With fuel prices on the rise, more Americans are looking for U.S. travel deals. One great way to add some adventure to your life and to save big money on your next trip is to make arrangements at the last minute. With knowledge of some simple tactics and the best travel tools at your disposal, you can make your next travel plans on the fly without breaking your budget.
Be flexible. A willingness to vary length of stay, to compromise on accommodation location and quality or to leave at an odd hour can make the difference when shopping for last-minute travel deals. Make a list of your priorities before starting your bargain search.
Look for vacation packages. Most online travel sites feature last-minute deals that include hotel, airfare and rental car. If you're in the market for an Alaskan cruise, some sites also offer bargain packages for underbooked cruise lines with approaching departure dates.
Sign up for free travel deal emails. Some sites provide registered users with a periodic eNewsletter or weekly emails that feature exclusive vacation bargains.
Jump on a good deal when you find it. Last-minute U.S. travel deals go fast--often within one day of posting--so you must make quick decisions. Although you should do some comparison shopping, recognize that you may miss out on a great bargain if you dilly-dally for too long.
Fly with a budget carrier for last-minute air travel savings. Airlines like JetBlue and Southwest offer reduced rates on popular flights, many of which require reservations just two weeks in advance.
Use a travel agent. Although travel agents charge to search for travel deals, they can access last-minute vacation bargains unavailable to consumers. If you don't have time to compare prices or already have a relationship with a travel agent, this may be your best bet.
