Toni-Lynn
08-09-2008, 02:39 PM
http://www.scottcommonsense.com/images/ap_2008_07_dollars.jpg
This is the time of year when most families plan summer vacations - by plane, train and automobile - to see the sights, visit faraway family members and seek adventure. This year, with gasoline and jet fuel at all-time high levels, may be an exception.
While the cost of travel may be higher than it has in the past, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a fun summer vacation. It just takes a little common sense and creativity.
Be a Tourist in Your Own Town
A fun option in times of high gas prices as well as low, is to be a tourist in your own town. Check with your city or state's Visitors Bureau for ideas, tour information and coupons. Many museums, zoos, botanical gardens and similar attractions have a free or discounted day once a month or even once a week. Check your state's tourism calendar for music festivals, art festivals or other special events you've never tried before.
When on your "vacation," try to stay in vacation mode. Calls to work and chores around the house are strictly forbidden. Do everything you might do when out of town: eat at a restaurant you've never been to before, combine a few activities in one day, and even stay at a local hotel and lounge around its pool. Be sure to bring your camera - acting like a tourist is sure to give you a new perspective on your town's landmarks and attractions.
Another option is to rent a cottage on a lake or a cabin in the woods near your home. It shouldn't take much gas to get there, and once you're there, it might not feel any different from being at a lake hundreds of miles away.
Check for Online Bargains
If out-of-town travel is a must for your family this summer, take advantage of all the bargains to be had on the Internet. Airlines often put their empty seats on sale shortly before departure day. Check your favorite airline website and be flexible with your departure time and connections to get the best rate. The same is true for last-minute breaks on hotels, rental cars and cruises.
Some travel websites offer the option of registering to receive sale notifications by e-mail. Let's say you want to go to New York City in August. State that preference and some sites will contact you when there's a sale on airfare, hotel packages or even dinner and theater packages.
When using Internet travel resources, it's important to read the small print and understand the terms of your purchase. Often, the tickets or reservations aren't adjustable or refundable, so be absolutely sure that you can travel at the time you reserve.
Another benefit of booking travel online is instantaneous access to reviews from other travelers. Read through these thoroughly and look for a pattern of positive reviews. As long as the good reviews are current, don't let a single bad review throw you.
Online travel sites are also a great resource for maps, local attractions, nearby restaurants and pretty much anything else you would need to know about your vacation destination.
How do you keep your vacations economical?
This is the time of year when most families plan summer vacations - by plane, train and automobile - to see the sights, visit faraway family members and seek adventure. This year, with gasoline and jet fuel at all-time high levels, may be an exception.
While the cost of travel may be higher than it has in the past, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a fun summer vacation. It just takes a little common sense and creativity.
Be a Tourist in Your Own Town
A fun option in times of high gas prices as well as low, is to be a tourist in your own town. Check with your city or state's Visitors Bureau for ideas, tour information and coupons. Many museums, zoos, botanical gardens and similar attractions have a free or discounted day once a month or even once a week. Check your state's tourism calendar for music festivals, art festivals or other special events you've never tried before.
When on your "vacation," try to stay in vacation mode. Calls to work and chores around the house are strictly forbidden. Do everything you might do when out of town: eat at a restaurant you've never been to before, combine a few activities in one day, and even stay at a local hotel and lounge around its pool. Be sure to bring your camera - acting like a tourist is sure to give you a new perspective on your town's landmarks and attractions.
Another option is to rent a cottage on a lake or a cabin in the woods near your home. It shouldn't take much gas to get there, and once you're there, it might not feel any different from being at a lake hundreds of miles away.
Check for Online Bargains
If out-of-town travel is a must for your family this summer, take advantage of all the bargains to be had on the Internet. Airlines often put their empty seats on sale shortly before departure day. Check your favorite airline website and be flexible with your departure time and connections to get the best rate. The same is true for last-minute breaks on hotels, rental cars and cruises.
Some travel websites offer the option of registering to receive sale notifications by e-mail. Let's say you want to go to New York City in August. State that preference and some sites will contact you when there's a sale on airfare, hotel packages or even dinner and theater packages.
When using Internet travel resources, it's important to read the small print and understand the terms of your purchase. Often, the tickets or reservations aren't adjustable or refundable, so be absolutely sure that you can travel at the time you reserve.
Another benefit of booking travel online is instantaneous access to reviews from other travelers. Read through these thoroughly and look for a pattern of positive reviews. As long as the good reviews are current, don't let a single bad review throw you.
Online travel sites are also a great resource for maps, local attractions, nearby restaurants and pretty much anything else you would need to know about your vacation destination.
How do you keep your vacations economical?