THESINGLEFRUGALTON

Today I am happy to have a great post by Jennifer Price of Journeys and Adventures. She shares some great websites for people to use who want to travel, but also don’t want to spend a lot of money. Thanks Jennifer for sharing this great information!

In an article in the Professional Travel Guide, Nellie Ochanda, a director with Kenya One Tours is quoted as saying, “Although most travel and tourism involves discretionary expense, people continue to travel even during tough economic times. People will want to get away from home, and travel will remain part of the way people do business.” But, people have to be a bit more careful when planning their vacations during these tough economic times.

Money-saving travel tips are important and here are some websites that can help make sure you enjoy your vacation and don’t break the bank: One Tours is quoted as saying, “Although most travel and tourism involves discretionary expense, people continue to travel even during tough economic times. People will want to get away from home, and travel will remain part of the way people do business.” But, people have to be a bit more careful when planning their vacations during these tough economic times.

Kayak.com (Cheap Flights)—It’s a big one, but it’s a good one. This travel search engine is comprehensive, easy-to-use, and searches more than 200 sites at once to find the best deals for you. The site offers various ways to help you make sure you’re getting the best deal: use the “include nearby airports” and “flexible departure” options to widen your search and get more options. (I saved almost $400 once by flying into Milwaukee instead of Madison; it’s only an extra 40 minutes from my parents’ house—and we all agreed that was worth $400).

Hotels.com (Cheap Hotels)—Again, this is a large search site, but there are definite benefits to going through popular and expansive sites—you have plenty of options and plenty of opportunities to find what you’re looking for. A search for a hotel in Cologne, Germany offers prices ranging from $48-$291 per night for two people. You can narrow searches by location (near a landmark, for example) and by available amenities if they’re important and you can set a price limit on what you’re looking for. The site also offers a great rewards program for anyone who travels frequently—spend at least ten nights in various hotels booked through hotels.com at a minimum of $50 a night, and get one night free in the hotel of your choice with no date, location, or price requirements. (My boyfriend and I are going to be using our first free night at one of those more expensive hotels right across from the cathedral in Cologne in May!)

Vacationstogo.com (Cheap Cruises)—A friend and I used this site to book our cruise of the Baltic Sea last fall and found a great deal. You’ll always find some amazing deals on this site—how about a 19-night cruise around Japan and Alaska for just $999 (brochure price is $3,549)? Or a 12-night cruise from Mexico to all the Hawaiian with an 83% discount ($399 down from $2,299)? Those are the kinds of deals available on the 90-day ticker. Search by region, date, departure port, place to visit, and other options to find the best deal. Vacationstogo also offers discounts for various groups (military, 55+), themed cruises (honeymoon, family, hosted singles), and had some of the best customer service I’ve encountered in the travel business.

Travelzoo.com (Cheap Packages)—Each week I get the Travelzoo newsletter in my e-mail and every time I get it, my mind starts to wander as I dream about each and every destination offered—because they’re so affordable. This week’s deals include a 3-night all-inclusive getaway to Cabo for $399, a $49 flight from San Francisco to Las Vegas, and a $699 6-night Caribbean cruise in a balcony cabin. Visit the site and search through their various deals (car rentals, airfares, hotels, etc.) or sign up for their newsletter to have the opportunities delivered each week!

Even though times are tough financially, don’t let a fear of spending too much money put a stop to your travel plans—you need the travel to improve your mood, help you escape, and rediscover the world and yourself. Just make smart choices and use some of the above websites to make your plans affordable and fun.

Photo Credit: Mode

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