Travel

I go to Google flights about 3-5 weeks out if possible, and see which are the best days to go and return in the week I want to travel. Then I will enter those dates, look over their data, but go to the Airline website to book. That way you have a much easier time if you need to alter/cancel your reservation, and sometimes the airline site will be a bit cheaper since you are a member of their frequent flyer program.

on edit: I have also learned to fly from the nearest hub airport. I live in Columbia, SC which has about 300,000 people in the metro area, but I save 40-50% by driving an hour to Charlotte NC. Since the Columbia flights are going to usually connect in Charlotte or Atlanta anyway, it doesn't take any more time and I avoid one potential luggage-losing transfer.