3. Book a package: Even if you have no intention of traveling with a group or staying in a mainstream hotel, a good way to beat skyrocketing airfares may be with a package deal, says Budget Travel's Nina Willdorf.

You might be able to get a hotel room or car rental included in the same total price as a ticket would cost alone. That's because travel companies locked in airfares long ago, so they can afford to offer them for less.<br> <br> "One of the big secrets finding deals this summer is going to be about booking a package," Willdorf says. "I've heard of some people booking a package and not even using all of the nights of the hotel just because the value of the trip is so good."
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( Chris Walker/Tribune )

You might be able to get a hotel room or car rental included in the same total price as a ticket would cost alone. That's because travel companies locked in airfares long ago, so they can afford to offer them for less.

"One of the big secrets finding deals this summer is going to be about booking a package," Willdorf says. "I've heard of some people booking a package and not even using all of the nights of the hotel just because the value of the trip is so good."