When the Going Gets Tough . . . the Tough Get Packing.
Many people are having a tough time with our recession right now. Your stock portfolio has taken a dive, your credit card limit has been slashed for no good reason and the hope of a home equity loan has been dashed due to plummeting real estate prices.
Spending money on a tropical getaway this winter may be the last thing on your mind.
Maybe you could just look at the glass as half full and follow example of the newly elected leaders of our federal government. Spend it if you really don’t have it.
You may not have China promising to buy off your debt, but there are ways to get away and refresh your soul without printing money in your basement.
It may sound counter intuitive to spend money when times are so uncertain, but there’s something about getting away that refreshes and restores. Besides, there are many budget travel escapes available today that were unheard of a year ago.
Travel locally:
Take advantage of the lower gas prices. When’s the last time you traveled a couple of hours outside your hometown for a weekend tour? Most of us don’t realize what bucolic treasures lay past our strip malls and chain restaurants in our hometown.
Drive two hours from anywhere and most likely you’ll find charming bed and breakfasts lining winding river valleys or perched on top of snow capped mountains. With one direct phone call, you can probably negotiate a great price with the owner. Everything can be negotiated these days.
Caribbean on a dime:
If white sand and frozen tropical cocktails are more your speed, consider flying south. Jet Blue is offering deals to Bermuda for three days including airfare and hotel for just over $400 per person.
Now, let’s get real. You won’t be booked on an oceanfront suite with a free continental breakfast, but most likely your hotel will be in downtown Hamilton where there’s plenty of shopping and restaurants; and just a shuttle ride away from the pink sands of Bermuda’s famous beaches
Snowbird Specials:
Even the mighty Mickey Mouse is feeling the pinch of this depressing economy. Deals to Orlando are in abundance. If you feel the need for a dash of Disney and a side of sunshine, book an Orlando trip through www.travelthemesanddreams.com. Airfare, five night hotel stay and five days of rental car will set you back only $429 per person.
Where the Dollar is Worth More Than a Dime:
There are actually exotic places where the dollar dominates. South America has great deals due to their weaker currency.
Fly down on Copa Airlines and get airfare, five night accommodations, breakfast, English speaking tour guide and taxes for about $850. Right now, summer is in full season and a perfect temperature to watch the Panama Canal drop and raise multi-ton ships through its locks.
Search for South American deals directly on budget airline websites like Spirit Airlines. Spirit is breaking into the South American market by providing very competitive fares, usually beating the traditional South American national airlines and American Airlines.
With the American dollar worth three to one against the Peruvian Soles, hotels, restaurants and shopping are all a bargain. Make sure you stay in the Miraflores district where the best ceviche restaurants are located.
You’ll also have to save a few dollars to visit the Indian Market. This market is replete with discount silver products, alpaca blankets and wood carved curios. Take a three dollar cab to the Blue Market and find bootleg copies of today’s latest movies and albums.
There you have it; a chance for sunshine in a gloomy economy. So whip out your credit cards and spend it like you don’t have it. Calgon, take me away!
–Shelly Connors