As much as people like to travel, there's no denying how stressful and expensive it can be. This is why people have gone out of their way to find some simple travel hacks that help turn their vacations into the fun and relaxing experiences they're meant to be. Here is just a handful of things you can do to make your next trip more affordable, more pleasant and more relaxing.

Use Google to Find Discounts

Travel is inherently expensive, but if you look around you will find that there are discounts and specials that make it a little more affordable. To find discounts near you that will come in handy for your next vacation, Google the name of your travel service along with words such as "discount," "coupon" and "specials." Airlines, travel agencies, and hotels will want to make these easy to find since they're so good for business, so they should show up easily in a Google search.

Vacation during the Off-Season

Just about every popular tourist destination has a busy time of year, so naturally that's when airline tickets and hotels in the area will charge the most money. If you want to vacation somewhere on the cheap, go there during the off-season. This usually means traveling during the fall or winter, but it will depend on where you want to travel. Not only will you save money on airfare and accommodations, but your destination will be a lot less crowded.

Pack Your Own Snacks

Food at airports, hotels and tourist attractions will be expensive, but you can save some money by packing some of your own snacks. Bring things such as trail mix, mixed nuts and other things that travel easily and won't spoil. While you're at it, bring an empty water bottle. Bottled water is just as expensive as food in many places, especially in hotter regions. If you bring your own empty bottle, you can fill it up and reuse it at any drinking fountain or sink.

Keep a Copy of Your Passport Online

This, of course, only applies to people who are traveling outside of the country, but you should keep a copy of your passport online. A lost passport can be a major hassle, so being able to print up a new copy from your email could save you a lot of trouble.

Rent a House or Apartment

As much as you want to stay at a luxury hotel or resort, it's sometimes prohibitively expensive. Instead of booking a room at a five-star resort, look on sites such as Airbnb and Homeaway to find people who are renting homes and apartments. They are often cheaper than hotels, and they have a certain homey charm that many large hotel chains lack. This may also put you off the beaten path if you want to avoid crowds or expensive tourist traps.

Take Advantage of Free Travel Guides and Trip Planning Services

Depending on what organizations you belong to, you may have access to free travel guides and trip planning services. AAA provides such a service for its members, and it can be a great way to find cheap accommodations and familiarize yourself with local events and tourist attractions.

Buy a City Tourist Card

If your vacation takes you to a major city, check to find out if there are city tourist cards available. They do cost money, but they will also save you money if you want an attraction-heavy vacation. A tourist card can give you discounts on admission into museums and shows, deals for popular restaurants and travel discounts. These cards can cut the costs of seeing a popular show or attraction by as much as 50 percent.

Find Free Days for Museums

Many museums offer specials or even free admission on certain days. This goes for even the biggest and most famous museums such as the Louvre and the Guggenheim. Look up museums in the area on Google or consult a trip planning service to find out if there are any free days. For best results, try doing this before you leave for your trip and make it a part of the planning process for your vacation.

Take Advantage of Street Food

In many countries around the world (especially in Asia), you can find food stalls and carts on virtually any city street. This could be some of the best and cheapest food you will find on your vacation. Order a plate, pull up one of the many plastic chairs these places have available, and enjoy your meal.