How - and when - to get the best deals on these top 5 vacation destinations

While last-minute deals often get a lot of press, what smart travelers know - and live by - is that thinking ahead is the most reliable way to get the best deals. After all, waiting until just before you're ready to go might leave you stuck with few options and lots of restrictions - or worse, no vacation at all. Airlines and hotels are thinking ahead, too, and are eager to fill up planes and hotels. That translates to great prices right now - the ideal time to book for the best vacation deals.