While the Internet has democratized the process of booking travel, it certainly hasn't made it less complicated. Waiting to pounce on a good travel deal is a little like a high-stakes game of poker: Within days, or even hours, prices can plummet or skyrocket. The good news is that any savvy traveler, armed with a little know-how, can turn the volatile cycles of travel deals to their advantage. When do you book ahead and when do you wait till the last minute?