Vacation For Less

These tight economic times put vacationers in a bind. They want to take a trip--indeed, they need to get away--but they wonder whether they should go and if they can afford to travel.

Everyday as hard-pressed workers toil away in their cubicles, thoughts quickly turn to:

- Limitless white sandy beaches

- Soothing waves crashing on the shore

- A soft breeze whispering through the palm trees above

- A day spent simply relaxing on a lounge chair, feeling the stress melt away

- Enjoying a fine meal and entertainment, with no worries about what's happening back at the office

Had enough of the crummy weather?....the pressures of the office?...the relentless bad news?

You owe it to yourself to escape. A vacation of your dreams awaits you. Best of all, your dream can be realized for much less than you imagined. A lot less.

A former travel agent will show you how to save big on your:

Airline tickets

Hotel

Car rental

How does he do it? By sharing insider secrets that he picked up while working in the travel industry for 16 years.

Find out how you can save money on your next airline ticket and hotel reservation. Want more? How about some inside secrets on saving money on a car rental? It's all right here in this exclusive offer.

Say goodbye to work and hello to a vacation of your dreams. Pack your luggage and get ready to hop on the airplane. Your travel options just got better, and now is the best time to go. The white sandy beaches (or wherever you like to travel), are closer than you think. Order this jaw-dropping book today!

Summer is over, so thoughts quickly turn to winter and what we'll do with our free time. Though we're still mired in a recession, and swine flu is expected to make another appearance, many people will still take a vacation. I plan to, sometime in October.

Like most travelers, I will be hoping to stretch my vacation dollar by looking for the best deal. My preference is for an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. You may have totally different tastes. Regardless, heed the advice of travel experts, and search out those great deals.

The Aug. 21-23 issue of USA WEEKEND magazine carried a great article by Samantha Brown of the Travel Channel. I'll summarize some of her points, and provide a few comments of my own.

1. Choose a place with all-in-one pricing, such as an all-inclusive resort. Time was when all-inclusives were "lampooned" by travelers. (Still are to a certain extent, I've found, especially among some travel writers.) Now, she writes, they are considered "hip." One big advantage is that "you know all your costs up front." I agree. It's nice to be able to grab some food, a soda, or other pick-me-up throughout the day without having to scrounge through your pockets for cash or worry whether those little purchases will ultimately bust your budget.

An all-inclusive resort naturally costs more than a standard resort, but I think you'll find the convenience well worth it. You've paid good money to get there, now just sit back (or lay back) and enjoy the sun. Vacationing is all about escaping routines and decision making. Try to arrange for the most relaxed and stress-free environment possible.

Brown also suggests checking out what she calls "a la carte resorts." Those are traditional resorts that offer additional amenities, such as meals and drinks, under an optional meal plan. I'd compare pricing, though, between an all-inclusive resort and one offering the meal plan. You may find that for the price of the all-inclusive, you'll want to make that leap. Still, it's nice to know there's an option between the two types of hotels.

2. Take a cruise. Cruising has become very popular, and the cruise lines are responding by packing an ever-increasing array of services on board. They are essentially all-inclusive trips, though drinks and some services are extra. Brown says that the industry has added 15 ships since last year, with five more expected to be launched this year. She adds that these new ships will need customers, which means lower prices. Another plus is that ships will be docking at more port cities. You can expect to reach one cheaper, as as result.

As a Midwesterner, I have to fly to the coast to take a cruise, but those of you near the coasts may save big on your airfare. Cruising has really established itself, if articles by the "cruisers" themselves are any indication. Some travel writers denounce the phenomenon, saying that cruise ships are basically floating cities. ("Why even get off the ship and tour the islands?" they complain.) It comes down to personal preference. Those who enjoy meeting distant peoples in distant lands will always be able to take such a trip. Those can be expensive in both time and money. A cruise can get you and your family away for some quality time at a reasonable price.

3. Check out your city. Yes, the city, Brown suggests. We often forget what's in our own "backyard." Museums, concerts, festivals, and more await us. Many are free or low cost. Research hotels for any hot deals they have going on the weekends. Many cater to the business crowd, and need folks to fill the rooms on the weekends.

Reading this suggestion reminded me of the opportunities in downtown Milwaukee, which is about 20 minutes from my home. Two great museums, an IMAX theater, an educational facility geared around the Great Lakes (and a schooner to ride in summer), and so much more. Each charges admission, and I still have to pay for parking, but one can take in a lot of fun and enjoyment for comparatively little expenditure in those types of venues.

As you begin thinking about your next vacation, consider the numerous options available to you. Some are near; some are far. Use your computer and/or travel agent to seek out a fun and enjoyable place at a reasonable price. You will be so glad you did.

With gas prices in the tolerable range and the job situation still dicey, many families are forgoing their usual week-long vacations. They still want to get away--indeed, many need to--but seem lost for ideas. It's a version of the "not seeing the forest for the trees" concept: You fail to realize, or perhaps forget about, the valuable destinations that are so close to home. The following steps will help you change your perspective on vacations, and with any luck, get you motivated to get away.

