HOW TO SAVE ON LAST-MINUTE TRAVEL

If you’re looking to escape this weekend without emptying your bank account, here’s how. Book yourself at a newly opened hotel. Recently opened hotels typically reduce their rates to attract customers. Check out Hotelchatter.com, a daily webzine, for information on the latest bargains.

If you’re willing to go literally anywhere, go to farecompare.com/dealfinder (a ticketing and travel-advice site) and choose your departure city, the month, and how much you want to spend. The site will show you where you can fly in that price range. For the best savings, leave on Saturday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. And do your booking midweek. Airlines often announce sales on Tuesday morning that must be reserved by Thursday.

If you’re shopping for a cruise, know that cruise lines insist on being solidly booked before setting sail, so they usually offer steep discounts (as much as 60% off) starting as early as three months before the departure date and up until two weeks before sailing. Check out lastminutecruises.com for specials.