As we may have mentioned, 2009 could very well be a fantastic year for travel bargains, airfare steals, and hotel deals. So with all the available options, how do you keep your cool -- and more importantly, make sure you're getting the best value for your dollar? Lucky for you, the Los Angeles Times has come up with 5 solid tips to stretch your travel dollar in 2009.

1. Watch out for bankruptcies. Many airlines aren't doing so well, and it's totally possible that a company you book with one month will go bust the next. To protect yourself, make travel purchases with your credit card -- these charges can then be disputed if the company goes under; also consider purchasing travel insurance. Look for the magic words that deal with protection in the case of "financial default" or "cessation of operations." 2. Remember that travel costs include more than airfare and accommodations. That means budget in the cost of getting to and from the airport, the new baggage fees, and any taxes or fees for hotel rooms.

3. Check for deals at the source. This is where your loyalty can pay off. Sign up to receive emails or newsletters from your favorite hotels and airlines. Las Vegas hotels in particular are known for offering special discounts to loyal customers, as is Virgin America. 4. Monitor exchange rates. The dollar did a wild fluctuation dance in 2008; expect more of the same in 2009. Check early and often, and you might be able to lock in a great rate. As the year wound down the great values were in places like Chile, Iceland, Turkey, and South Africa. 5. Like I said: Get your damn passport already. Come June 1, the State Department is going to be crushed with applications, given the tightening of the border controls in Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. Do it now.