First, understand that you don't need to be away for seven or 10 days to relax and recharge. I spent three days in another city last year, and it felt great. I had a purpose for traveling--genealogy research--and although I spent a lot of time at the courthouse and driving to the cemeteries, it felt great to be away. By late afternoon I was back at the hotel. After spending some cooling moments in the pool, I'd relax in the lobby with a cool drink. Nothing fancy, you see. But that's OK. The key is to escape to a new environment. You need to get away from the four same four walls you see 24 hours a day. So any change, even to a modest hotel, can do wonders. Some tips to consider:

1. Stay close to home - You don't need to drive far. How far is far? That depends on your tolerance for driving, but considering that you'll be gone only two or three days, keep it to within three hours' distance. (I prefer two hours.) Grab a map and draw a circle representing that distance from your home city. Look at what lies within. Could be dozens of communities you never visited before. Literally point to a spot on the map and say, "Let's go there." Then what, you ask?

2. Do some research on the 'Net - Every community of any size has a Web site. Check them out for attractions, accommodations, and upcoming events. Don't get too wrapped up in planning, however. Part of the fun of taking a vacation comes from winging it once you've arrived. I like making the hotel reservation before leaving for some peace of mind. But beyond that, just make a list of possible activities. They can include:

- Checking out a craft fair or county fair

- Touring a noteworthy business, such as a brewery, winery, furniture manufacturer, or other firm. You'd be surprised at how interesting a tour can be, especially if the group is small.

- Visiting or participating in a local event. These are usually tied to the history of the community, and could be farm- or industry-related. One community in southwestern Wisconsin holds a cow chip-throwing contest each summer. Hey, how often do you have that opportunity?

3. Consider all options for accommodations - I prefer staying at hotels because I like lounging in a pool, but there are other options. Some people enjoy the coziness and family environment of a bed and breakfast. If gambling is your thing, consider staying at the adjacent hotel. If you plan to be out a lot, a simple and clean motel will suffice.

Occasionally you may find homeowners willing to rent a room for a weekend or other short period. This happens most often in conjunction with a major event in the area. Hotels are booked, and homeowners take advantage of the huge influx of visitors. Milwaukee-area residents experience this during the reunions for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts.

As you can see, a trip to a nearby community can be fun and relaxing. You're not going far, so you won't get stressed out from driving. It's also a lot cheaper than a standard vacation. Best of all, you return home refreshed. You left your usual confines behind (along with the laptop and Blackberry), and immersed yourself in a new environment for several days. You may find you and your family enjoyed the trip so much, you'll do that several times a year. Bon voyage!

Fall has arrived, the trees are changing colors, and--at least in the United States--the pro football season is underway. For some folks that means it's time to start planning the winter vacation. Even though there are lots of fun things to do up north during the winter, after awhile even diehard fans need to escape to someplace warm. Unfortunately, the recession and precarious job situations have forced many people to shelve their plans.

For those who decide to book a trip, the August 2009 issue of TRAVEL + LEISURE magazine offered some great money- and time-saving tips. Columnist Mark Orwoll covered a number of facets in his article. I'll recap some of the 10 tips he suggests and offer a few thoughts of my own.

1. Find deals based upon flights out of your airport - Orwoll calls this "booking backward." He suggests searching for a destination based upon flights from your home airport. In other words, you're booking based upon where you'll start, not where you'll end up. Yes, you'll need to be flexible, but it's that flexibility that can save you money. Plus, you save time and money of not having to drive farther, pay for a park-n-fly room (if so inclined), and so forth. You gain the convenience of flying out of a nearby airport, but give up (or potentially give up) your preferred destination. You still get away which, in the end, is most important.

2. Take advantage of a Y-UP upgrade - Expect to pay about the same as a full-fare coach ticket, Orwoll says, but you'll be automatically upgraded to first class upon check in. Please note that this type of upgrade is for domestic (US) travel only--no international travel--and many restrictions apply. He suggests booking through a travel agent or a travel Web site. (Other people suggest calling the airline directly, but try talking your way out of the phone service fee if there is one.)

3. Time your flights to avoid the crowds - Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are best for avoiding congestion and long delays at the security lines, Orwoll says. If you have to fly on the other days, try to leave early morning.

Most of my flights have been via chartered aircraft, and the boarding process tends to be smoother. However, I always choose any early departure--6 a.m. is typical for Milwaukee or Chicago--so that I arrive at the resort with a good portion of the first day still ahead of me. Sometimes you can find a really good deal on a vacation package, but you have to leave at an unworldly hour like midnight. Is it worth it? You have to balance the savings against the effect the unusual departure times have on your trip. Remember that an odd departure time from home may correspond with an odd departure time from your vacation airport.

4. Ask for upgrade when booking coach - Then, Orwoll suggests, check in at the business-class counter and inquire whether "the upgrade went through." Apparently this little gig works on occasion. Even if it doesn't, he says, you can still check in there and avoid the long lines at coach.

5. Try to avoid ATM fees when abroad - Ask if your bank has free overseas cash machines or no-fee partners. Remember, too, that card companies are now charging an exchange fee for purchases abroad. It can't hurt to call your card company before leaving to see if they'll waive those fees or reimburse you later. I haven't purchased anything outside the United States in years, so I haven't had to try this. But you can assume that credit card companies are feeling the effects of this economic slump, and may be willing to work with you to keep you as a customer.

Airlines are other service providers are constantly finding new ways to generate revenue. Travelers must work harder to save money, but it can be worth it. Enjoy your vacation!