Summarize:

Check discount airfare sites, like Skyscanner, at least once a day looking for deals to your destination or just a low price ticket anywhere. The more flexible that you can be with your destination and dates, the better options you'll get. Don't be afraid to travel budget airlines, as they'll likely offer fewer amenities but cheaper fares. Sign up for email or text alerts on the websites and they will reach out to you when prices drop. You can also sign up for an app, such as Hopper, which will track flight prices for you. Before you press that final "Book" button, make sure that you know exactly what you are getting, including any associated taxes or fees. For example, some websites may tack on extra administrative charges to the initial price. If you are looking for a deal, grab the first flight offered in the morning, as it will usually cost less. The same goes for Wednesday travel, as it's often much cheaper than a weekend ticket. Consider taking an "open-jaw" route, which means you'll fly into one city and leave from another. It's also a better deal to fly on Tuesday or Saturday. Avoid Friday and Sunday travel at all costs, as they are the priciest. If you can't do an early morning flight, your next best options are the times immediately surrounding lunch or dinner. Go to your airline's website and read through their fee listings. This will tell you if they'll charge for priority boarding, checking in online, or bags of a certain weight or number. Some airlines also make you pay high prices for any food or beverages. In this case, you can save a lot of money by bringing some snacks onboard. If you've got a reliable personal car, go ahead and use it. Another option is to get a rental car; just make sure to comparison shop for rates. If you are uncertain if flying or driving will be cheaper, go online to a "gas tool" website and enter your route and car model. The site will provide you with a cost estimate. The parks service in your area might even provide suggested scenic drives on their website.
Comparison shop for airfares. Fly during odd hours and schedules. Avoid extra airline fees. Drive if you've chosen a local destination.