I don’t have to tell you it’s getting late. But you can still create a Valentine’s Day getaway…or, a Presidents Day weekend…or even combine the two (a vote for love?). You have to act fast, though, AND, follow my 5-Last Minute Tips. To see them, just click “more”.

5 Best Last-Minute Tips for Valentine/Presidents Day Travel

1. It’s Not Too Late: But, the more you procrastinate, the more you have to head for the lower cost airlines

• AirTran has a 10 day-advance purchase window for the cheapest flights
• Southwest and US Airways have a 7 day-advance purchase window
• Most other airlines require 14 or more days — you only have a efw days left
• Read the rest of these tips, then, BOOK NOW

2. Avoid Popular Spots on Popular Days: On Super Bowl weekend, don’t try to fly from Boston to Phoenix (or resign yourself to paying as much as $3K for a roundtrip airline ticket)

• A trip from LA to Las Vegas was $62 last fall; it’s double for Valentine’s Day
• Remember the formula: popular places + popluar times = ridiculous prices

3. Look for Less Popular Spots: Self-explanatory

• If you’re in the Northeast, try a Florida getaway: prices are good for Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and Tampa — Miami will likely cost you more
• Skiers: what’s cheaper, Denver, Reno or Salt Lake? We have the answer here.

4. Find the Deals from Home and Nearby: Flexibility is key

• Look for bargains from your airport, and try nearby major hubs as well
• Check out FareCompare’s Deals page; we have plenty to choose from

5. Make it a Lo-o-o-o-ong Weekend

• Leave Wed. before Valentine’s Day, and depart the Tues. after Presidents Day for the cheapest flights (Tues., Wed., Thurs. and Sat. are the cheapest days to fly)
• Fly at least one-leg of your trip on a “cheapest flying” day (at least half your trip will be a better bargain)
• Fly the cheapest time of day: evenings or overnights (lunch or early early morning are the next best)