Dolan Travel Tip #2: Cover Some Ground Before You Get in the Air

Many areas are served by multiple airports, and even those that aren't may have alternate choices within a reasonable driving distance. Sure, JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports primarily serve New York City, but you should also look into Stewart (just above Manhattan), Islip McArthur (Long Island) or Westchester County as possibilities. Even Hartford is only a few hours away, and the savings on airfare can be dramatic if you are willing to drive (especially if the whole family is traveling!).

The same rule applies to your departure city. Be sure to check the fares from all airports within driving distance of your hometown, including the small ones. Low-cost air carriers don't always serve your closest airport, but a short drive can oftentimes save you hundreds of dollars.

It's not just the cost of the flights that might be cheaper. Long-term parking (which can add up quickly!) may cost less at a smaller airport, and the same goes for rental cars ... not to mention the side benefit of fewer crowds and headaches than you'll find at major airports!

Dolan Travel Tip #3: Go in One Airport, Out the Other

This may surprise you, because it didn't used to be done this way, but consider booking one-way trips. You can find some fantastic savings by flying into one airport and returning from a different one.

Here's one thing to watch out for: Be sure the extra cost of picking up and dropping off a rental car at different airport locations doesn't outweigh the money saved on the flight.

Believe it or not, you can also save a bundle on some trips by booking one-way tickets with two separate air carriers. Get creative in looking at your airfare options!

Dolan Travel tip #4: Choose Your Flight When the Time Is Right

Sometimes moving your travel plans just a day or two (earlier or later) can lower the cost by hundreds of dollars. Avoiding those peak airfare dates, getting that rental car for the weekend rate or even scoring a top-notch hotel on less popular days (Las Vegas midweek, New York City's Financial District on the weekend, etc.) can keep those hard-earned dollars in your wallet.

A couple of days can make a nice difference, but being flexible about the season in which you travel can really save you a bundle. Want to head somewhere warm during the winter? Sounds nice, but have you considered a Mexican or Caribbean vacation in the summer? The rates will be down, and while it may be 100-plus degrees at home, those destinations will be in the comfortable 80s, with cool tropical breezes to boot.

Heading for Europe? Try going in the spring or fall. Your wallet will thank you, the weather will be nicer - and you'll miss all those crowds traveling during the busy summer months!

Also remember that there are traditional off-peak travel times that can save you money no matter where you're headed. The weeks between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays almost always offer sweet deals, since most folks are busy with holiday plans and preparations. And, aside from those winter-sports destinations, the same goes for January, February and March, because people are recuperating from the holidays and paying off all of those shopping bills.

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