The secret to finding the best travel bargains

TO SAVE THE most on travel, resist the mainstream. Instead, think in every way — including where to go, how to go, and when to go — like a contrarian.

- ELAINE GLUSAC

The following are a few off-travel strategies to rely on.

Off-peak travel Off-peak travel, or going when everyone else isn't, generally gets you the best prices on costs that change with demand, including flights and accommodations. Kayla DeLoache, the US travel expert for the travel search site Kayak, said midweek flights tend to offer the best value while Fridays and Sundays are the most expensive thanks to the weekend surge. The same approach applies to the calendar. For summer travel, late May and late August flights can save travelers 15 to 20% on airfare compared to mid-July, when traffic peaks, according to DeLoache.