- Consider renting vacation lodging directly from owners. Rates are frequently much better than at hotels, and since the properties usually have kitchens, you can save money on meals.
- Consult a travel agent, especially if you're interested in an air-and-hotel package or if you're considering a popular resort during peak season. Travel agents are experts in finding the best deals and will arrange every aspect of your vacation for you.
- Book Smart. If you're thinking about a resort getaway, the year's highest rates begin around the Christmas/New Year's holiday. By shifting your trip to before or after this time, even by a day or two, you can drastically reduce costs.
- Look into business hotels. During the holidays, you can find low rates at upscale city and suburban hotels that normally rely on business travelers.
- Whenever possible, book hotels directly. If you see a lower rate elsewhere, ask the hotel to match it. Hotels will almost always cut out the middleman, which isn't very difficult when considering the fees that booking engines charge.
- Negotiate. There are few price quotes that are non-negotiable these days. Never accept the first rate you see. Ask if there are any unadvertised specials, or if the hotel can offer a better deal.
- Be flexible. Instead of sale fares on your destination of choice, consider places you haven't thought of that pop up on airline sales or travel Web sites. To fill rooms and seats, hotels and airlines will resort to extremely low prices.
- Plan ahead. While you may find some last-minute bargains, you're generally more likely to get better prices by planning your trip months in advance.
Keep Looking…
Even after you have made a reservation, keep hunting for a deal. Prices for rental cars and hotels change frequently, so never give up on finding the best bargain. If you find a better vacation package or a lower rate, book it. However, just make sure to check cancellation policies.