HOUSTON -- Has the bad economy downsized your dream vacation? Maybe you're thinking your big plans are too big for your budget. Some KPRC Local 2 viewers asked investigative reporter Amy Davis where and how to find the best travel deals for your dollar.

Davis said you don't have to sacrifice your summer vacation just to stay afloat.

Pack your bags, get in the car and get ready to fly away. Summer is just around the corner and we've got tips from travel pros to help you squeeze your summer vacation into an already tight budget.

"It's a buyer's market of unprecedented proportions," said "Today" show travel editor and author Peter Greenberg. "It's staggering. It's not just domestic, it's global."

Greenberg said the tough economy means you can still find great trips and spend a lot less getting them. The key is knowing when to strike a deal with the airlines.

"The best day to book an airline deal has nothing to do with online. The best day to book an airline deal is just after midnight Tuesday night. That's 12:01 a.m. Wednesday morning," Greenberg explained.

But Greenberg said you actually have to call the airlines because airline deals are first available over the weekend. They're gone in a flash by Monday morning.

But most airlines give customers 24 hours to actually buy the flights they reserved. Many don't.

"So, all those people who booked those low, low airline fares but didn't purchase them by Tuesday night, all those fares come suddenly flying back in the airline's computer system," Greenberg said.

But those deals don't automatically show up online. That means you have to get on the phone with the airlines. Greenberg said most people can't believe booking online is not always cheaper.

"They say, 'Wait a minute. If I talk to a human being, it just cost me $30.' I said, 'I just saved you $600. Do you want to do the math?'" Greenberg said.

The numbers also show you will find some of the best bargains of the summer out at sea.

"Cruise lines are actually selling seven-night Caribbean cruises right now for $249. If you do the math, that's $35 a night and you can't afford to wake up in Houston for $35 a night, and that includes your free meals," said Greenberg.

Greenberg said many Alaskan cruises are offering two-for-one deals this summer.

AAA Travel in Houston found a 12-day Scandinavian cruise first priced at more than $2,300 now cut in half to $1,099.

"Luxury upscale cruises are offering prices for their luxury suites at mass-market prices,” said AAA Travel's Sarah Schimmer. “Hotels are offering free nights. Rental cars are offering free upgrades. Restaurants are offering two-for-one meals."

Experts said even once super-expensive getaways such as Hawaii are drastically coming down in price.

Greenberg said next to cruises, the best travel bargain out now is a place you would probably never think about.

"Argentina," said Greenberg. "The Argentina peso is 3.6 to the U.S. dollar. It's the all-time greatest bargain I've seen in a long time."

Greenberg told Davis he just paid for dinner for six, including appetizers, wine and dessert at one of the most expensive restaurants in Buenos Aires. The tab, including tip, was $104.

Davis also talked with folks at the popular travel guide Frommer's. She posted their answers to your travel questions on her Ask Amy blog, as well as some other good links to discount travel Web sites.