Want to save some money when booking your travel online?
Here are some tips to help you do just that. You at home have access to
thousands of travel deals with the click of a mouse.

1. Sign up for travel e-newsletters

Many 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

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, summer and fall for the Caribbean, and when the kids are in
school for theme parks like Disney and so on.

6. Traveling during the week can save you money

Saturday and flights during the week are less crowded and
therfore more likely to have last minute discounting. Some companies
charge a bit less for vacation package that leave mid-week. Many
business hotels may also charge less on weekends.

7. Read your newspaper’s travel section

The Saturday travel sections in most 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.

9. Book last minute

When looking for a last minute travel deal, start shopping
around about 6 weeks prior to your departure to get a good idea for
prices and availability. Narrow down where you want to go and compare
some prices. About 3 weeks prior to departure is probably your best
time to book. When you notice packages begin to sell out, you want to
book before you miss out on that travel deal. The prices only go so low
and sometimes sell out before they really drop in price.

10. Book early

Some of the best deals may be had booking early. Most tour
operators and cruise companies offer discounts for early booking. If
there is a specific date you want to travel and or you have a specific
resort or destination in mind, you are better off to book early and
secure your vacation than to risk waiting for a last minute travel deal
that may or may not happen.

Keep in mind the cheaper is not always better. If you save a
few hundred dollars by adding lots of stops to your flight or staying
in a hotel you are not happy with, it won't be worth it. Save some
money but don't compromise too much with what you really want and
need.