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For seven days at BlackEnterprise.com, we offer seven steps to refreshing and recharging your network — weather you’re an introvert or extrovert — so you’ll attract the right people and start building long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships. Building a community of people who support you does takes time, but there are strategic ways you can get started expanding your professional network today!

BOSS MOVE, DAY SEVEN: Take time to rest and recharge before starting the networking journey all over again.

Even God rested on the seventh day! After attending events, perfecting your elevator pitch, organizing your contacts, cultivating your existing connections, upgrading those social networking profiles and following up with those you’ve met, it’s time to take a breather.

Why is rest important? To be healthy, a day of renewal is necessary. We must set aside time to renew our spirits, to catch our breath and to become a living being once more. You can’t properly continue making quality connections if you’re all burned out from the week, month or year before. One of my favorite quotes is from the “Master Networker” George C. Fraser: “In between the promise and the payoff is the process.” Remember, the process only works when you work it.

Relax, renew and rest. Have a spa day, do your favorite leisure activity, read a great book or take a vacation. All of these things help keep you balanced and prepped to make your next boss move.

BOSS MOVE, DAY ONE: Develop a Networking Database

BOSS MOVE, DAY TWO: Cultivate Your Current Relationships

BOSS MOVE, DAY THREE: Maximize Your Social Networks

BOSS MOVE, DAY FOUR: Put Your Elevator Pitch Into Action

BOSS MOVE, DAY FIVE: Put Your Networking Skills to the Test

BOSS MOVE, DAY SIX: Perfect the Art of the Follow-Up

Cameka Smith is a speaker, educator, social entrepreneur and founder of The BOSS Network, a community of career and entrepreneurial women who support each other through conversation, online and via event-based networking. In addition, Smith provides resources for women entrepreneurs and professionals through workshops and speaking engagements. She is also a mentor and program facilitator for Project BOSS, which matches professionals with youth.

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With Thanksgiving already scratched off the calendar, there’s only one month remaining in 2011. Whether it’s been a great year or a trying one it’s not too early (or late) to start thinking about your New Year’s Eve plans. A house party with close family friends beats an overpriced venue filled with intoxicated strangers any day; but why not consider a warm weather getaway as a relaxing alternative? With plummeting temperatures across much of North America and Europe, many already have the travel itch to soak up some sun and culture. Here are a few options to get you inspired.

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GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA

This small tropical country has varied weather, ranging from misty and cool to having a dry season in certain regions. The rainy season, which has been dubbed the “green season” by the local tourism industry, is from May to mid-November. As a result, Costa Rica’s peak tourist season runs from late November to April as a large number of North American and European tourists flock to the Central American wonder to escape the winter chill.

The Guanacaste region, located in the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, has become one of the more popular destinations, especially during the months of December and January. The main reason being the weather is consistent here year-round with 12 hours of sunshine (whether it’s dry or wet season). The wild nature tours, volcanoes and breathtaking beaches also offer an eclectic mix of options for those that want to do a variety of things while on vacation.

Where to stay in Guanacaste:

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive package, Villas Sol Hotel and Beach Resort, located in Playa Hermosa, is an option. The hotel is nestled on a steep hill with a picturesque view that’s 40 minutes away from the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste. Internet and wifi access is available for an additional charge.

If you’re on a tight budget Luna Llena is an economical option. Surrounded by a jungle that overlooks the ocean, guests can expect to awake to the sounds of wildlife, such as monkeys playing in the trees and don’t be surprised if you see an Iguana or woodpecker in passing.

For information on tour packages in Guanacaste and other fun activities, visit GuanacasteCostaRica.com.

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MONTE-CARLO

If you’re not seeking a tropical destination but still desire a change of scenery that’ll make for an extravagant getaway, consider Monaco with its sunny days and 50 to 65 degree temperatures in January. The Principality of Monaco, also known as Monte Carlo, is the second smallest country in the world (Vatican City in Europe is the smallest). Set on the southern coast of France along the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco is known for its luxurious casinos, tax-friendly lifestyle and year-round large-scale events. Those who reside here tend to be very wealthy, which results in an extremely high cost of living.

The months of November through March tend to be Monaco’s off-season. Although travel rates may still seem pricey for some, booking during this time is your best bet to get there at the lowest price possible. From December 29, 2011 to January 2, 2012, The Hotel Hermitage and The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort are offering the “Monte-Carlo New Year Star Package,” which accommodates two for about $2,400 U.S.. Remember, January is considered the low season for this expensive destination so fares and rates are even higher at other times of the year. For further information on this package and family New Year’s hotel packages, email: info@VisitMonaco.com.

