| Times are tough, and many of us do not have the | | | | where bargains can generally be found. |
| money to splurge on an expensive vacation. However, | | | | Phoenix is considered a value for money destination. |
| there are still travel bargains to be had all over the | | | | The city has become a resort capital of the United |
| country, if you take the time to research; including | | | | States; however accommodation in general is not too |
| some lodging and transportation options that just might | | | | expensive, and the city boasts some of the best |
| not have occurred to you. Also, a handful of popular | | | | shopping anywhere, almost perfect weather year |
| places have managed to remain bargains despite a | | | | round, an estimated 100 golf courses and is within easy |
| worsening economy. | | | | reach of spectacular desert scenery. A driving trip |
| Las Vegas has always been a relatively inexpensive | | | | from Las Vegas to Phoenix allows you to see much |
| vacation destination – the casinos assume you will | | | | of the dramatic scenery and historic sights of the |
| spend all your money gambling and many things are | | | | Southwest. |
| subsidized. Even if you do not gamble, Las Vegas | | | | Regardless of where you visit, there are further steps |
| offers wonderful shopping, a variety of spectacular | | | | you can take to save money on accommodation. |
| shows, and exciting nightlife. In recent years, it has | | | | Home exchange vacations have become more |
| become more of a family destination and it’s a | | | | popular than ever; there is usually a charge to register |
| great place to take the children. Even if you have been | | | | or join, but no charge to swap your home with |
| to the city many times before, there is always | | | | somebody else for a week, live like a local and really |
| something new in Vegas. | | | | get to experience another place. You may not have |
| Staying in one of the fancy Strip hotels can be | | | | considered hostelling, but it’s not just for students |
| expensive, although you should check around for | | | | and backpackers. Staying at a hostel offers a great |
| special offers and deals. Las Vegas boasts several of | | | | way to see the country and to meet up with |
| the largest – and most expensive – hotels in the | | | | likeminded travelers. Camping does not have to be too |
| world; however you can pay between $40 to $60 for | | | | primitive; consider renting a cabin for your next trip, |
| a perfectly adequate hotel room. Cheap | | | | which can cost as little as $50 a night. |
| all-you-can-eat buffets and coupon books are still | | | | Air travel to your destination does not have to be |
| available and it costs nothing to just wander around | | | | expensive either. Check your local airport to see if any |
| the fantastic hotels, many of which feature free | | | | so-called discount carriers offer service; the two major |
| shows or entrainment. | | | | options are Southwest and JetBlue. Shop around for |
| An Orlando vacation is still one of the best bargains | | | | lower airfare and consider flying at specific times of |
| around. Of course, there is Disney World, but the | | | | day to get a lower fare, as well as flying from a |
| Orlando area boasts around 100 other attractions and | | | | different airport. Flying from Chicago Midway can often |
| theme parks, as well as excellent shopping, nightlife | | | | be cheaper than the busier O’Hare, for example. |
| and outdoor activities. There are well over 100,000 | | | | Check out airline packages, which include airfare, hotel |
| hotel rooms to suit all tastes and budgets - consider a | | | | and perhaps a rental car and are generally a lot |
| package that includes admission to Disney; or stay in | | | | cheaper than buying the components separately. |
| neighboring Kissimmee, where hotel rooms are a little | | | | These days, it just doesn’t occur to most people to |
| bit cheaper; or even further afield. | | | | travel by train, but train travel can be cheaper than |
| Second only to Disney World in terms of visitors is | | | | flying or driving, especially for a relatively short distance. |
| Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The emphasis is also on | | | | Check with Amtrak for special offers or passes which |
| family fun and activities here and this area offers | | | | allow unlimited travel within a geographical region. And |
| plenty of reasonably priced hotels, outlet shopping and | | | | long distance bus travel, for many years considered |
| live shows. The area is a golfer’s paradise, with an | | | | the domain of the less fortunate, is now attracting |
| estimated 120 golf courses scattered up and down the | | | | passengers from all walks of life, lured by low fares, |
| 60 mile stretch of coast. Food and drink are | | | | better service and a network of almost 4,000 |
| considered to be inexpensive in Myrtle Beach; and like | | | | destinations. |
| Las Vegas, it’s easy to find various coupons and | | | | Travel can be expensive and stressful. Take time to |
| discounts for hotels, attractions and shopping. Branson, | | | | check out some options and you may just save some |
| MO and Gatlinburg, TN are two other resort areas | | | | money on your next vacation. |