Vacation ideas

Not so long ago our travel agent was our best friend with colorful brochures and tips on trips. Remember the only time you could get away was when the kids were out of school.  But we’re at the age now - well, a good number of us - where we can get away for a week or two and the kids; they are taking their own vacations.

Recent times have put travel plans, at least the leisure ones, on the proverbial back burner.  A lot of us lost good money in the collaspe of the US markets and feel bad even thinking of taking a vacation. Still, vacations are stress relievers in recessions.  So, don’t feel bad about it; know that it’s necessary to keep your spirits up and sane.

Some people have told me they are doing fine in this economy.  Many have the means to travel anywhere and weren’t affected in a large way by the turn of events.  But I want to address those who may have a little they can use for travel to take their spouses and families on a wonderful and relaxing vacation, knowing that you’re not going to break the bank.

Each day on Three Best Beaches, I feature three or four of the world’s best beach destinations.  But before you head off there, I want to show you some travel tips that my readers use everyday to snag the best deals and you can use these too, they’re absolutely free.

Number one is the newsletter by Vacations to Go.  This is full of great deals and travel tips you won’t find anywhere else.  It arrives in your email box, but you can view the website as well.  My second tip for you is the alert sheet from Airfare Watchdog. As you know, many websites allow you to set up alerts - but these people went out of their way.  And what’s great is that they allow you to put in your airport and they will send you the best fares from your airport to vacation destinations everywhere (and domestic cities as well.)

And one of my favorite online tools is the fare search at Kayak.  It can cover many cities at once and show you where the best site is to buy your ticket.  But a site that has saved me thousands and given me the most value is Trip Advisor. Ordinary travelers speak their peace about vacations that went right - or wrong - you will hear it all.  That can save you a week of grief because you’ll always get the best hotel out there.

Finally, some options for you this winter. Did you know Americans can visit the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, no passport required.  Granted, there are expensive trips, but by bargain hunting using the tips I’ve given, you can find great deals.  For the Caribbean, check out Spirit Airlines.  They are always running great deals.  And for those outside of the USA, check out very good deals right now for Florida.  Many rental homes can be found for very cheap at Vacation Rentals by Owner.  For example, you can get a home near the parks in Orlando for much less than the Disney hotels.

Try out these tools today - I make sure my readers have the best deals and destinations at Three Best Beaches. Stop by Three Best Beaches and check the Resources page for links to all these tools.  And get on our mailing list so you can get more great tips like these.