How to Book a Last-Minute Summer Trip Now Without Overpaying

Don’t let the so-called experts fool you. The window to book a summer vacation has not passed you by.

Sure, options may be limited, and it may be more difficult to take care of everything, including a flight and lodging. But you can still book and save at the same time, even at this late date.

First and foremost, make sure you're working with a travel advisor. That should always be priority number one when looking for the best possible vacation experience. 

And from the kind folks at Going.com, here are a few other tips to keep in mind.

1. Be flexible. Maybe you won’t be able to book your first choice, but maybe your second choice is just as good and not as expensive. Don’t go kicking and screaming into this. It’s still a vacation. Flexibility is the key. Have more than one choice.
2. Speaking of flexibility, maybe let the deals pick your destination. Don’t look at it as taking the cheapest vacation possible. Look at it as booking the most inexpensive option. Remember, the more flexible you are willing to be, it’s likely to translate into a less expensive trip. Look at it that way.
3. Do your research. As we said, it’s going to take some time and effort. But according to Going.com, there are still deals to be had if you want to go to Hawaii, the Bahamas, or the Miami area.
4. Don’t wait any longer! Use the 1-1-1 rule. A package purchased one month before leaving is less expensive than a package purchased one week before leaving, which is less expensive than one day before leaving.
5. Consider a summer vacation at the end of August. Tons of people take a summer vacation in June or July. With airlines and hotels looking to sell their remaining inventory, you might catch a deal.
6. See if you can utilize any points from your airline miles or your credit cards. Using points is always a great way to save, especially if you're seeking something last-minute. 

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