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Fallout from the Middle East war could put a crimp on your summer travel plans.

Not only has the global spike in oil prices raised airfare and gas prices, but airlines have started cancelling unprofitable flights, potentially adding another layer of stress for vacationers. The abrupt shutdown of Spirit Airlines could further complicate things, with travel experts warning that the loss of a discount airline will only put more pressure on ticket prices, according to press reports.

The bright side? Awareness is half the battle. With some careful planning and creativity, you can protect your vacation plans and your wallet.

1. Prep for potential problems. Travel disruptions can get expensive fast if you’re scrambling to make decisions at the last minute or even once you’re at the airport. Plus, you want to be excited ahead of your vacation, not worried.

•   If you’re flying with one of the 10 largest U.S. airlines, check the Department of Transportation’s airline cancellation and delay dashboard before you travel. It shows what each airline will owe you if a cancellation or delay is within their control. That includes hotel stays, meals, and rebooking commitments.

•   Research other flight options in advance, and don’t wait until the day of your flight to check weather reports and other news that could impact your trip.

•   Before you leave for the airport, download the airline’s app. In case cell service is poor, jot down the customer service phone number as well as your confirmation numbers so you have them handy. If your airline doesn’t have a phone number, make sure you know about direct-message options.

2. Consider paying extra for peace of mind.

•   Refundable airline or train tickets typically cost more, but the peace of mind may be worth it. Between geopolitical issues, an uncertain economy, and the general feeling that almost anything could change on a dime, ask yourself: How important is having the flexibility to change your plans this year?

•   Ditto for travel insurance. (Just make sure that if you do get coverage, you know exactly what will and won’t be covered. Standard policies don’t typically cover delays caused by acts of war, for instance.)

3. If you haven’t booked anything yet, let the deals guide you. Domestic airfare in economy class is roughly 27% more than a year ago, according to The Points Guy. But if getting away is just as important as where you go, using a comparison site like Google Flights or Skyscanner can help you tap into the most affordable destinations, dates, and airlines.

•   With Google Flights, you can set your price limit and filter for flights that include a checked bag. You can even set up price tracking to automatically alert you if the right flight comes along.

•   Another way to potentially cut costs: See if flying two different airlines — one each way — is cheaper.

4. Weigh a roadtrip. High fuel prices are affecting trips by car and plane, so driving may not automatically be the less expensive option (if you can realistically drive to where you want to go.)

That said, a family of five needs to weigh the cost of five airline tickets against the extra cost of gas. Tools like AAA's gas cost calculator will take into account the kind of car you’re driving. But you'll need to factor in food stops along the way, and if you’ll need lodging to break up the drive. There’s also a time consideration: Flying is typically faster, but if it involves layovers, it might take nearly as long as driving.

5. Be strategic once you’re there. Food adds a lot to the cost of your trip, but the right mindset can help you keep your budget in check and make your trip more authentic. Explore local bakeries, grocery stores and food markets to avoid tourist-trap restaurants: Maybe that means a picnic in Paris, the vending machines in Tokyo, or the breakfast tacos from a neighborhood joint in San Antonio.

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