The summer travel season is usually the busiest time for hotels, airlines and attractions. This year, it won't be so good for the tourism industry. So, the 2009 summer travel deals will be at their best. Bargain hunters can compare rates and fares and lock in the best price weeks or months before travel.

Plan your trip, then look for bargains early

The most popular summer vacation hotspots will fill up faster and earlier. Some travel agencies, airlines and hotels will reimburse the difference if your reservation price drops lower than your purchase price.

Last minute summer travel deals

Since the travel industry depends of filling rooms, airline seats and hotel rooms have to be filled, otherwise they are worthless to the companies after the date has passed.

The closer the date gets, though, there is the possibility that the best seats or rooms won't be available. You may have to compromise your plans to get the best holiday discount.

Find the best last minute deals from: Expedia, Hotwire, Orbitz, Priceline, Travelocity and Southwest Air Vacations.

Summer Flight Deals

Summer flight deals for business travel or vacation are available through these two travel sites. A last minute airline deal is good for on-the-spot travel when you can wait for the next open flight. The same with last minute hotel reservations. But, if you need to be somewhere at a specific time- last minute deals could mess up your vacation.

HOTWIRE: Save up to 40% on last minute fFares with Hotwire's Limited Rates.

PRICELINE: Up to 60%off Last-Minute Flights from Priceline. Check out the Last Minute Deals on Priceline.com. Name Your Own Price® and save up to 60% off published fares!

Summer Hotel Deals

PRICELINE: find a big inventory of Last-Minute Hotel Deals

EXPEDIA: Last-minute Orlando deals: Hotels from $31, vacations from $232! - Expires 4/29/09. Save big at Expedia with these hot lodging deals: Hotels from $27! - Expires 4/29/09

Summer Cruise Deals

Cruise discounts better at the last minute

Last minute cruise deals often have the steepest discounts as the cruise lines want to fill every ship. Cruise deals are best within 60 days of departure. Of course, the earlier a cruise is booked means your choice of the best locations are available- at a premimum price. But, for a cheap cruise, the last minute special satisfies most travelers.

The 60 day period is also often the closing date to cancel a cruise reservation. Cruise lines don't like to see empty rooms. So, last minute tickets for cruises should be easy to find.

If you book a last minute cruise, remember to confirm your airline flight (without booking a last minute flight deal). If you miss your plane, you also miss your cruise. They won't let you get on the next ship.

CruiseDirect: last minute cruise deals, selected by CruiseDirect's expert staff. Search current Last Minute Cruises

TRAVELOCITY: Last Minute Cruise Deals with Celebrity Cruises from Travelocity.

TRAVELOCITY: Incredible Deals on Last-Minute Cruises starting at only $99.

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