So, you've heard that a great way to save money on last minute travel plans is to use a bid to win travel auction. Tales of 65% or more off of regular retail prices are almost enough to make your head spin, right? And of course in today's economy everyone wants to save money and time!

The truth is that yes, travel auction sites can be just a fabulous as you've heard. Cruise deals bidding sites can get you the hottest cruises at a fraction of the price, and travel auction bidding is all the rage for world travelers. But travel auction sites are not quite as simple as the click-and-point dream you might have imagined.

Usually these cruise deals bidding sites buy up unsold airline tickets, cruise ship rooms, and hotel suits and offer them to you the consumer as a significantly cheaper price than normal. However there are a few things that should be taken into consideration before you being your bidding!

1. Travel auction sites are usually very honest, but check their Better Business Bureau rating anyway. There are a few scammers out there and you don't want to get caught up in a mess that you didn't intend to get involved with!
2. Travel auction bidding has terms and conditions. Make sure that you read the fine print before you begin bidding. The prices you are bidding on are for the trip only, or for the package that you're buying. But sometimes there are taxes, fees, or other monies involved. Make sure that you check all the requirements before you bid. Also remember that a bid is usually considered a binding legal contract. Cruise deals bidding sites usually requires that you pay for anything you win, even if you wind up bidding more than you planned, or if you didn't budget for t he taxes. So always double check the terms and conditions on a bid to win travel auction. Sometimes individual travel auctions also have special terms so be sure to read these as well.
3. Know where you want to go before you start looking. Though you will sometimes a find a travel auction for an amazing location that you never dreamed of going to, you will have better luck finding good prices if you have at least a general plan about what location you want to visit. Most Travel and Cruise deals bidding sites allow you to sort by location so you can easily narrow down your choices. Knowing where you want to go also helps you make sure that you can be on top of getting passports, shots, or any other special requirements for an overseas location.
4. Set a budget before you ever start bidding. The key to winning a these bid to win travel auctions is to remember that there are usually more than one auction offering similar locations and services. You don't have to bet the bank on one specific auction. Set your maximum budget before you even start looking at prices. Keep it posted where you can see it easily while bidding. After all, a trip is no fun if you spend all your money getting there and have no pocket change after you arrive.
5. Be realistic in your expectations. Yes, you can get some of the best deals on earth with travel auction bidding. But you're not going to get a $3000 tripe for $22. Even most bids start at about $1, they don't stay there long. The best way to get a great price is to compare what you're bidding on to the full price sites. That way you can spot deals and snap them up!
6. Be flexible. No, we don't mean bend over and touch your toes! The travel and cruise deals bidding sites have to offer usually are on unusual days, or at less traveled times of the month or year. Also, when you purchase a trip package on a bid to win travel auction, it usually cannot be altered. Know your schedule far enough in advance to take advantage of these specials. Also, most of the best deals are posted just a few days before they depart. So be sure that your arrival and departure dates have a some wiggle room to ensure that you get the best deal possible!