With winter in full swing (my son's school was closed again) and the groundhog telling us 6 more weeks until spring, it's time to pack up the kids and hit the slopes or head for the beach. Times may be tough, but if you have even just a little money set aside for a family vacation, you're in luck because travel bargains abound. If the thought of "budget" travel makes you cringe, relax. In this economy, budget does not mean no star motels, shared bathrooms or rental cars so small they barely fit 2 adults and a backpack, let alone a family of 4 and multiple pieces of luggage. The travel industry has been buffeted by the economy so there are deals to be had across the U.S. and around the world. Now is your chance to stay in brand new boutique hotels in New York City, Boston, Miami and elsewhere for under $200. Check out "At Newer Hotels, Luxury Goes on Sale (NY Times 1/18/09) and sites like Quikbook.com and HotelChatter.com. And be sure to take a look at Travel + Leisure's Hot Deals. My favorite this month is the Carefree Skate and Ski Package at the Homestead in Hot Springs, VA. You get 2 nights in a classic room, lift tickets to the Homestead ski area, skating rink passes and afternoon tea for $398/double - savings of 55%, good thru 3/17/09. It's a perfect winter family vacation at a price you can live with. You can sign up to receive dozens of monthly deals at TravelandLeisure.com. I personally scored big on BookIt.com saving 50% on my room rate for our April trip to Costa Rica (more on that later). Before you go anywhere though, be sure to poke around TravelAdvisor.com where you will find traveler reviews for everything and everywhere under the sun.
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