New York ? Planning on traveling in 2007? If you want to save money, plan ahead. Here’s how to save on travel expenses this year:

To save on airfares, go beyond the usual suspects. Web sites like Expedia.com and Orbitz.com don’t always include smaller airlines such as Jet Blue and Spirit in their search engines. Try searching www.kayak.com, www.sidestep.com and www.mobissimo.com.

Fly into a smaller airport. If you’re headed to Boston, consider the Providence, R.I., airport or the Manchester, N.H., airport. Both are less than 55 miles from Boston and may land you significantly reduced fares.

If you’re renting a car, reserve a compact or low-end model when making your bookings, says Pauline Frommer of the Frommer’s travel guides. It will be cheaper for you to upgrade in person than it would to book a higher end model ahead of time. And check with your car insurance and credit card companies before you travel – both often cover rental car insurance.