You may have heard that the best way to save money on vacation travel is through package deals but did you know that there are strategies you can use for getting incredibly cheap vacation packages? Travelers who can be flexible are the most likely to get the best deals. Read on to find out how flexibility is your ticket to a vacation of a lifetime.

· Destination – If you can be flexible about where your vacation takes you, you have better odds of finding rock bottom prices on airfare and lodging. The good news is, that while not having a specific destination in mind is helpful, you don’t have to be utterly open to the four corners of the Earth, either. You can narrow down the possibilities to a manageable level by choosing potential destinations either by activity and type such as beaches and surfing, or by general vicinity such as Europe or Asia.

· Dates and timing – Not only is it important to be flexible with arrival and departure dates but also with the time of day of flights. It’s also a good idea to be open about how many days you can travel. Additionally, being able to book either far in advance or at the last minute will give you a leg up on getting deep discounts.

· Airport – For the best prices, generally traveling to and from a major airline hub such as Atlanta, Los Angeles or Dallas is your best bet. However, if you find yourself in the position to fly out of an airport in another country, that can result in big savings as well. Often foreign airports offer inexpensive hops between frequently traveled destinations. Once you arrive, be sure to check in with a local travel agency for information on packages available from your current destination.

Using these tips, a little flexibility will take you a long, long way.