If you’ve been cooped up all winter, there’s nothing like a last minute vacation to break up the monotony. It’s spring break … time to surf for travel bargains, shed that cabin fever, and hit the road! You’ll find last minute vacation deals in all the usual places — Travelocity, Expedia, Priceline, and Orbitz — and some unusual places, too. In fact, it’s the unusual places that hold those hidden vacation gems. With that in mind, here are some last minute vacation tips …

Traveling light is one of the most important keys to a glorious last minute vacation. “Pack half as many clothes and twice as much money,” is one of my favorite pieces of advice. If you forget something — and you really really need it — you can always buy it.

Think off-season. Hitting the hot-spots in the off-season can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars. While many popular night spots and other attractions might be closed, you’ll avoid those dreaded crowds. You can’t put a price on peace and quiet.

If you can find a ski resort that’s still open — and they’re still out there — you’ll enjoy a last minute vacation packed with spring skiing at a significant reduction in room rates. I’m writing from Killington, Vermont … a resort well known for its mountains of mashed potatoes and plenty of springtime vacancies.

Is the ocean more your thing? Don’t sweat the premiums you might pay to visit the tropics for a last minute vacation at this time of year. Instead, think about more northern beaches, where “the season” doesn’t start until Memorial Day (or later). From Cape Cod to the Carolinas, the early spring bargain beaches beckon …