Flight + Hotel Deals, minus the Hotel

Q. I found a hotel plus flight package to Mexico with better flight times and a lower cost than buying the flight alone from the airline. I'm staying with a friend at his condo, and wonder if it would be a problem if I bought the package and didn't use the hotel? I could always keep the hotel as a backup, but I just don't think I'll need it.

A. We frequently find that air plus hotel packages are cheaper than buying the air alone. You'll find this to be true with last minute deals available at from sites like Priceline.com or Lastminute.com. If you're worried, you could always check into the hotel and just not sleep there, but I see no reason why you should be compelled to do so.