For Memorial Day weekend I am going to Chicago. I've never been there before, and I am psyched. Rumor is I'll be amongst Presidential company as well.

When planning this getaway, three of my friends decided they wanted to make it a road trip and spend the day driving from DC to Illinois. Being much smarter than them (and by that I mean spring break '07, driving from Pittsburgh to Panama City Beach - lesson learned), I booked my flight and told them I'd meet them there.

I bought my ticket a few weeks ago, and it was pretty reasonable. I'm glad I did it then, because five of the major U.S. airlines just announced additional fees for peak summer days. In this case, "peak" seems to be any day from June 10 - August 22, excluding July 4th.

I'd yet to stop complaining about additional charges to check my suitcase - then this.

To help keep costs down this summer use the following tips:

• Book early to get the best rates.
• Try to travel on "off" days. Friday and Saturday flights tend to be more expensive, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays being the cheapest.
• Booking airfare and hotel stays as a "package" will often save you money, rather than booking separately.
• Carry on your luggage if possible to avoid baggage fees.