Full Body Scanners -- Second Annual Air Travel Survey Released by TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor releases its Second Annual Air Travel Survey where they asked more than 3,200 U.S. respondents dozens of questions about their air travel preferences. The topics ranged from airline fees to in-flight WiFi.

Here is what topped the charts:
-- Limited legroom and the need for more roomier seats
-- Fees, please no more! 55% of travelers said that checked
baggage fees where the most annoying current airline fee.
31% stated that seat fees would be added in 2010 and
peak date surcharges for additional top travel dates.
-- 74% feel that passengers of size should be required to
purchase tickets for two seats on their flights.
-- 30% would like in-flight WiFi but 61% would not be willing
to pay for it. 27% would be willing to pay $5 or less.
-- What about inappropriate web content access? 45% said
they would do nothing if the person sitting next to them on
the flight were accessing inappropriate content.
-- To avoid extra charges with luggage, 58% always or often
carry on their bag.
-- What about the Full Body Scanners? 79% of
travelers said they are comfortable with U.S. airports
using full body scanners that can see through clothes.
-- Small Talk- 73% of travelers said a little small talk with
seatmates is fine, but that they prefer to keep to
themselves for most of the flight.

Who's Busy on Turkey Day?

Orbitz Reveals the Busiest Airports for Thanksgiving

Reports are showing that despite the down economy travelers are still flying. Orbitz released the Insider Index of the busiest airports for Thanksgiving. They also released information on time-saving tips for those of us navigating our way through a bustling airport during the holiday season.

The Insider Index reviewed the top 50 U.S. airports based on flight bookings, identifying which will be the most and least busy the week of Thanksgiving.

Chicago O'Hare International takes the honor of the busiest airport this Thanksgiving. Rounding out the top three are Los Angeles and Denver international airports. New York-area airports occupy three of the 10 spots on the list, which makes the Big Apple a hot spot for Thanksgiving travelers.

1 Chicago, IL - Chicago O'Hare International

2 Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles International

3 Denver, CO - Denver International

4 San Francisco, CA - San Francisco International

5 Atlanta, GA - Atlanta Hartsfield International

6 Boston, MA - Boston Logan International

7 New York, NY - New York LaGuardia

8 New York, NY - New York John F. Kennedy International

9 Newark, NJ - Newark Liberty International

10 Seattle, WA - Seattle Tacoma International

In reviewing what was the busiest airport during the Thanksgiving holiday, Orbitz also reveals the least busy airports. Orbitz reports that these airports may see a lift in traffic but overall will be easier for travelers to make their way through the airport.

1 San Jose, CA - San Jose International

2 Nashville, TN - Nashville International

3 Richmond, VA - Richmond International

4 Sacramento, CA - Sacramento International

5 Jacksonville, FL - Jacksonville International

6 West Palm Beach, FL - Palm Beach International

7 Hartford, CT - Bradley International

8 Orange County, CA - John Wayne International

9 Cincinnati, OH - Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International

10 Fort Myers, FL - Southwest Florida Regional

Orbitz Insider's Top Five Tips to Save You Time at the Airport this Holiday

Choose Alternate airports: If you haven't booked your Thanksgiving travel -- or if your're looking ahead to Christmas or New Year's -- consider using alternative smaller airports.

Flexibility is key: If your travel plans are flexible, investigate flying on days that Orbitz predicts will be less busy during the Thanksgiving period. The best bet would be to depart on Nov. 23, 2009 and return on Nov. 30, 2009

Online check-in is your friend: Where possible take advantage of online check-in and print boarding passes before arriving at the airport.

Know your flight status: Always check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport.

Security smarts: Keep anything you need to show airport security such as ID, boarding passes, liquids in a zip-top bag, or medication, in a separate compartment of your carry-on bag.

Dashing through the Snow -- On a Jet Airplane

TripAdvisor Travelers Dashing to the Airports for

Holiday Flights in 2009

TripAdvisor has announced the results of its holiday air travel survey of more than 1,300 U.S. respondents. They found that of the 35 percent that are planning to travel for Thanksgiving this year, 37 percent are planning to fly to their destinations. This is nearly equal to the 38 percent one year ago. For the month of December, 40 percent of respondents are planning to travel with 57 percent planning to fly. That is up compared to the 52 percent last year.

