For those of you who may be new to bargain hunting, believe it or not there are annual sales that span hundreds of miles. These are a usually a mixture of flea markets and yard sales where everyone along the sale route is invited to set up their wares. The following tips are for these types of sales such as the Annual Antique Alley Yard sale (also known as the 502 mile sale) and the 450 mile sale.

Decide how much ground you want to cover as there will be sales along the route. Our experience at the Annual Antique Alley Yard sale suggests that you start at one of the larger towns and work your way out from there.

Plan to do things other than shop.
We know this is a bit of Discount Diva heresy. We only suggest this because there will be areas where sales may be few and far between. So consider stopping at local attractions along the way, especially if you are shopping with children in tow.

Make out a hit list of items.
Include things you not only want but are also likely to find at a particular sale. For example, the Annual Antique Alley Yard Sale is full of items with an old-fashioned or rustic feel to them. If you're not into that but have a good friend or family member who loves country chic, then consider a trip to this sale as a way to get your holiday shopping done early.

Consider the type of items you may want to buy: rocking chair, vintage glassware, iron fence piece to make into a headboard, that type of thing. Your hit list is simply a jumping off point and will keep you from carting home stuff you won't know what to do with a week later.

Research the sale…talk to others who have been or call the local Chamber of Commerce. This will help you make out your hit list.