Cruises Ive seen with good last minute deals just to fill up the cabins and some hotels, but for the most part its just the opposite.

The only way it works to just pack and go is really to work in the industry. The airline I worked for allowed their employee’s to fly for free, plus we got the deals on cruises, all inclusive resorts etc at last minute prices just to fill up space.

Its the last minute people that make the money for the industry. Not planning ahead gives the companies a heads up because most times its an urgent matter and the person is willing to almost pay whatever it takes to get to where they need to be.

If your schedule is flexible, then try to plan ahead. Being spontaneous in the travel industry and wanting it cheap dont mix. Now that airlines no longer offer stand-by travel its hard to just grab and go unless you just jump in your car and hit the road.

Try traveling mid-week. Weekends are only cheaper for car rentals. Summer is cheaper than fall of course, but just shop around. Sign up for Travel Zoo. They send a weekly e-mailer about what deals are out there. Try to fly out of a hub like Atlanta, Philedelphia, Chicago, DFW…etc. Those are the airports that will have the biggest discounts. Little feeder’s like Buffalo, Augusta, Gainesville etc will not have the specials you are looking for.

Be careful booking on travel websites. They charge excessive fee’s and do not offer the best routes or connection times. Make sure you READ THE FARE RULES because they will lock you into the trip and you can not for any reason change your itinerary.

If you are someone who uses a credit card for business or pleasure, try to get a rewards program card and be loyal to a hotel chain or airline. You can redeem points earned for nearly free travel and get bonuses when you sign up. To redeem points you do again have to be flexible and book in advanced in most situations depending on the destination. If its a highly traveled route, book well in advance.