How long in advance do you plan trips?

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by jlawrence01

...I was even able to score some reasonable car rental deals. I will be able to get lower rates closer BUT i want to lock in what I can get out now.

Ha, I do that too... book as cheap as possible car, far out... then grab a REALLY cheap priceline or hotwire car a day or less from travel. Lowest I got was $4.95 / day out of DEN... (I added 3500 miles to the clock )

Both ELP and Nashv (BNA) are on my 'frequent' list (Elderly parent in LC, NM, so ELP is VERY close and quite a nice Airport.) Be sure to get up there at least for a day in Old Mesilla Mesilla, New Mexico, USA http://www.google.com.hk/search?q=Ol...BsK_yQH8oIHYAw
The Farm Museum is pretty good too, as well as frequent culture / events at NMSU.

Nashville I use, but often head west to Knox. (Will be doing that from the east at end of month) SWA to Greenville, SC, then BR PRWY for fall collors and on down to GA.

This is close by BNA and pretty interesting to wander around,,, World's Tallest Treehouse Built From Reclaimed Wood | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building

Since I do the 'guesthome' thing I stayed with retired folks nearby in Fairfield Glen. (Crossville). Some terrific cabins too in the hills around Smokey Mtn NP. A good bargain for $10 / night including breakfast (and often dinner).

[jlawrence01]

Stealth,

I haven't had the luck with Priceline that I have with Alamo and Hertz. I have friends who are getting deals similar to yours.

ELP is one of my favorite places and I would like to work in CdJ once the drug war slows down. There is a great artist at the farmers' market in LC. She does some phenomenal paintings of the saints. A great gift for the Catholic friends.

Personally, While I like the Farm Museum, I prefer to head to the Chili Pepper Institute at NMSU. I have net with the director a couple of years ago and she got me some good samples of the Bhut Jalokia.

Agree with Mesilla - one town and so many restaurants.

Also like to make a stop at Cattleman's Ranch in Barens, TX. Great town - one of the friendliest in Texas. They always let me use the internet at the library to catch up with e-mails.

Been to Fairfield Glade a lot - family used to own lots in the area. Personally, I like Cookeville a lot, esp Tenn Tech.

Where are you getting $10 rates in east Tennessee?

I have to get to BNA in 2013 to decide where to retire.

[annerk]

It varies. As of right now I've got my trip to the UK booked for next spring, and am waiting for friends to finalize a date for a trip to California over the summer. I've also got my trip to Tahiti in 2014 booked and partially paid for. I tend to plan ahead, but sometimes something interesting will come up last minute and we'll jump on it.

[Ameriscot]

We're retired so can go anytime we want and look for good deals. Except for train trips to London all of our trips are international - Australia, US, Uganda, Morocco, European continent.

We start checking airline prices 11 months in advance.