PRICELINE: A TRAVELER'S FRIEND

Ever wanted to go on a quick LAST minute trip, but were afraid you wouldn't be able to find a decent price for flights? Well fret no futher my jet setters, Priceline may be just the site you're looking for when in need. 

Priceline advertises all the time they can help you negotiate your own price and I can honestly say the Name your Own Price tool really works! I was searching for a last minute flight to New Orleans for Fourth of July weekend, and all I kept finding were flights ranging from $375-425! With only 3 weeks left before my "unplanned-last-minute vacay" I decided to use Priceline. I used the name my own price tool and just played around with the price until VOILA!

The negotiator managed to shrink my flight price to $275 roundtrip! That's not bad for last minute! So if you're looking for GREAT flight (or even hotel) deals, try priceline.com and use the NAME YOUR OWN PRICE TOOL.  There are some key things to remember with using this tool:

* Be aware of what the average flight prices are when placing your bid--you don't want to bid too low or too high, you're trying to get the BEST price!

* You will have to put in your card information, but they will not charge you if your bid is not accepted! (Don't worry--my offer wasn't accepted on the first try and my card was not charged)

* You are not allowed to pick flight times or airline carriers when using this tool!

Give priceline.com a try next time you're looking for a last minute getaway!

Travel Tips: Traveling on a Budget

Hi JetSetters! I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend!

Although we love traveling and having a great time while doing so, we are always mindful of our expenses. In order to truly have a great trip, you have to be mindful of your budget, so that once the trip is over, you're not in debt!

Travel with a Group

There are alot of great ways to get group discounts when traveling with a large group. In addition, costs can be decreased when you are splitting a hotel room, car rental, or a tour.

Book Early...or Late

There are always perks to booking your flight or crusie in advance. The prices for a trip can dramatically increase as the travel time nears. To be on the safe side I always book no later than 21 days out from my trip. On the flipside, booking late can always have its advantages as well. On many travel websites, you will see sections for "Last Minute Flights" and you can score some great deals. This is because the airlines are trying to sell more of their seats, sot they reduce the prices.

Use your discounts

Whether you work in Corporate America, are an educator or have a AAA card, you can usually find some type of discount to use in your booking plans. Whenever booking anything for a trip, I always ask if there is a discount that I can use from my job or an organization that I'm affiliated with. Hey, it never hurts to ask! I also made sure to sign up for the Frequent Flyer programs on the airlines that I use most often. This way I can earn points towards a free flight and when you travel as much as we do, it definitely comes in handy!

So, Divas these are the rules I live by when trying to get the best deals for my trips, but I know that there are others who have some great tips as well. Feel free to share the rules you live by when trying to save and still have a fabulous trip!