Be certain to give a close friend or family member all details.

By this I mean ALL details. They should know your plans for evening and when you expect to be home. You should also be sure to give them all information on identity of your date and their picture. If your plans change and you are going to be home later, just give them a call. Sure, this sounds like you are back home with your Mother again, but at least your safe. It really can’t hurt!

Listen to yourself!!!

This one can’t be stressed enough. We are all equipped with some sense of intuition. Whether it is faint or screaming in your ear. You should listen to what your senses are trying to tell you. Don't try to ignore or rationalize your fears. It is a simple golden rule for life: “If you don’t feel safe, you probably aren’t!” Don’t ignore this! If at any time you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, end date immediately. It is better to be wrong than be harmed.

The above are rules that I used to guide me during my journey through online dating. I found them very successful. In fact, because I was able to get to know my dates before we met, I felt safer than on so-called "traditional" first dates. You just don't get that opportunity when you meet someone at a bar, club, coffee shop or by any other means.

Keep in mind, these rules are only my suggestions. Your safety is truly up to you. Use your common sense. Make up your own rules. Whatever you do, stay safe and play safe and you will have a lot more fun!!

2.Begin with Big Ones: www.expedia.com, www.orbitz.com, and www.travelocity.com, and Obvious Ones: www.cheapseats.com, www.cheapair.com, www.cheapflights.com, and www.hotwire.com .

3.Check out this site to find budget airlines and go to their sites for prices: http://www.flybudget.com . It lists some airlines I promise you you've never heard of, and comments from people who've flown them.

On a recent trip I took, Southwest beat out everyone except hotwire.com.

4.Try a consolidator. Frommers recommends following: http://www.frommers.com/activities/article.cfm?destid=AIRFARE&articleid=453 . 5.Visit sites of individual carriers. Sometimes you can get a better deal there.

7.Bid or name your price: http://www.skyauction.com/, www.priceline.com .