The great thing about a small region like Monaco is that getting around to sightsee won’t be a problem as most locations are within walking distance. The Prince’s Palace at Monte Carlo is a top go-to destination and many would agree that the daily changing of the guard at 11:55am is a must-see. Visitors can also check VisitMonaco.com for more information on fun sightseeing activities.

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BAHAMAS

The Bahamas is located in the Atlantic Ocean north of Cuba and considered part of the Caribbean. Its high season is generally December through April, with temperatures averaging in the mid to late 70’s in December and January.

Nassau is the capital city with luxurious resorts, financial centers and tourists reveling in the island’s beauty. December is a fun month for the Bahamas with Junkanoo, an annual Bahamian festival celebrating the New Year. Junkanoo festivities run from December 26th through January 1st with thousands parading around in colorful costumes and dancing throughout the town.

Visitors should be sure to check out Bay Street, where they can enjoy the duty-free prices of designer and luxury items in the shopping district. There’s also the Straw Market, where there’s more shopping and the chance to socialize with Bahamian locals.

Where to stay in Nassau:

The Nassau Palm Hotel offers discounted rates during the month of December and is located just a short distance from the major shopping areas. For a more laid-back atmosphere, opt for The Marley Resort & Spa in Cable Beach, Nassau, a former vacation home of the late musician, Bob Marley and his wife Rita.

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PUERTO RICO

This tropical paradise is located between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean with temperatures being pretty much the same year-round, averaging 75-80 degrees in December and January.

Those who wish to spend their time somewhere other than the beach can visit the El Yunque National Forest in Sierra de Luquillo, the Bacardi Rum Factory or the Rio Camuy Cave Park. For special packages offering deals to Puerto Rico for December and January, log on to PuertoRicoSmallHotels.com.

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MOROCCO

Morocco is located in Northwest Africa, along the Mediterranean coastline with a climate that varies, depending on the region. December and January tend to be cooler, especially at night but the temperatures still average in the mid 60s to 70 degrees. If the weather permits, be sure to visit Agadir Beach, the top beach resort in Morocco, which is lined with cafes, restaurants and nightlife. For more fun activities, sightseeing information and special deals, visit Morocco-Travel.com.

Time to make a move (Image: Thinkstock)

Is that timeshare you bought back when times were good now starting to drain your finances? Or have you come to realize that your timeshare purchase was an unwise move, from an investment standpoint?

Either way, if you own a timeshare that you want to get rid of, rest assured that you don’t have to be stuck with that vacation property for life.

Here are some strategies to unload or manage a timeshare you no longer want or simply can’t afford.

Double-Check Your Contract

As a first step, be sure to familiarize yourself with your purchase agreement, as it may allow you to sell your timeshare to someone else.

The key is to find out whether you have a deeded timeshare or a leased timeshare property. With a deeded timeshare, you’re the exclusive owner forever; while with a leased timeshare you are only the owner for a set number of years. If your contract specifies that it’s a deeded timeshare, you do have the right to sell your timeshare to someone else. If you have a leased timeshare, you may have to keep paying your annual fees until the lease expires.

Either way, until you actually complete a sale of a timeshare property, it’s your responsibility to remain up to date with your annual maintenance payments and any taxes or fees the resort imposes.

Submit a buyback or deedback offer to the property management company

Some timeshare companies will also buy back a property you’ve purchased – as long as it’s in their financial interests to do so. A lot of this depends on how much demand there is for the unit you’ve bought or the overall level of interest in that resort’s facilities.

While you’re not likely to get anywhere near the price you originally paid, it’s still a good idea to see if the company you bought from is interested in buying back your timeshare.

If the annual fees on the property are the reason you want to dump a timeshare, explain that to the property management company. Even if they won’t buy it outright, the property management company may allow you to deed back your timeshare to the organization. With a “timeshare deedback,” you basically agree to give your timeshare back to the resort – and then you’re off the hook for any future payments on it.

Advertise With a Reputable Organization

Many vacation-marketing companies will charge you an upfront fee to sell your timeshare. That’s a money-drainer waiting to happen. Never pay an advance fee to anyone who promises to unload your vacation timeshare. The individual or company could make away with your money and do absolutely nothing. And that happens way more often than you might think.

