Everyone seems to be on a tighter budget these days. Many families are looking for effective ways to trim back or manage costs so they don’t miss out on a much-needed opportunity to get away and relax, recharge and refresh. And the good news for travelers is the cost of many trips is down from 2008 prices.
Here are some tips to help you maximize your spring vacation dollars.
Choose a high value destination. Some cities have seen air fares and hotel rates decline over the last year. These include New York City, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas and many destinations in the Southeast, such as Orlando. Look for destinations with bargain attractions, too. Frommer’s has named Washington D.C. its top destination for 2009 – from the Smithsonian museums to national monuments, almost every major attraction is free.
Take advantage of hotel packages. Many hotels are now offering great incentives for family travel. Package deals that include discounts on hotel rooms and free or discounted meals can add up to a spring getaway for around $200.
Consider city passes. Larger cities and major tourist destinations often sell passes that get you into multiple attractions. In addition to saving some money over the cost of purchasing individual attraction tickets, passes can save you time by letting you skip long entrance lines.
Hit the road. Domestic airfare is down from last year, but may still be too much for some travelers. So, pack up the car and take a road trip.
There are a lot of ways to save on spring travel this year. Do some research, find those great deals and plan a great getaway.
