Start Planning Summer Travel NOW!

Spring blossomed later than normal here in Dallas/Fort Worth, and summer is about to catch us off guard. With less then two months of school left, it’s already time to start pricing airfare and booking summer vacations. Here are some great websites a little off the beaten path to help you plan your trip at a price you can actually afford.

Bestfares.com is a local travel site where you can truly find cheap, cheap deals on airfare, cruises and vacation packages. If your schedule is flexible, try the last minute deals tab for extra savings. You can also watch Tom Parsons on WFAA Channel 8 during the noon hour every Tuesday for dirt cheap travel deals that may not even make it to his website. In fact, viewers sometimes have to call a special number to get the advertised deals, so set that DVR for Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. so you don’t miss his very brief segment.

Set your destination and departure information on Airfarewatchdog.com, and every time you come to the site, you’ll see deals to and from those destinations right on the home page. You can also set up e-mail alerts with your ideal price on airfare to specific destinations. If prices get within that range, you’ll be alerted immediately. This is also a good site for general travel information.

Cfares.com searches hundreds of travel websites at one time for whatever deal you’re looking for, but actually links you back to the airline, hotel, etc. to book your reservation. You can also purchase a membership for $5.95 a month and get lower than advertised prices on many different destinations. The membership can be cancelled at any time with a three month minimum. Cfares truly finds deals that are much more affordable than the more popular online travel sites.

If Orland, Florida is your destination for a Disney World vacation, there are two sites that should become your Disney Bibles as soon as you know you’re going. AllEars.net contains everything you need to know to schedule your trip including immense feedback from frequent Disney travelers. Sign up for e-mails, and you’ll regularly receive top notch deals from All Ears and its Disney partners. Touringplans.com knows exactly how many people visit each park every day and has scientific formulas that will help you spend less time on line and more time enjoying your vacation. Find out which rides to ride first, when to get fast passes and more.

Don’t wait to book your travel plans. Strike now while the deals are hot and book a vacation that will have others wondering how you can afford it.