Get a seat in the rear of the plane

If you'd like to get on the plane first, consider taking a seat in the rear of the plane. Most airlines with pre-assigned seating will board from the rear forward.

Of course if you are a frequent flyer with some kind of status you will get to board first so you can just sit wherever you'd like.

Earn up to 30,000 points or 10,000 miles from the Holiday Inn chain

Check out this promotion.

Here is what they say:

"Thinking about your next trip away? From 12 January –30 April 2009, earn 3,000 bonus points or 1,000 bonus miles for every 3rd qualifying night you stay, up to 30,000 bonus points or 10,000 bonus miles. What are you waiting for? Start packing!"

Watch out for special deals when new destinations are announced

When airlines start new routes, they usually have introductory fares. This is good time to buy. This is true for a new hotel as well as new destination for a train service. This helps to fill the seats and get customers accustomed to the new service. In addition to low fares, there are usually frequent flyer bonus miles involved.

Watch out for special deals

From time to time, hotels come up with some super deals. The latest is the Hoxton in London, England's Shoreditch area which has a limited amount of rooms for £1.

You can find details at: http://www.hoxtonhotels.com/offers-1pound.php. You have to go to the site at 12:00p U.K. time on January 29, 2009. Good luck.

Ask for two wake up calls

When you are staying in a hotel, always ask for two wake up calls.  make the second one about 15 minutes after the first.  This is good in case you go back to sleep after the first call.

Ask your hotel for an upgrade

When checking into a hotel, always ask if any upgrades are possible.  You have nothing to lose and an upgrade to gain.  Sometimes you may get a complimentary upgrade or the cost of the upgrade may not be that much more.  It may also include access to the hotel's Lounge which oftentimes comes with complimentary breakfast and/or afternoon drinks.

One way to be more likely to get an upgrade is to join the hotel's programs.  Once you've attained certain status, you are eligible for upgrades.  Also select credit cards will automatically give you preferred status.  Here are two examples:

1. Continental Airline's Presidential Plus card gives you privileged Gold status with Hyatt
   
2. The Ambassador program with InterContinental's Priority Club program gives you complimentary upgrades if available at select hotels.  The program currently costs 150 USD, but check out what you get for that amount of  money; it is totally worth it.
   

Give yourself a little extra time to get to your departure point

Things happen.  So when planning a trip give yourself extra time on your day of departure to get to the airport, coach, train or ferry stations.  This is especially true if taking public transportation.  It is a good idea to call ahead or check the Web sites of the service you are using to see if there are any planned delays.