One reputable, consumer-oriented organization you can trust to help you advertise and sell your timeshare is called the Timeshare Users Group, or TUG. They are known to be the first and largest timeshare owner network.  When you visit their web site you find numerous articles, tips and advice on everything related to timeshare ownership including buying, renting and selling your timeshare.

TUG will even let you advertise your timeshare (for rent or sale) on their free classifieds section called “Timeshare Marketplace.” Additionally, TUG allows members see a sales history database, so you can glean up-to-date information on timeshare sales and properly price your timeshare.

Try an Auction Site

Another option for doing away with an unwanted timeshare is to try sell it on ebay or even Craigslist. There are both individuals and companies selling their timeshares on ebay. In fact, my husband purchased three properties in what is known as the “timeshare aftermarket” on eBay. Two of the properties were purchased from eBay “power sellers,” and the last one from an individual owner. If you sell your timeshare to a third party, just be sure to find out what fees your home resort will charge to transfer ownership of your property from you to the buyer.

Consider renting it out

If all else fails, and a sale doesn’t go through, try renting your timeshare. Check with the company you bought your timeshare from to inquire about renting the unit out when you don’t want it or can’t use it. In many cases, the vacation timeshare company has a time separate rental division – apart from its sales department – to handle rentals exclusively. They may charge you a fee, but it will probably be worth it. After all, the rental fees you derive may be enough to cover the annual maintenance fees you must pay on the timeshare.

“Ask The Money Coach” is a syndicated column written by personal finance expert Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, co-founder of the free financial advice blog, AskTheMoneyCoach.com. Follow Lynnette on Twitter at @themoneycoach.

For more travel tips, visit blackenterprise.com/outofoffice

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Even though school is back in session and the calendar reads September, it’s actually not too late to do something fun—and financially smart, too. I’m talking about taking a true end-of-summer getaway. Now, before you think that the time for a summer vacation is over, consider that the summer season actually officially ends September 30, giving you a few weeks to squeeze in a last-minute trip or long weekend at bargain basement rates.

Many people underestimate “the power of a weekend getaway in September,” says travel guru, author and MochaManual.com “mom blogger” Kimberly Seals Allers. “But a lot of great deals are available from now until September 30th.”

The reason deals currently abound—from San Francisco to Washington D.C. and all points in between—is because hotels, restaurants, airlines and others travel-related businesses are eager to attract customers during what is traditionally a slow season. So if you have even a wee bit of flexibility in your schedule, that makes the last few weeks of September a prime time for discounted travel.

For a girlfriends’ getaway, individuals with kids, or people with an interest in African-American history, Allers recommends the Orlando, FL region as a prime destination worth considering. Right now, the city of Orlando is pulling out all the stops to lure visitors, by packaging everything from 50% off hotel rates to sweet food deals to steep discounts on attractions and local points of interest. A full list of “2nd Summer” travel deals can be found at VisitOrlando.com/deals.

Beyond Orlando’s well-known theme parks, Allers says the eco-tourism side of the area is sure to be a hit with children of all ages, especially activities like zip lining at Gatorland, learning about birds at a local aviary, or taking an airboat ride to the Florida everglades to enjoy nature.

In July, Allers took her own daughter Kayla, 11, and her son Michael, 7, to these places and the kids had a blast. The family also went to the Kennedy Space Center, a short drive from Orlando, and had a meet and greet with an astronaut.

Orlando shopping and restaurants will be a draw for friends traveling together, Allers adds, noting that in Orlando, September is “Magical Dining Month,” so more than 60 restaurants are offering three-course, prix fixe dinners for a wallet-friendly price of $30.

For a bit of Black culture in Orlando, there’s the legendary Wells’ Built Hotel, which was the only place in the area that African-Americans—including the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Thurgood Marshall, and Jackie Robinson—could get lodging during the era of segregation. Right outside of the city, as well, is the historic town of Eatonville, “where a welcome tour shows you a lot of historical significance about this place, which was the first municipality in the U.S. to be incorporated by Blacks,” Allers says. Eatonville is also the hometown of Zora Neale Hurston—a festival in honor of the writer is held annually and The Hurston Museum showcases the work of Black artists every year, starting with an exhibition season that is free to attend and kicks off each September.

If Florida is too far, “think about a destination that’s drivable,” Allers suggests. “Traveling can give your kids a great experience and if you can get one or two mini breaks in, it really helps the school year move along—and pretty soon it’ll be time for winter break.”

