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Don't Nix That Summer Vacation

Gas prices are keeping many familes home this summer. But there are ways to reduce costs and still go on vacation. Here are some ideas:

• Pick a vacation spot that doesn't require any extra driving once you get there. All-in-one inclusive packages are great for this. If you want to see the local sights, the hotel might offer bicycles or mopeds for your use.
• Check the price of renting an RV for one week, and ask about mileage: How far will you be able to travel on one tank of gas? Mark a circle on a map and see if there is a potential vacation spot within that area. With the RV you'll save on motels and food as well.
• If you drive your own car, you don't have to travel far to get a real vacation feel. A rental cabin in the woods by a lake or at the shore could be affordable if you're not spending hundreds of dollars for gas. If the lodging has a refrigerator and stove, your food costs will be dramatically reduced.
• If your time is flexible, check LastMinuteTravel.com for low-cost travel. You won't have much notice in many cases, and little choice about when to go, but if you're adventurous and want to spend a few days in a new place, this is an excellent way to sample travel destinations. An extra feature on the site is the maps showing motel locations.
• Airfare Watchdog is another good site for low fares. It tracks airlines, and if you sign up for alerts, you'll get fast e-mail notification of fares from your departure city.
• Bed and Breakfast is another site that will send alerts if you sign up. It's not limited to bed and breakfast places either. Search the site for listings covering resorts, working ranches and farms, country inns and more.
• Priceline.com is a good source for reduced-cost travel. You can choose your departure and destination cities, the dates you want to leave and return, and whether you want a car waiting at the other end. While the prices are likely to be the lowest available, it doesn't hurt to directly call the individual motel, airline and car rental companies to see if you can get a better deal.

David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, PO Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.

© 2008 King Features Synd, Inc.