Gas prices go up every summer, we all know that. So maybe before you pack up the car for a summer roadtrip adventure, think about how you’ll be getting to Colorado for this year’s whitewater rafting vacation.

From Reuters to The Washington Post, news sources across the country are reporting on cheap airline tickets, all because of the airlines’ needs to fill seats. What this means for us is cheap travel to our favorite summer vacation spots, including Colorado.

A few things to remember when pricing flights for your summer rafting vacation in Colorado:

• Travel midweek: flights arriving and departing Tuesday-Thursday are often cheaper than weekend tickets.
• Investigate smaller airports: in Colorado, try flying to Colorado Springs instead of Denver. You may find better deals on flights and lodging, not to mention you’re closer to the Arkansas River.
• Pack lightly: many airlines now charge for any checked baggage. Keep it small to avoid fees.
• Be flexible: most airline websites allow you to chose a range of travel dates, which means you can search for the cheapest fare.
• Do your research: shop around for car rental and lodging companies. You may get a better deal just by calling and asking.

To read The Washington Post’s full article on Air Travel Deals, click here.