In the meantime, if your getaway gives you a break without breaking your budget, consider yourself lucky—and financially savvy, too—as you enjoy one last summer hurrah.

For more travel tips, destinations and best places to stay, eat and play,  visit blackenterprise.com/outofoffice

Travel blogger Kiratiana Freelon.

Taking a vacation can be more stressful than restful. From the cost to the tedious details of planning to finding your way through foreign cities—traveling can be intimidating—especially for the novice adventurer. Despite the hassle, getting “out there” is an invaluable asset to both your personal and professional life, raising your awareness about cultures outside of your own and giving you the opportunity to become more worldly.

That’s why a growing number of black travel bloggers are stressing the importance of travel, especially for African Americans.

Renee King, who writes the travel blog A View to a Thrill, has a few theories on why we sometimes resist the travel bug.

“It ranges from fear of the unknown to fear of flying to fear of interacting with different cultures when they have really been sheltered within their own neighborhoods,” she explains, and adds that for some, fear of people considering them bourgeois could be a factor. But she says that shouldn’t stop people from traveling.

“At some point, you have to decide if you are going to live for yourself or live down according to someone else’s expectations,” she asserts.

Vaughn Richardson, co-author of The Nubian Drifter agrees and thinks taking excursions provide more than a fun distraction from everyday life.

“It gives you a sense of how other people live… and it makes for a richer experience,” he says.

Harvard graduate Kiratiana Freelon, who writes Kiratiana Travels, was thrust into the world of travel in 2002 after receiving a $20,000 fellowship. Her goal at that time was to write a black travel guide. “I wanted to help other people learn about how they could live abroad,” she says.

And Freelon is still on the move. But she doesn’t just pick-up and head to far-off lands without some planning and sacrifice. “It starts with your lifestyle,” she says. Freelon saves an estimated 10 percent of each paycheck, for at least one trip abroad and three to four domestic trips annually, and she also keeps an eye out for deals via Twitter. Her top recommendations:

1. New York Habitat
Freelon says it’s often cheaper to rent an apartment versus several hotel rooms or a suite when traveling in large groups to major cities like Paris, London and New York.

2. Airfare Watchdog
“They are always the first people to know crazy unadvertised deals,” says Freelon. “I scored a $350 round-trip ticket to Paris and my friend in New York City scored three $200 tickets to Barcelona.”

3. FlyFromUSA
Freelon recommends this as another resource to find cheap domestic and international flights. There are also other select cities with FlyFrom feeds, just insert the name of the city after “FlyFrom”.

To get what Freelon calls a “black perspective” on visiting different cities, she’s compiled an extensive list of black bloggers to follow. Between the 68 on her list, a prospective pilgrim can find a post on just about any city in the world.

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Vaughn Richardson speaks to inner-city kids about the importance of travel.

Vaughn Richardson fell in love with traveling after a friend moved to Paris and invited him for a visit. Within the five years that followed, he had been to countries like Japan, Spain and Columbia. Now he wants to inspire kids of color to go outside of their comfort zone.

“I go around to local high schools in Philadelphia and give speeches about the benefits of studying abroad, global travel and also cultural immersion,” says Richardson, who specifically targets inner city students.

“With kids of color, it’s important for us to travel because it’s good to escape the confines of homogeneity,” he says.

Richardson leaves the country at least twice a year and says that he puts away anywhere from 15 to 20 percent of each paycheck for travel, and follows these feeds on Twitter to stay up on the latest deals:

1.  Travelzoo
“They give you kind of the inside deals that travel agents get and that you wouldn’t ordinarily have access to,” Richardson explains. He says followers can luck-up on offers that include flights with an extra perk or two.

“Buy a ticket to New Zealand and get a free overnight stay in Fiji—things like that,” he says. He listed TripAdvisor and Trazzler for similar bargains.

2. Tourists Guild
Richardson says this is good for people looking for things to do upon arrival.

“It gives you an overall sense of what to do when you get to certain places and they also give you an idea of how much things cost,” says the blogger. “If you don’t have a lot of time to do research you can just go on there and see what they have going on.”

3. Lonely Planet
Richarson swears by Lonely Planet and says he aspires to reach their level of expertise.

“Lonely Planet has been around for ages,” he says. “They are the quintessential, go-to people for travelers. They’re so thorough.

