7 ways to save money on your next trip

Save time on security line-ups. If you encounter a long security line, don't automatically join in. Many large airports have additional screening points a little off the beaten track that are less crowded. If you plan to travel in the US, you can visit the Transportation Security Administrations website (waittime.tsa.dhs.gov.) to find the location of security checkpoints at every US airport. The website also publishes average wait times by the hour.

Hotel sold out? Here's how to get a room.
You'll have better luck getting a room if you call the hotel directly instead of dialing the 800-numbers which put you through to a centralized reservation centre. Workers in the call centre don't have the authority to manipulate a hotel's inventory the way an on-site manager does.

Another idea is to check out a reseller's website. Most hotels give some of their inventory to third-party travel sites such as Expedia, Hotels.com and Travelocity.

Get the room upgrade – without paying a penny more.
When it comes to upgrades, timing is everything. Naturally, you'll have a better chance of success if the hotel is slow, but it's also important to ask for the upgrade right away, before you're locked into the room. If you want to score a more luxurious accommodation, don't wait for the front-desk person to hand you a key.

Let it be known if it's a special occasion or if you have specific business needs. And even if you “miss the moment” at check-in, communicate any displeasure with the room you've been assigned. You never know – you still may get the upgrade or at least be reassigned to a more suitable room.