Use the 24-Hour Rule to Your Advantage

Here's an interesting wrinkle that we bet few have thought of. Ken Kurtis of Reef Seekers Dive in Beverly Hills, CA, advises, "Whenever you buy an airline ticket, and it doesn't matter if it's for a dive trip or a family vacation, don't forget that all airlines are required by federal law to allow you to cancel the ticket and get a full refund -- even on non-refundable tickets -- within 24 hours of making your purchase.

"So any time you buy a plane ticket, keep checking back for the next 24 hours. If the airfare drops, cancel your original ticket and get a refund, and go with the lower fare, which will also trigger a new 24-hour window."

Thanks, Ken, for an imaginative solution to that frustrating problem of wondering whether to book and ensure a place, or wait to see if there's a price reduction later.