Travel Cheap With Last-Minute Sell-Off Vacations

4. Have More Than One Strategy
Sometimes when you see a deal, you need to grab it. The sell-off vacation competition is keen, and he or she who hesitates loses. Other times, a slower strategy might pay off, such as booking two weeks in advance to secure a good price on a vacation rental (though not necessarily on airfare). Regardless, part of your strategy should be booking on Tuesday or Wednesday. Generally, by midweek, accommodations and airlines know how well booked (or not) they are for the upcoming weekend and will begin to offer deals if business is slow.

5. Take the Usual Booking Precautions
Get everything in writing — rates, what's included and what isn't, refund and cancellation policies, etc. — before you make payment. And it's always a good idea to pay with a credit card, as credit card companies will protect you if there are any problems with the airline, hotel, property owner or other travel vendor.

You may also like:

• Check out these 7 underrated U.S tourist attractions. 
• Slideshow: foods that can lower your risk of dementia.

Check out the AARP home page every day for tips on travel, vacations, and great deals.