1. Online Booking – Whenever possible, take advantage of online booking. Today, airlines and travel agencies have created websites that allow you to look at options and then book. In addition, most sites are easy to navigate. The benefit of booking trips online is that you can take the guesswork out of the equation. For instance, you will know exact travel dates, times, restrictions, accepted reward programs, discounts, and more. By booking your next trip online, you can make all the appropriate requests for air travel, car rental, and accommodations day or night, making this a highly convenient option.

2. Use your Air Miles – If you do not belong to any of the major airline programs, you can sign up free. As you travel, you begin to accumulate miles, which over time, will be cashed in for free air travel. Keep in mind that some airlines now offer the option of using air miles when booking online but some still require a phone call. In either case, building up miles is a great way to enjoy free trips. Additionally, most programs will also provide discounts on air, as well as hotel accommodations and car rentals.

3. Early Booking – Booking trips as early as possible is a great way to save money, while also ensuring you have a seat on the plane when you arrive at the airport. First, booking in advance can save you hundreds of dollars over waiting to book within the week before travel. Second, all airlines overbook flights, knowing that not everyone will show up. However, if people do show up and the flight is overbooked, someone is going to be bumped. To reduce the risk of this happening, book early. In most cases, airlines will allow you to book in advance by as much as 330 days.

4. Follow Up – It would seem that once you book your trip, it is a done deal but in reality, you should always follow up before showing up at the airport. Booking trips is just one part of the process – follow-up is another, making sure that you have a confirmed seat and that the flight is still on schedule.

5. Flexibility – Another great way to save money when booking trips is to be flexible. If you have a schedule that can bend, take advantage of early morning or late night flights. In return, you can save significant money over booking during the busiest hours. Additionally, choosing an off-peak flight will usually ensure that you are not bumped from an overbooked flight.

6. Travel Agencies – If you plan booking trips through a travel agency, make sure you work with one that is qualified and reputable. You want an agency that has your best interest in mind, finding you the best bargains, and travel options.

If you are searching for America’s best spring break 2008 hot spot, Key Westis the place. It’s exotic, has perfect weather and tropical… gay and straight – when you think about it, Key West considers itself an independent republic; it seceded from the Union on April 23rd, 1982! Looking at a Border Patrol blockade searching for illegal aliens, Key West’s mayor at the time, Dennis Wardlow, seceded… called war, gave up, and demanded $1 billion in foreign aid-all in one day!

You’ve got to give them credit- a place with that kind of a unique sense of humor and a lot diversity is ideal for Spring Break… if you do your part to make nice with the natives! It’s always been very easy to get crazy in Key West without anyone giving you a hard time… but it’s also very vital to “fit into” the island culture rather than stick out like a sore thumb… after all, Key West has always been famous for its good time party atmosphere!

Smathers Beach has become the popular spot where many spring breakers spend a lot of their time. The beach features many vendors selling and renting everything from lemonade and beer to jet-skis and parasailing. The beach right away fills with the smell of sunscreen, games of volleyball ignite and music can be heard everywhere.

The water is warm and you can swim out a nice distance before even getting into really deep waters… while there’s a little surf once in a while, there’s positively NO danger of an undertow! Smather’s Beach is right across from the airport and the Sheraton Suites, a famous Key West hotel that has a history of renting rooms to students.

Key West has a really fun but laid back atmosphere only equal to New Orleans… the clubs and bars featured on Duval Street get wild – OK, they’re pretty wild all the time, but it does grow more during Spring Break- but to repeat… in Key West, it’s better to join the party rather than make your own stand out… no one-local or tourist-will appreciate anyone “taking over”… simply blend in… join the fun and GO FOR IT, getting DOWN with the coolest mixture of locals, Breakers, and Bohemians of all stripes can really be a nice time!