If you've got the sudden urge to get away from it all this Labor Day weekend, it's still not too late! According to AAA, the number of people traveling over Labor Day weekend this year is expected to drop 13.3 percent from last year's decade high -- and that means plenty of great last-minute discounts and deals on everything from car rentals to cruises.
Planning Makes Perfect
Yes, some things are more fun when left to spontaneity -- sampling a new dish or asking someone out, for instance -- but if you want to really enjoy summer's last blast, a little planning can make all the difference. Ask yourself a few questions before hitting the road: What do you want to get out of your vacation? (Do you want to meet people? Are there special points of interest you want to check out? Do you just want a good rest?) And though it can be tough -- we know! -- to actually find time to plan your vacation after wrestling with your boss for the few days off to take it, get started with a visit to these useful websites: Tripwiser.com will help you decide where to go, and provide destination information, points of interest, tours, visitor reviews, pictures and more. Tripit.com will help you stay organized, and make sure you have all the itineraries of your trip in order. Now that you have your pseudo-personal assistant, all you have to worry about is where to go!
Best Sites to Find Vacation Deals
Labor Day weekend is almost here, but there really are plenty of incredible last-minute
travel specials just waiting to be snapped up. Check out the sites below -- our favorites -- for great deals on getaways. Travel not in your budget this weekend? Take a look, anyway. We're all penny-pinching these days, but saving smart now can lead to a relaxing and much-needed escape in the very near future: $15 a week in the vacation jar adds up to a 4-day cruise to the Caribbean or Bahamas in just a couple months!
Budget-friendly Hotels
The recession is actually a good thing -- at least when it comes to Labor Day getaways. Thanks to the troubled economy, average hotel room rates are lower than last year, according to Orbitz.com: Hotel rooms in New York City, for example, are about $54 cheaper than this time in 2008, and average room rates in Las Vegas are $108/night, down $28 from last year. So if you've been dreading that annual backyard BBQ with your in-laws, here's your chance to escape.
If
you still haven't buckled down and joined any social
media networks, this might just be the incentive you need: When
it comes to travel tips and tricks, look no further than online
globe-trotters to lead the way. Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook
let travelers and travel businesses share travel info and deals in "real time," with invaluable insider tips on hidden gems that you'd never find in a guide
book.
So you've opted for and end-of-summer road trip to save some cash: Did you know there are ways to save even more just by driving a little smarter? Here are a few helpful tips:
· Before you hit the road, check the pressure on your tires. Keeping your tires properly inflated improves gas mileage by about 3 percent
· Keep a steady speed of around 60mph. Every 5 mph over that is equivalent to paying an additional 20 cents -- or more! -- per gallon for gas. Additionally, avoid rapid acceleration and braking. That can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds
· Turn down the AC! We know you think we're crazy for suggesting this, but the truth is, blasting your car's air conditioning can reduce MPG 5-25 percent compared to not using it. (If you're into gadgets, try one of those nifty solar-powered car fans)
· If you're parking your car in the sun, use a sunshade for the windshield to beat the heat
Healthy Snacks for the Trip
We don't care how old you are, getting there is always more fun with good snacks along the way. Chances are you won't be watching the diet this Labor Day weekend, but here are some tips on delicious snacks that will at least keep you healthy on the way there and back!
·
summer berries
·
popcorn sprinkled with parmesan cheese
· crunchy sliced apples and a jar of peanut butter
·
fruit leather
·
cheese sandwiches cut into squares (with or without the crust)
·
trail mix
·
yogurt in a tube
· string cheese
· dried apples
More tools to help plan your trip
- Currency Convertor
- Flight Tracker
- Passports & U.S. Customs Info
- Travel Advisories & Health Tips
- Weather Forecasts
Wherever you go, safe travels -- and happy Labor Day weekend!
Jennifer Lee & Joyce Liao, Clear365 Bloggers
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