As your thoughts turn to summer vacations, keep in mind that midweek departures often cost less when you are traveling to leisure destinations. According to Kimberly Lisagor in USA Weekend, timing often dictates what price you will pay — down to the year, month, week and day. Midweek room rates are also often discounted in hotspots such as Florida, Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean.
If you go to the Caribbean, choosing the right season can save you some dollars, as well, said Lisagor. She recommended travelers consider vacationing during off-peak season in the Caribbean. While most people go to enjoy a break from winter weather, the weather in that region is actually milder and the waters are calmer in the summer, and that’s when hotels cost less.
Most people think the only way to get good deals on flights is to book at least 21 days ahead. But, Lisagor said, flexible travelers can find cheap tickets by using the “Tuesday night rule.” That’s when a lot of airlines release their sales, she said, and then other airlines jump to match those deals by evening.