Yesterday I wrote about how new research shows leisure spending is the only category of spending to really boost our happiness levels. Today I’ve got some new ways to rethink your vacation spending and how to live it up on vacation without breaking the bank.

Cash in Unused Vacation Time. More than a third of us don’t use all our vacation days in a year. Many companies will let you cash in on unused vacation time. If you can, use that extra money towards finally booking a trip for the following year.  This could easily be $300 to $500 in your pocket.

Volunteer Your Way to Discounted Vacation. Some resorts are offering community service packages where you get a discount for doing some volunteer work during your stay.  For example, RockResorts in the U.S. and Caribbean are offering reduced rates on rooms and spa freebies like lotion and a hydration pack in return for volunteering. Check out giveandgetaway.com for detail. Or if you can get a big group together and want to create your own volunteer vacation you can find deals through Cheaptickets.com, which recently began a volunteer savings program. Earthwatch Institute and Wilderness Volunteers are two more popular volunteer vacation groups. For a week long vacation the savings can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a thousand dollars.

Get a Last-Minute Rental Car Upgrade. Just book the cheapest car online and then when you get there see if they can bump you up. It will either be at no additional cost or just a little bit more…but still much less than had you reserved the upgraded car online. Savings: $10 to $15 a day. In a year that’s a few hundred bucks in your pocket. (This trick also works at hotels)

Cheapest Night to Book a Hotel Room? Sundays! This is when the weekend rush is over and hotel managers have time to talk on the phone and discuss available discounts. Ask to get a free night’s stay if you’re staying for more than 2 nights. That’s easily $100 saved right there.