Richardson says one of Lonely Planet’s best features is a comprehensive list and accounting of travel in about every country in the world and ideas on what to do once you get there. However, the most valuable information, he says, is the information on cultural norms and conduct in different countries.

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Renee King wants to encourage other African Americans to travel.

Renee King didn’t start travel blogging until late in life. The 52-year-old administrative assistant says she was tired of her friend’s excuses about why they didn’t travel and decided to show them how through writing.

“I kept hearing so many of my black friends exclaim that they couldn’t afford it, they were convinced that it was beyond their means,” she says. “I think we need to get out of the mindset that travel is meant for others,” she argues. “We have to claim this world as our own and know that we have the god-given right to travel wherever our hearts lead us – we need to stop putting limits on ourselves.”

So with a little sacrifice and technological savvy—King provides a window to the world through her blog, A View to a Thrill. She’s shared a few resources she uses via Twitter.

1. Go-Today.com
King recommends using this feed to find package deals to Europe at a moment’s notice.

2. Rail Europe
King uses Rail Europe to get from country to country while in Europe. By following them on Twitter, she can access deals easily from anywhere. It’s also helpful because followers can direct message the business with questions and get an answer back fairly quickly.

3. Other Black Travel Bloggers
Like her fellow blogger, Kiratiana Freelon, King also advises following other black people who travel to get an idea of what it’s like through the eyes of another person of color. “They share first person accounts of their adventures,” she says of other bloggers. “I think a lot of the time people just need to be assured of the possibility.”

Below are a few of her favorites:

@ImBlacknITravel
@jaytravels
@Flybrother
@LolaAkinmade
@browngirlsfly
@ brianepeters

For more summer travel tips, visit blackenterprise.com/summertravel

When I start waxing sentimental about how I once loved to fly, my kids give me that look you give your grandfather when he runs that sob story about how he walked to school six miles each way every day, in all kinds of treacherous weather with no coat and brown paper bags tied to his feet for shoes, carrying 10 pounds of books and a stale butter sandwich because education meant that much to him.

My children just shake their heads when I tell them how I looked forward to seeing family members off on trips, how I’d stand at the big airport picture windows, with my face inches from the glass, thrilled to watch the planes take off and land. They couldn’t understand why I ever owned a prized Pan Am stewardess lunchbox or nursed a desire to actually become a flight attendant. They didn’t believe that passengers ever dressed up to fly, that you’d look forward to every trip like it was Christmas, or that flying itself was perceived as being glamorous, exciting, even luxurious.

Who can blame them? All they know of flying is the post-9/11 cattle-call of overwrought, under-served, barely fed, full-of-dread travelers who found out this week that the price they’re paying for the so-called privilege of flying is a whole lot higher than they thought.

According to the US Department of Transportation, the airline industry raked in a sky-high $5.7 billion in extra fees in 2010, which enabled the once bleeding industry to turn a profit for the first time in years. They socked us with these fees starting in 2008, as if we didn’t already have enough issues with snaking security lines, dumping an ocean’s worth of liquid that we were no longer allowed to put through scanners, and cramming ourselves sardine-like on to planes that routinely sat on runways for more than 30 minutes before take-off.

As airline amenities plummeted, their fees crept up slowly, often covertly, but with abandon. Today, if you book a ticket on the phone, it’s cha-ching to the tune of an extra $25 in some cases (versus about $7 on travel sites). Redeeming those precious frequent flier miles to save money on your next big vacation? Not for free! You’ll still pay in the form of fees or thousands more miles than your trip is actually worth. And whatever happens, pray you don’t have to change your ticket more than 24 hours after booking it. Change fees vary, but the standard has become $150 per change, per ticket.

Given how close seats are to each other these days, those exit rows are the next best thing to First Class. They’ve become premium real estate and airlines know it. But what’s it worth to you to be able to stretch your legs (or just cross them)? On some airlines, the exit row could cost you more than $100 extra! Others, like Spirit, assess a specific fee for every seat on the plane, with window seats costing the most. And yes, they’ll even charge you extra for that middle seat in the loud last row, right by the bathroom.

While all of these fees are a nuisance, and many are avoidable, the mother load of all fees is attached to baggage, which is why so many frequent fliers have mastered the art of packing a month’s worth of clothes, shoes, and toiletries (lots of 3-ounce bottles, I presume) into a regulation-size carry-on.

