Travel More For Less

The money-losing airline industry is raising fares and adding fees as it struggles with record-high fuel prices. Many American travelers are opting for "staycations" by choosing not to travel when they have time off. But, as per the experts there are ways to escape the rising air travel costs. According to George Hobica, creator of the travel Web site airfarewatchdog.com - 'there are still many, many, many cheap tickets'. You can get a cheap plane ticket but you're going to need to be very flexible.

• Fly on the slowest days of the week

Tuesday and Wednesday are the slowest flying days of the week for business travel so demand is low, and so are the fares.

• Fly on slowest time of the year

If you really want some cheap fares, you should travel during the slowest time of year, says Hobica. That rules out holidays, as well as spring, summer and winter.

• Fly to popular places at unpopular times

Candy Harrington, editor of Emerging Horizons, suggests being completely flexible about the destination, based on the fare. "Check out the airline Web sites, and see what destinations they have on sale, then build your vacation around that destination".

• Buy tickets during cheapest times of the day

Airlines change fares three times a day and early birds snags the best deals. As per Hobica "Early morning is the time to buy." During weekends, check fares on Saturday morning and at 5p.m. when the airlines lowers prices to fill up flights.

• Why don't you buy a package

Travel packages offering cut-rate hotel stays and car rentals can save you a lot of money. "They're super bargains," he says. "Even if you don't need the rental car, you could just not pick it up, because the airfare is so cheap" - says Hobica.

Destinations That Won’t Break the Bank

The weak dollar and soaring gas prices doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on taking a break this summer. For those who believe that getaway is not simply pitching a tent in the backyard, there are six amazing places in the US, where you can have a fantastic vacationing experience without spending ‘too much’.

Downtown Atlanta

Hip and vibrant, Atlanta is a perfect blend of the old and the new. Numerous luxury hotels are springing up in the city. The recently opened W Atlanta in Midtown is within walking distance of the High Museum of Art and Piedmont Park. In downtown Atlanta, the new Ellis and Twelve Centennial Park hotels and the rehabbed Glenn Hotel are just a few steps away from the prominent attractions.

What's the deal: The $89 MVP (Most Valuable Package) on sale through Sept. 21 buys admission to five popular attractions. For information call 800-285-2682; or check out atlanta.net

Harbor Country, Michigan

Just a short drive from Chicago's downtown Loop, this is an amazing place offering a mix of beaches, you-pick-'em farms (blueberry season starts in early July) and shopping for antiques and art.

What's the deal: Free Fourth of July events include fireworks and live music in New Buffalo. For information check out: harborcountry.org

North Texas Hill Country

Emerging as a new tourist destination here you will have plenty of opportunities for discovery, from visting Granbury's classic courthouse square; one of the best in Texas to scuba diving in cliff-lined Possum Kingdom Lake, you will have a great experience!

What's the deal: Stay two nights at gorgeous Wildcatter Ranch in Graham (888-462-9277; wildcatterranch.com) and they'll pay for your gas both ways from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. For more information call; Travel Texas, 800-888-8839; or check out traveltex.com

Laguna Beach, California

Nestled between Laguna Canyon and the Pacific about 50 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, its picture-perfect setting has long attracted artists - at last count, about 400 are in residence - along with almost 100 galleries.

What's the deal: Free trolleys with extended summer hours circulate downtown and in the canyon so you can leave the car behind. . For more information call; Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau; 800-877-1115; or check out lagunabeachinfo.org

Mount Rainier National Park

On a clear day, Mount Rainier is a giant mound of white looming over Seattle, and its national park, around 50 to 100 miles from the city is always worth another visit. There's a place 5,400 feet up the mountain called Paradise, and you'll know why when you see the wildflowers in July. The lush scenic beauty of the place will sweep you off your feet!

What's the deal: A newly extended free shuttle system whisks weekend visitors from Ashford, 6 miles outside the park's Nisqually entrance, to Longmire, where a second shuttle takes you to Paradise. For more information call; 877-270-7155; or check out visitrainier.com

Charlottesville, Virginia

Better known for its academic affiliation, Charlottesville boasts a cornucopia of good restaurants rarely found in a town of 40,000 year-round residents.

What's the deal: The $29 Presidents' Pass buys discounted tours to three popular historical attractions: Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland (Monroe's home) and the 18th-century Michie Tavern. For more information call; 877-386-1103; or check out pursuecharlottesville.com

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Spring Travel Part I, Family Travel to Miami, Hawaii or Orlando

Hello everyone! It's Monday, President's Day. We hope you wonderful readers had a terrific holiday weekend. We certainly did. We've been cooking up all sorts of neat, fun ideas for cheap family travel this spring to coveted destinations like Miami, Hawaii and Orlando.

To Find out more about Miami, Hawaii or Orlando, click on those links. Learn all about these frequently traveled destinations and why they're so popular for families!

CheapoAir, we are a family of 5, two adults and three kids, ages, 5, 7 and 10. We're also on a shoestring budget, but boy are we in need of a vacation! We want to go somewhere summery and kid friendly this spring. What do you suggest?

Orlando! Orlando! Orlando. Did we say Orlando? We meant, Orlando! Spring is the perfect time to visit. Winter and Summer are the most popular times of the year, so you're traveling off-season. And, you know what off-season travel means, cheap tickets and cheap hotels. Also, fewer visitors, which means attractions are not as packed, so the lines are shorter. You can also book an all-inclusive vacation package. The trick to cheap travel is to book in advance, plan your itinerary well, and you can save up to 65% on airline tickets! WOWZA.

The kids will have a ball, Disney World, Epcot Center, Disney Water Parks, The Animal Kingdom and that's just the beginning. You'll also find the coolest, most exciting tours ever. Go behind the scenes of Walt Disney World and see how the greatest show on earth is created. Take the Family Magic Tour or the Backstage Magic Tour. Whatever tour you take, you will not be disappointed. Orlando is perfect for kids of all ages, including you adults ;).

Don't forget to drop by tomorrow when we continue our Spring Travel Series with, Senior Travel to Mexico City, Kingston or Las Vegas.

If you have any questions, drop us a line. We'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for stopping by!