1. Subscribe to travel e-newsletters
Most airlines,
tour operators, online travel agencies and travel sites have newsletters that they will send you via email; these usually include their latest travel deals.
2. Shop around
Check various travel sites and make sure you are comparing apples to apples, know what is included. That great cruise deal may not include airfare to the port! Also check in with a travel agent to compare prices. They may in fact have a better travel deal for you.
3. Consider all possible discounts
Do you have Air Miles or frequent flyer miles you can cash in? AAA/CAA membership or other affiliations? Ask about child or senior discounts. Do they have family rates or group rates? Don’t be afraid to ask.
4. Make the travel web sites do the work for you
Some of them will let you specify the dates of travel and vacation you are looking for and will send you an email when the price reaches your limit.
5. Travel in off-season.
Off-season will vary depending on where you are travelling so do your research and find out when that is. Off-season includes winter for Europe and Asia, summer and early fall for the Caribbean, when the kids are in school for theme parks and so on.
6. Traveling during the week can save you money
Saturday and midweek flights are less crowded and, thus, more prone to last minute discounting. Some companies charge a bit less for vacation package that leave mid-week. Also, business hotels are more likely to charge less on weekends.
7. Consult your newspaper’s travel section
The Saturday travel sections in newspapers are still a good source for travel news, tips and last minute travel deals, departing from your city. Read them religiously.
8. Do some negotiating of your own.
Just ask for a deal or a better price! This will usually work if you are dealing with a hotel or car rental company directly. It may also work with some travel agents.
