Great Escapes on a Budget

These days, Americans are asking themselves if they can afford a getaway without dipping into college or retirement savings. The answer is a resounding yes, but only if you are savvy, flexible, and vigilant when it comes to planning.

“Regardless of the state of the economy, you want to use your time and money smartly,” says television travel show host and best-selling guidebook writer Rick Steves. “Start by equipping yourself with good info.”

Should you travel by land, sea, or air? That largely depends on where you want to travel and what you like to do on vacation.

“It’s not necessarily about where you go, but finding value in your destination,” says CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg, who also publishes the website that bears his name.

Another debate is whether domestic vacations are cheaper than going abroad. In most cases, a US destination is probably more cost-effective—but not always. For example, you can at times find direct fares to places in Europe and South America that are less expensive than the cost of a transcontinental domestic flight.

Traveling By Air

Air travel can be frustrating. Long lines, frequent delays, crowded cabins, and sometimes snarly staff are common, especially during the crowded summer vacation months.

The perplexing nature of airline fares doesn’t make it any easier. Tickets prices often increase, though some are cheaper on certain days, and there can be many hidden fees, including baggage fees and meals.

Keep these guidelines in mind when booking air travel:

• Book early. The earlier you book, the lower the rates and the more choice in dates, times, and seats.
• Use miles. But remember, booking early is critical when you’re using credit card rewards or frequent-flier programs.
• Be flexible. If you can be open-ended about when and where you go, you can score big on last-minute online airfares.
• Fly overnight. “Red-eyes” can save you money. Some find these flights dreadful, while others think they’re OK.
• Determine the best time to fly. Traveling midweek—especially Tuesday and Wednesday—tends to be cheaper than flying on either side of the weekend. But you can also find great fares on Saturday, when most travelers are already at their destinations. A small investment in time to explore your flight options can yield major savings.

Traveling By Land

Road trips have been part of an American cultural tradition since the end of World War II, when the automobile and long vacations became affordable for the middle class. For US travel, driving involves the least amount of hassle in most cases. But nearly gone are the days when you and the family could show up at the Grand Canyon without reservations and easily find a vacant motel room. Now, you’ve got no choice but to plan ahead for the more popular destinations.

One cost you must always take into consideration for road trips is fuel costs. Some years the costs are incredibly high, while other years offer more affordable fuel. Here are a few ways that you can manage your gas mileage, regardless of costs:

• Slow down. You get the best fuel economy at around 55 mph.
• Inflate tires properly. According to the Energy Department, you can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3% when you keep your tires inflated at the recommended pressure.
• Consult websites. Become familiar with websites such as gasbuddy.com which track daily gas station prices. A quick glance at a US map or individual state maps can show which routes offer lower gas prices.

What if you’re flying and then renting a car? You can often get much lower rates by surfing the internet for bargains or by booking through rental-car programs offered by organizations such as USAA.

You should be aware that some airports now charge sizable “taxes” on vehicles rented from airport locations.

“Airport fees and surcharges vary by location,” says Alice Pereira of Avis Budget Group, parent company of Avis and Budget Rent-A-Car. “Budget-conscious travelers should take this into consideration and plan ahead before choosing a vacation destination. They should consider flying into alternative airports where fees and surcharges may be less.” Examples of such airports include Long Beach in Southern California and Westchester County Airport in the New York City area.

What about an RV? Renting a recreational vehicle or motor home is another great way to save bucks on the road. For one thing, it eliminates hotel expenses. But once again, it pays to be flexible in terms of both where and when you want to travel. Cruise America, for instance, offers deals on one-way RV rentals to Arizona with rates as low as $12 per night and no drop fees.

Traveling By Sea

Most of us have seen those Carnival ads pitching cruises for less than $70 per day. Like airlines, cruise costs vary. companies can reduce their frequency.

Some of the guidelines that apply to air travel also apply to cruises:

• Book early. The earlier you book, the better. Prices are lower and you also get more choices in cruise lines, sailing dates, cabins, etc.
• Hunt bargains. If you don’t mind waiting till the last minute, scouring the internet, and working your travel agent for deals, you can also get huge savings. The downside of last-minute bargains is less choice in departure port, dates, cabin type, etc. Inside cabins are always much cheaper than outside cabins with portholes, windows, or balconies. Many travelers find an inside cabin an acceptable option for shorter cruises.

Keep cost-conscious cruises in mind. Consider sailing from nontraditional ports such as Charleston, S.C.; Galveston, Texas; or smaller coastal cities that you can drive to rather than flying to Miami or Los Angeles.

Once again, shop around and ask for discounts related to who you are and what you belong to. USAA’s cruise program, for instance, offers special travel savings for members and a price match guarantee. Disney Cruise Line also offers some of the best active-duty military and veteran discounts.