Don't scrimp on this savings advice

Are you one of those people who waited till the last minute to book a flight, thinking you would snag a bargain airfare? You might wish you had heeded this from the United States Tour Operators Association:

"When it comes to air fare . . . waiting for last-minute bargains, contrary to popular belief, does not guarantee the best price. Booking early will often help lock in the best price and the best routing."

That is one bit of advice that emerged when the association surveyed its members, who move more than 11 million vacationers about yearly. Here are some more hints and strategies:

A strong euro means that a four-star hotel can cost up to $450 or more per night, and meals and sightseeing can cost more than you had counted on. Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Europe suggest looking for cruise-tour prices bundled in dollars at the time of purchase. That protects against further devaluation.

Choose train travel over renting a car.

Travel in the shoulder seasons (just before and after a destination's busiest time) to get value pricing.

Look for discounts for children 17 and younger.

With an escorted tour, more features are usually included in the package price than if you visited the same places on your own.

A lower-priced tour may not always be the best buy, because it may not include as many features as another. Look for packages and tours that include as many meals as possible, because dining is one of the biggest expenses on the road.

Cfares.com calls itself the first site to offer access to discounted consolidator airfares and deals direct from airlines and big travel sites. In addition, cFares.com has a name-your-own-price feature called cAgent that identifies the airline and itinerary before you buy, although the process can take up to a week. The levels of membership are Gold, which is free, and Platinum, which costs $50 a year, although a qualifying purchase gets you your first year free.

Even from mainland Chile, Easter Island can be a long and relatively expensive trip. But don't despair: There is an authentic moa, which is what the mystical island statues are called, on the grounds of Museo Fonck in the city of Viña del Mar , about a two-hour drive from the capital, Santiago. It is one of only six true moas outside Easter Island, and there is no charge to view or pose for pictures with it. Museo Fonck is an archeological museum containing 1,400 items.

For those already thinking about autumn getaways, the 17 Bed & Breakfasts of Historic Cape Cod Bay are plotting a three-day murder mystery extravaganza Oct. 26-28 . The whodunit, titled "Marriage Can Be Murder," revolves around the Halloween wedding festivities of an aging Hollywood actress and a "one-hit wonder" country western singer. Guests are asked to help constables track down the murderer by visiting the 17 inns. The package, whose price varies according to the inn you stay at, includes two nights' accommodations, a three-course dinner and champagne toast Friday night, breakfast on Saturday followed by the "murder investigation," and a rail trip on the Cape Cod Railroad's Sunday Brunch Train . Visit historiccapecodbay .com and click on Cape Cod Activities and Events.

If you subscribe to travel websites or any websites that require a password, use a different one for each site, combining numbers and upper- and lower-case letters. Although such passwords are a nuisance to keep track of, they just might prevent someone from having a wonderful trip on your dime.

The Leading Hotels of the World , an upscale group of properties, will offer newspapers from home -- or anywhere else -- via NewspaperDirect's Print- on-Demand , which lets hoteliers print newspapers from a choice of more than 500 national and international titles. The system uses digital printers or photocopiers at the hotel, and although the decision is up to the hotels, most of those who want the papers and are not on the executive-floor level will probably be charged extra.

Visit lhw.com and newspaper direct.com.

The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, R.I., offers an upscale two-night package for couples who take their dining seriously. On the first night there is a four-course tasting menu at its restaurant, The Spiced Pear, prepared by executive chef Kyle Ketchum and paired with a bottle of wine. On the second night, there is a four-course tasting menu, also paired with a bottle of wine, at your choice of The White Horse Tavern or The Mooring . Transportation to and from the restaurant is complimentary. Also included in addition to accommodations are continental breakfast and a newspaper daily, and tickets to the Breakers and one other mansion of your choice. The cost is $1,790 per couple or $2,190 on weekends.

Call 866-793-5664 or visit thechanler.com.

If you need a good laugh -- and these days, who doesn't -- the Providence Marriott Downtown can accommodate you with its Take Me to the Laughs Experience. In addition to accommodations and a breakfast buffet for two, the package includes two tickets to Catch a Rising Star comedy club , where the laughs flow Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Prices begin at $209.

Call 401-553-0409 or visit marriottprovidence.com .

One of the nation's most unusual bed-and-breakfasts can be found in Rhode Island's Blackstone Valley. The Samuel Slater is a 40-foot-long English-built canal boat that offers overnight stays as well as rides along the 46-mile Blackstone River. Overnight accommodations are $179 for two, including a full breakfast. An hourlong river cruise can be added for $90. The Samuel Slater also has clambakes at $50 a meal and British Tea Tours for $19.95 .

Call 800-454-2882 or visit bedandbreakfastblackstone.com .

When not included, hotel taxes, airport fees, and port charges can add significantly to the price of a trip. Most prices quoted are for double occupancy; solo travelers will usually pay more. Offers are subject to availability and there may be blackout dates. Richard P. Carpenter can be reached at carpenter@globe.com.