On most airlines, you’re going to dole out extra cash for every bag checked curbside, every pound over the airline’s limit, and every checked bag beyond your first. Fliers spent $3.4 billion on baggage fees alone last year! Delta made $952 million of it—and yet airlines still lost bags, destroyed them in handling, and took hours to get them from flights to baggage terminal conveyor belts. Come on! Is this fair? Of course not. But industry experts say these fees are going nowhere. They’re too lucrative; they’re saving a desperate industry, even if they’re killing us. So, what’s a frequent flier, or anyone who’s got to go where a bus, car, or train can’t take them, do?

If there’s a bit of good news, it’s that federal rules kick in this summer that require airlines to post fees clearly on websites, so you can shop around and manage your plans, and your luggage, accordingly. It’s worth noting that Southwest Airlines has been a lone hold-out in charging most of these fees, and they’ve still managed to keep their ticket prices relatively low.

Can we, who once loved to fly, hope that airline profits will help bring back a little of the pizzazz (or at least free pillows)? Nope. The glory days of commercial flight are gone. For a wistful glimpse of them, see the movie, Catch Me If You Can. Or, if you’re really good, I’ll let you see my Pan Am lunchbox.

Time to get away (Image: Thinkstock)

Where are you going this year on vacation? How long will you be gone? Have you already asked for the time off? I’m willing to bet that many professionals are unsure of the answer–and those who have planned a trip are probably not planning to be out of the office more than a week.

In a survey conducted by the career development organization Right Management, 46% workers polled admitted to not taking all of their vacation time for 2010. Although, Douglas J. Matthews, President and Chief Operating Officer for Right Management, explained that the number was slightly lower than the previous year, he also noted that workload and stresses of job security are usually the reasons employees forego their time off. But Matthews and other experts suggest that not taking time off can have adverse effects on the workers and the business environment.

Here are reasons why you really need to take your vacation time. No, really.

It’s a paid benefit. There are no federal laws that regulate vacation time, but many private companies offer it as a benefit. Benefits are part of your total compensation package, which can be negotiated before you take a job. Five to 10 days is the most Americans get in vacation time on average. It takes roughly 10 years for the average worker to be eligible for three weeks. Europeans start with a federally mandated 20 days, and many enjoy up to six weeks. You wouldn’t suggest that your boss hold part of your salary or a portion of your healthcare package. It’s time that’s owed to you. Take it!

Because everybody needs a break. American workers are about the only ones who don’t feel that way. In an article on America.gov called, For Many Americans, Hard Work is a Badge of Honor, the author notes that economists believe that the all-work-little-play mentality of American workers is what contributes to the high economic standard of living in this country. But health and psychiatric professionals will argue that workaholics are subject to a variety of health and emotional challenges that include hypertension, depression and a number of stress-related ailments. A growing number of companies are realizing it too. Some like Netflix offer unlimited vacation time as a way to better attract and keep talent and others like McDonald’s take it step further and offer sabbaticals to employees. Studies have shown that breaks from the office grind not only improve physical well-being and attitudes toward work, it also inspires creativity, which improves productivity and the quality of the work.

You’re an employee not a martyr. It’s important to be recognized for the work you do, but your efforts should never be at the expense of your physical or mental health. Smart employees learn how to balance their workloads, delegate responsibilities when possible, turn down certain assignments and take the necessary breaks to rejuvenate physically, mentally and emotionally. Martyrs die at their desks or their way to the office. The boss offers kind remembrances of their work, and then finds a replacement. Take your vacation time.

Wait, but not too late: While holding out can guarantee great deals, when it comes to airfare, there seems to be a point when airlines understand you are desperate and thus start raising the prices. While this is not the case in all instances, as I look now for the same flight closer to our departure date (one week) the cheapest fares are upwards of $600, about $100 more than what I paid.

Beware of the 1 a.m. theory: A money-savvy buddy of mine told me to check the airfares at about 1 a.m. since that’s when airlines make price changes. But you may also lose out on a good deal booking around this time as well. In a matter of minutes fares for the same exact flight went from $460 to$500.

Create a strategy: When it comes to getting deals, I’ve learned to employ a multipronged approach. This ranges from constantly checking your favorite travel site, following these sites on Twitter and Facebook for constant updates (consider creating a Twitter travel list) and subscribing to a Website’s news letters so you can get the deals as they’re posted. Subscribing to the newsletter will also let you track pricing trends for your particular destination.

Have any more tips on how to find a last minute flight at a bargain? Let me know!