tips for spending $100s less even though you haven't booked your trip yet

- Gabrielle Lichterman

Tip!

Want to save on gas? The latest version of Google Maps calculates gas-guzzling road inclines, traffic congestion and traffic lights, then uses the information to show you the most fuel-efficient route! 

Score a hotel room deal

Prefer the comfort and privacy of a hotel room to staying with relatives, but don't want to pay peak prices to make a reservation so close to a holiday? Good news: You can actually find hotel rooms in most areas of the United States at rock-bottom rates! Why? Hotel occupancy only reaches about 57% on Thanksgiving because many folks opt to sleep on their relatives' couches, so hotels are willing to let their rooms go for less if you just ask! Hint: Look for a room at a location that hosts business conventions, is near airports or in financial districts. Since most Americans take off of work for the holiday, more rooms in these types of hotels are sitting empty. As a result, hotel managers slash prices to fill them.

Cut airfare costs