E-mail newsletters from sites such as Kayak.com or Travelzoo.com can alert you to specials. Other sites, including BestFares.com, make it easy to search for vacation packages or for a ticket bundled with a hotel. Sometimes an old-fashioned travel agent can help you save money or plan a better trip.

Ann Hermes/The Christian Science Monitor
Milwaukee, WISCONSIN, 11 MARCH 2011 - Kristina Petri waits to board her flight at Milwaukee County's General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wis. on March 11.