Begin your search with a survey of the major travel sites online. Filter through these sites to get an idea of what is available and for how much. Now you know what prices you have to beat. The "deals" sections in particular will show you the best rate going for the mainstream traveler.
Visit the travel magazine websites and peruse their seasonal deals and packages. Many times these outlets will have a finger on the pulse of vacation trends and will provide an excellent array of options and low-cost off-season or winter travel ideas complete with details and rates.
Visit the Cruise broker websites for cruise vacation options leaving in the wintertime from a port near you. There are often many options to choose from and rates in the winter at all periods except for the holidays tend to be lower especially on cruises of over 7 days.
Price vacations in destinations where the dollar is worth more than it is at home. South-East Asia, parts of South America, India and Eastern Europe are good examples where the dollar goes much farther. By the same token, the national airlines of many far-flung destinations will run seasonal or off-season fare specials as an incentive to drive up tourism from the U.S. market, always a desirable customer base.
Create a vacation of your own by piecing together the transportation, hotel and rental car or whatever components you prefer, and bid on it using Priceline or one of the other travel auction websites now available. Often you will save dramatically by naming your rate and there is no danger of overspending as the price is of your own making.
