Recession Travel Tips

11 TRAVEL TIPS DURING A RECESSION

We're in the middle of a recession. The economy is uncertain. We're not sure if our jobs are safe. We don't know what's going to happen next.

You may be thinking you have to put any travel plans on hold for the foreseeable future. But that's a depressing thought! We all need at least an occasional break from the humdrum and the stress of everyday life, and you've worked hard, haven't you - you've earned some travel time!

So let's take a look at 11 travel tips that will help you get away from it all during a recession.

1.

Do some research. The internet makes it so easy to find exactly the information you're looking for on almost any topic! Use it to not only help you find cheap flights, hotels, & rental cars, but also free things to do, coupons, special offers, and discount days. For instance, many museums & galaries have free days once a week or once a month.

2.

Look for travel packages. You can often save quite a bit by booking "flight + hotel" type packages, or "flight + hotel + rental car". And remember that you'll often get the best deal these days by booking directly on the airline's or hotel's own website.

3.

Consider an all inclusive vacation. You may get a serious case of sticker shock when you first compare booking an all inclusive vacation versus booking your own hotel, but it's important to look at what you're getting for the money. Often, by the time you add your meals and activities to the cost of your hotel, the total package is quite a bit higher than the all inclusive would be.

4.

Rent a vacation home instead of staying in a hotel, especially if there are several of you traveling together. Not only will your accommodations likely be cheaper, but you'll have facilities to prepare at least some of your meals "at home," which can save you a bundle.

5.

Travel during the traditional off-season. My husband and I spent a week one January driving the entire California coastline from Crescent City to San Diego. Not only were prices much less than they would have been in July, but the weather was beautiful, and hotel & restaurant owners were so glad to see us!

6.

Plan trips closer to home than you might during better times. Where ever you live, there are bound to be interesting destinations nearby, and maybe you've neglected them in the past. Or maybe it's simply time to revisit them.

7.

Plan shorter trips. Instead of taking vacation for a week or two, travel for the weekend (make it a long weekend by adding a Friday), or even take day trips. It can be just as refreshing to get out and about, and have a change of scenery for a day or two, and it's a lot cheaper!

8.

Explore your own town and nearby areas. It's surprising how often we neglect our own backyards when we think of vacationing. Try playing tourist closer to home by exploring the attractions that others may travel from far away to enjoy.

9.

Take a Sunday drive and discover your own personal "roads untravelled." Take a backroad you've never explored before and see where it leads you. You may be surprised at some of the treasures you can find this way!

10.

Find out what festivals & events are happening near you. They often don't have admission fees, (or the fees are very reasonable), and once in, you're completely free to browse and explore. Look for county and state fairs, food festivals, renaissance faires, art events, home & garden shows - there are all kinds of possibilities.

11.

Keep in mind that you're not the only one who's have a tough time of it during the current recession. Because it's happening to all of us (pretty much world-wide), it's tough times for the vendors at travel destinations too, and many of them are offering great deals just to get you to come. So don't completely rule out that exotic vacation you've always dreamed of - this might be exactly the right time to book it!

So put on your thinking cap, use your imagination, and do your research - you'll soon be enjoying your next travel adventure, where ever it may take you!

by: Suzi Rosenberg