Students who book their flights and hotel reservations early and are part of a group generally get the best rates for spring break, he said. Some package offers include low rates as well.

Fall Semester is the best time for students to make reservations for spring break, which runs from March 8 to 12 this year, Vernon said. After Dec. 15, traveling rates increase anywhere from $30 to $100 per person.

"You pay more and have fewer options when you wait," he said.

Travel groups and agents normally buy a number of rooms and tickets at cheaper wholesale prices from an airline or hotel and can afford to pass some of the savings on to student travelers, he said.

With so many airlines and hotels to choose from, college students can be confused when selecting the best one for their budgets and needs. The most important thing students can do to get the best rates is investigate and compare prices themselves, said Paula Dorminy, Center for Travel, 114 S. Hiester St.

Students should always check prices directly with hotel and airline companies and compare them against rates travel agents give them, she said.

However, travel agents can be an advantage for students because they are able to compare costs from several different airlines or hotel rooms at once, Dorminy said.

Agents also have more knowledge about traveling than students and can save students time by booking reservations for them, she said.

However, Joshua Hentrich, manager of the Marriot Reach Resort in Key West, Fla., said it is better for students to make reservations directly through a hotel because there won't be any surprises.

"Travel agents promise a lot of things, but when students get there, it's not what they promised," he said.

Hotel operators know exactly what the property looks like and what amenities it offers, Hentrich said.

While there aren't normally any student rates to take advantage of, students can get lower room rates when traveling in large groups, said Karl Williamson, front office manager for Sheraton Suites Key West.

Sales departments of hotel chains often will negotiate lower room rates for groups booking eight or more rooms, he said. Students should contact the sales department several weeks in advance to get those prices.

Williamson said World Wide Web sites such as www.pricefind.com are good sources to help students find the best traveling rates.

Travelers should purchase their airline tickets several months in advance to find good rates, said Andrew Plews, general manager of media relations for United Airlines.

Students also can work with a travel agent or visit an airline's Web site to find good rates, he said. Special fares usually are updated every week on the site and there are always bargains.

For the most part, students should be able to find reasonable rates, said Thomas Creehan, consumer protection agent supervisor for the Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Students should ask for a verification number for any reservations they make so they can ensure they have a room or seat, Creehan said.