Big savings for those who plan ahead AND book at the last minute

I have always been a bit of a procrastinator. Much to my mother’s dismay, I always wait until the last minute to do a lot of things—like pack my bags (she’s always packed at least a week in advance), plan my next trip, write that term paper or do my taxes. While my strategy of waiting until the last minute to do things usually induces a little more stress than necessary, it has never actually bitten me in the ass too bad. Even when it comes to travel, I’m usually pretty good at scoring a great last-minute deal on everything from airfare to my hotel (especially in today’s buyer’s market travel world). Despite my procrastinating habits, I do realize that sometimes it pays to plan ahead. Especially when planning ahead can save you 40%. Travelocity Early Bird Sale! Plan Ahead and Save up to 40% on Hotels!

While booking ahead can save you tons on your next hotel room, there are ways to score a deal on your cheap hotel even if you are hoping to getaway over Labor Day weekend. In fact, Hotel.com is offering up some pretty sweet deals on hotels around the country for Labor Day—meaning you can save money whether you score a cheap ticket to Acapulco or land a deal on cheap airfare to New York.

Even if you are planning an end-of summer trip with the kids to Disney Land or World, there are plenty of savings to be had on Disney vacations. In fact, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is honoring Labor Day with its “$99 in 09” package that runs from September 1-9 at their resort and offers up rooms starting at just $99/night. If Disney isn’t your idea of a great family vacation, then you can also get away to Charleston South Carolina for a little southern charm and stay at the Charleston Place Hotel, which includes a $50 food and beverage credit you can use at one of the hotel’s three dining spots or for room service.

If you are in the planning ahead mode and not looking for any Labor Day deals, it’s never too early to start planning your fall, winter and spring travel. I personally have always dreamed of visiting New Orleans for Mardi Gras, and with great airfares to New Orleans out there right now and some sensational deals at New Orleans hotels, it may be hard to resist a little trip to the Big Easy this year. The New Orleans Marriott is also celebrating they city’s annual Southern Decadence from September 2 to 7 with rates starting at just $84 a night for those looking to see the French Quarter before Mardi Gras.

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