wishing it were easy

David and I are trying to figure out how we will be able to afford a trip to the east coast in a month for a wedding. This will be our first vacation since our honeymoon, so we’re hoping to be able to do some touristy things and drive up to Washington D.C. which will be about a 2.5 hour drive from where we’ll be. Not bad for driving… but we’re from Texas so driving anywhere always involves a matter of hours. If we scrounge, we will be able to afford the trip without getting a penny deeper into debt, but that will mean delaying a payment or two for the debt we already have. I wish it were easier than it is. The cheapest flights we’ve been able to find (June 3-7or8 out of DFW) for both of us roundtrip total $503 but I’m wondering if flights get cheaper or more expensive if you buy them closer to flying time??? Any ideas?