1. Know what kind of hotel you are staying at. Most hotels in or near the downtown area of major cities are cheaper on the weekends. This is because they mainly cater to business travelers who create higher demand (and therefore higher prices) on weekdays. Therefore, consider staying at a downtown hotel during the weekend, provided you've looked ahead and made sure that there are no major conferences or events for that weekend.



2. Resort areas are, conversely, cheapest during the week. Booking on a weekday not only assures you a room, but a room at up to half the price weekenders pay.

3. Off season travel always means cheaper rates. But this year, it is possible to travel during high season and still get off season rates. Caribbean destinations like the Bahamas and the US Virgin Islands are suffering from lack of travelers. In order to revive their all-important tourism industries, hotels and resorts are offering the lowest high season prices in recent memory. Prices average around $100 per person per night, including airfare.

4. It takes a little leg work (or Google work), but it is possible to find good deals by searching for airfare and hotel packages.

5. If you can be a bit flexible and perhaps a bit adventurous, you can try bidding services like Priceline. The problem is that you won't be able to choose your exact hotel. If you do use such a service, be sure to be as specific as possible. There are hotels for $59 per night in major cities, but if you are expecting something ?nice? you'll most likely be disappointed.