You know the travel industry is hurting when you can find roundtrip non-stop flights from Chicago to Honolulu for around $500. I paid more than double that amount for my ticket last year, and the year before that, and the year before that. Bottom line: If you haven’t been able to score a sun-sational deal on a summer getaway, then you simply haven’t been looking—at all. Perhaps, you can’t afford to take an extended break from work. If that’s the case, then consider soaking up the summer sun during a long weekend away. So what if you can’t take two … Continue reading →

With summer fading fast, many hotels and resorts are trying to make the most of last-minute family vacations by offering unbeatable seasonal rates. The following are sample savings found at some of the most popular family-friendly vacation destinations: MEXICO Mexico’s Riviera Maya boasts sparkling white-sand beaches and picturesque ancient ruins. It’s also home to the Maroma Resort and Spa, which features 65 spacious, sunlit guestrooms and suites featuring king-sized beds, handcrafted mahogany furniture, and hand-painted tiles. Right now you can book a 3-night weekend stay for just $395 per night. The Best Deal Days offer includes complimentary inclusions valued at … Continue reading →

Mexico and Florida are among the top summer vacation destinations for families, and now they are more affordable than ever. The deals are so incredible that even if you feel as though you are caught in the teeth of the recession, you may be able to swing a much-deserved break and have fun in the summer sun. Here’s a list of some of the most tempting offers available right now: MEXICO The Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, which is conveniently located less than an hour from Puerto Vallarta, boasts a 26-acre private sanctuary for families who are in need of … Continue reading →

In a previous post I raved about Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay. While the nation’s other mega-amusement parks may dwarf the historic Wisconsin theme park in regards to size, if you are looking for big savings, shorter lines and massive family fun, then Bay Beach can’t be beat. Fortunately, you don’t have to trek to the Dairy State to get more bang for your buck. The country is filled with smaller amusement parks that offer major savings to budget conscious travelers. Take a look: OREGON Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon, has been in business since 1905. It … Continue reading →

When it comes to saving money on travel expenses the key is flexibility. It also doesn’t hurt to be well informed and fast. With the economy still in the dumpster travel companies are offering more last-minute deals than ever before (hence your need to be flexible). Meanwhile, many airlines have now turned to micro-blogging sites, such as Twitter, to advertise hugely discounted fares, which usually get snatched up within seconds of being posted (hence the need to be fast). If you have yet to book your family’s annual summer jaunt, then you are in luck. There are plenty of ways … Continue reading →