Quiz: Saving for Summer Travel Can Be Easy

For lower fares to most international destinations, book three to six months before departure. Book one to two months from departure for domestic destinations.

Hotels tend to have more flexible cancellation policies, which are often up to 24 hours in advance. Don’t be tempted by discounts for nonrefundable reservations. Most major domestic carriers provide credits for cancellations without penalty except on some of their cheapest fares.

To avoid the high prices – and the crowds – look elsewhere. “I always encourage travelers to think off the beaten path,” says Hayley Berg, lead economist for Hopper. It’s unlikely a deal will be available in a different neighborhood in the same city.

Travel insurance can help reduce the financial risks, but standard policies can be invoked only for a covered reason, such as a death in the family, loss of a job or other major event. A Cancel for Any Reason upgrade may cover changing your mind about traveling, but it’s expensive and you will often recover only half to three-quarters of the purchase.