Sign up to become a member of several travel deal websites, like Travelocity, Orbitz and Priceline. Typically, you can go to the company's website and click "sign up" to register. As part of the registration process, choose to receive newsletters about last-minute flights and vacation packages. Also sign up to be notified when flights to your chosen destinations reach a certain price.
Once you're signed up, read the email newsletters to stay abreast of last-minute deals. If you find something you're interested in, click the "book" or "make your reservation" icons in your email, or follow the travel company's link to book the trip.
Join the frequent flyer clubs for the airlines of your choice. As a member, you can opt to receive notifications when flights are at rock-bottom prices. Additionally, you may eventually rack up enough flight miles to qualify for a free flight---which you could cash in by showing up at the airport on the day of the flight, and trying to fly stand-by.
Register with a travel agent in your local area, much the same way as you did with the online travel companies. Call the agent and let them know you want to be informed when they see last-minute deals to the locations you desire. Often, travel agents will put you on their email mailing lists. Some will even call you personally when they find a deal that's too good to pass up.
Browse the "last-minute" deals webpages for online travel sites, as well as airlines' websites. Sometimes you will find deals the companies did not inform you of through email newsletters. If you find something you like, book it right away by clicking "book" or "make your reservation." Last-minute deals often include hotels and rental cars at a greatly reduced rate, saving you more money for your last-minute trip.
