Travel costs dropping as economy squeezes spending

By VICKI LEE PARKER - McClatchy-Tribune News Service


If you are planning on taking your family on a vacation this year, think big. In fact, think about finally going on that dream vacation that you have long wished for. Chances are you will be able to afford it.

I talked with several travel agents who say they are seeing travel discounts and perks in record amounts. The deals include the high-end packages such as luxury Mexican resorts, European vacations and Alaskan cruises.

"For people who feel secure in their jobs and can afford it, there are some great deals throughout the summer time," says Stuart Carroll, owner of Carroll Travel in Washington, D.C.
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Tom Crosby, a spokesman for AAA Carolinas, says the economy has hurt some popular tourist spots. A number of the bigger resorts are no longer getting the same volume of convention business, so they have extra beds to fill, he says.

Crosby says he is seeing discounts across the board. "You can save 25 percent to 40 percent on cruises, 10 percent to 15 percent on hotels and 10 to 25 percent on package tours," he says.

Darcy Grimes, manager for travel marketing for AAA Carolinas, says that in 2007 she was booking seven-night Alaska cruises on Holland America Line from $799 per person. Now she's booking the same cruise for as low as $499.

Similarly, in 2007 a five-night Western Caribbean cruise rate was $599 per person. Grimes found the same cruise last week starting at $249 per person.

In addition to the lower rates, Grimes says that cruise lines are offering additional bonuses to help stimulate sales.

"Most have cut out the fuel supplement charge, and others are offering reduced deposits or onboard credits if consumers book by a certain date.

Grimes is finding similar deals for European trips. Because the dollar has strengthened against the euro, she is seeing up to a 100 percent savings on hotel stays.

"If the room cost you $200 a night last year, it will probably cost $100 this year," she says.

Carroll of Carroll Travel says he has booked people at The Royal in Cancun for as little as $800 a week. That's about a 50 percent savings, he says.

"Hotel rooms are a perishable thing," Carroll notes. "Once the night goes, they can never sell it again."

To fill those rooms, hotels are also offering other specials. Some are waiving the minimum night requirement. Others are offering an extra free night if you stay a certain number of nights.

Some resorts are lowering the down payment and offering air credits and meal credits.

There is one caveat though: Finding a flight to your dream vacation site may be challenging. A number of airlines, in an effort to reduce expenses, have decreased the number of flights they are offering to certain areas. So book early.

Here are some other tips to help secure great vacation deals:

- Use a travel agent. Agents can check several deals at once and it doesn't cost you anything.

- Check cruise lines two weeks before departure date. Some cruises will offer last-minute deals.

- Ask about travel insurance. This will protect you in case there are changes in your travel plans or your financial circumstances.

(Vicki Lee Parker is a freelance personal finance columnist. She can be reached at vickileeparker@gmail.com or (919) 877-5719.)

The Beauty Of An Alaska Cruise Ship Travel

Travel Guide For You


The Beauty Of An Alaska Cruise Ship Travel By J. Foley

Alaskan cruise ship travel attracts thousands of tourists every year from May to September when the temperatures in Alaska are bearable. You can select from a 7-day package to an extensive tour of Alaska depending on your preferences. The extended tour of Alaska by Cruise ship will allow you to go around Alaska by train and explore it in detail.

The Best Time to Visit
The best time to go for Alaska cruise ship travel is from May to September when the temperature hovers at around 50. In the months of July and August however this reaches 75 and can be too hot. Alaska is enchanting. It is magic for first timers and a charm, which draws people towards it. You simply cannot dislike Alaska. There are a plethora of things to do. There are high mountains, enchanting wildlife, breathtaking forests and clean lakes. The people are so friendly that you will feel like you never left home.

Activities – Alaskan style
Explore Alaska and you will always find something new that you missed out the previous time. The view of Mount McKinley as it rises over the Denali national park is stunning and has been the eye candy for numerous photographers. The Tongass national park is famous for kayaking. You can try your hand at bird watching or hiking through the glaciers outside Juneau.

The Glaciers of Glass
Whatever you do during your Alaska cruise ship travel, do not miss out on the ‘voyage of glaciers,’ which is a package offered by many cruise ships. After all Alaska is incomplete without its glaciers. Remember Alaska has one hundred thousand glaciers on display. It is like visiting a glacier museum. Get in to a trolley car and enjoy the view of The Fisherman’s Wharf. Go canoeing in the Kenai Peninsula and paddle to the banks of these serene lakes. You might get a glimpse of some of the local wildlife. Go for a glacier trek and when you reach the top, sit and sip hot coffee. It is not everyday that you get to try and do activities like these. The cruises will allow you to explore and remain awe struck in Alaska. You simply cannot imagine what sailing outside the pristine waters of British Columbia and Alaska can be like.

Your Gears
Select which direction your cabin should face. If it is on the wrong side, you are certainly going to be missing some of the best sights. Carry some light and warm clothes and a good camera with you. After all, you would like to bring back memories with you.

Article Written By J. Foley