I am planning a trip to Spain in December of 2008. With the increase in gas prices am I better off to buy my ticket now while gas prices are lower than they are expected to be? Or wait and hope for a big sale or something?

Whoa! That IS a tough one. Pretty much every airline has already added a fuel surcharge fee - but that doesn't mean there is not going to be more in the month's ahead.

I think the smart move is to price everything now, both with us, other discounters and the airlines directly. Get a feel for what a good deal is and get an idea of what you want to pay. Use one of the fare watch services that will let you know when prices track up or down. If you don't see any sudden up trend that forces you to buy, then right around the 100 day before departure mark I would re-shop and buy. The 90 day mark is when airlines begin to look at their flight loads and change prices accordingly. Considering that almost every major American has reduced the number of flights this year because of gas prices, this summer, fall and holiday season is going to be full planes and no availability when it comes down to the wire.

So buy somewhere between now and a little later, but I would stay away from last minute if you don't want to be disappointed.