The idea of saving a few bucks and snagging a "deal" is just too delicious! I don't know anyone who doesn't love it. Travel is NO exception and there are always savings to be found if you know where to look. Let's start with a few easy peasy ideas with respect to travel in general and then move into some specifics.

First, join any and all frequent flyer and "stay" programs of airlines that you use and hotels where you may stay. The vast majority of programs are free to join. Just being a general member will get you some benefits particularly with the hotels. For example, as a Hyatt member, you get breakfast at every Hyatt Place Hotel (if you read about our Summer Road Trip, you know about this part of the chain:) As a frequent flyer member you will get advanced boarding ahead of non-members ....think about the overhead bins here...

Second, consider signing up for credit cards that will earn points and miles. Many have signing bonuses that can garner free flights or rooms. Often airlines cards will come with perks like free bags or preferred seating. Some cards will allow you to earn points that are transferable among a number of airlines and hotel properties. Most importantly, never sign up for any card that will place you in financial jeopardy. Seek advice from your financial institution if you need input.

THE POLARIS LOUNGE for Champagne

All airlines run specials and flash sales with very little notice and limited sign up availability. In the vast majority of cases, there will also be limited seats available at the sale prices. These will also be primarily coach seats. However, many of the foreign airlines, particularly, the middle eastern carriers (Emirates, Ethiad and Qatar) have business and first class sales on a regular basis. Singapore airlines also runs business class sales at least two times a year! Sign up on the individual airline websites. Another great place to look for premium class sales is on www.flyertalk.com.... go to the miles and points forums and click on Premium Fare Deals.

Luxury hotels often have specials on their website. Think outside the box at hotels like those of the Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental and Shangri La groups. Hotels that participate in the Virtuoso and American Express Fine Hotel and Resorts Programs offer an especially good deal. By booking through these programs, you will receive a breakfast upgrade (based on availability) late check out and a welcoming gift which is often a $100 credit toward food / beverage or spa! You can find and book Virtuoso Hotels at www.classictravel.com. Many credit cards such as Chase Sapphire Reserve also have hotel programs associated with them.

If you are a Costco member, they have an online travel program which often has Luxury Hotel bargains. Recently, Costco (I would have never guessed if I hadn't seen this while actually in the store!) was offering the following:

Maui: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Limited - Time Package / Luxury Oceanfront Resort / $500 Resort Credit / Stay 5/Pay 4, Full-size Rental Car & Daily Buffet Breakfast.

ROSANNA'S TIPS:

* Whenever available, we book using Virtuoso benefits ...look here FIRST. Ask for Lance.....he has been the architect of many of our WOW trips...* We both belong to United and Alaska Frequent Flier programs. United just because of it's great partner programs - Emirates and Cathay Pacific - Yippee!* We belong to Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and Mandarin Oriental Hotel programs. Join NOW! It takes 5 minutes.....* When flying internationally, whether in Business or First Class, take advantage of the Lounges. Some are just spectacular!