It appears that those who booked early were able to take advantage of some great deals this year. Eighty-one percent of those traveling for Turkey Day have already booked their flights, with 55 percent saying that they were able to get a good price by booking early. It appears that most who are willing to fly are flying only if they found a great deal.

For the Christmas Holidays, 57 percent of travelers surveyed are planning to fly and 47 percent of them said they have yet to book their flights. For travelers not currently planning to fly, 39 percent said they would consider flying if they found a great price.

Due to the changes with baggage fees, 33 percent of travelers planning to fly during the holidays this year are planning to take only carry-on bags, 55 percent are planning to check one bag and only 12 percent plan to check two bags. This is quite different as in the past, 12 percent said they just took carry-ons, 61 percent checked one bag, and 26 percent checked two bags.

When surveyors were asked if the economy was affecting their holiday flight plans, 67 percent said not at all, 33 percent said they are factoring it in, 19 percent are planning to drive, and 14 percent are flying on off-peak days. Eleven percent of travelers also said they're planning to fly on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or New Year's Day to get a cheaper flight.

"Over the past few weeks we've had millions of travelers shopping for their holiday flights on TripAdvisor," said Bryan Saltzburg, general manager of new initiatives at TripAdvisor. "This survey shows that travelers are still flying for the holidays despite the shaky economy and that many are finding great deals. We also found that travelers are adjusting their behavior as airlines implement new fees, including those for checking first and second bags."

Top 10 Destinations Shopped on TripAdvisor Flights in October for November and December Travel Dates

1. Las Vegas, Nevada
2. Los Angeles, California
3. Orlando, Florida
4. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
5. Atlanta, Georgia
6. New York, New York
7. Miami, Florida
8. San Francisco, California
9. Phoenix, Arizonia

10.Honolulu, Hawaii

New Travel Deals Auctioning Website Launches -- Deals-Travel.com

Travel Deals the eBay Way

Deals-Travel.com, Inc., a rapidly growing online travel auctions website and an alternative to eBay in this market space, has announced the official launch.

If you are someone who enjoys eBay, then you might love Deals-Travel.com, which auctions off travel deals from around the world inventory for all kinds of travel, vacation packages, hotels, tickets and more.  This site is unlike the CheapTickets, Hotwire or Priceline, as you know which travel package you are bidding on before you start the process of buying.  This gives you a chance to research and to see what you are in for prior to bidding.

Most of their sales are an auction format but they also offer the "buy it now"  listings to give the buyer a choice.  To use Deals-Travel.com you must become a registered user by completing an easy form, and it's free!  After you submit your form you will be emailed a confirmation code that you will use to activate your account.  When you find an item you like in the category listings you will use your customer ID and password to place a bid.  If you have chosen to be notified when outbid, you will be sent an email message as soon as someone overbids you.

For more information go to:  Deals-Travel.com

Orbitz.com -- No Cancellation Fees on Hotels with Hotel Price Assurance

Orbitz- No Cancellation fees on Hotel Bookings

Orbitz announced that it will no longer charge change and cancellation fees on hotel bookings made anywhere in the world as they are making it easier for customers to adjust their schedules accordingly.

"We are totally obsessed with ensuring Orbitz.com is the best place to book a hotel on the Web," said Barney Hartford, President and CEO, Orbitz Worldwide. "Earlier this year we led the industry with the launch of Total Price hotel search results and Hotel Price Assurance delivering meaningful value an transparency. Now by eliminating change and cancellation fees on all hotel bookings we're giving customers yet another reason to book their hotel with Orbitz.com."

Orbitz has made it's mark in the online travel industry by providing the Total Price hotel search making it radically easier and more transparent for consumers to search for hotels and know the total cost of lodging up front. They are the only major online travel company to show Total Price per night, including taxes and fees, upfront on the initial search results page. They also offer Hotel Price Assurance which promises customers the best Orbitz rate for their hotel. Here's how it works: you book any pre-paid hotel on Orbitz, another Orbitz customer subsequently books the same hotel stay at a lower rate, and Orbitz automatically sends you a check for the difference.

For more details, visit www.orbitz.com/hotelvalue.

Hotels.com Reports 30% Drop on New York City Hotel Rates

According to hotels.com Hotel Price Index --

New York City Hotel Rates

Drop 30 Percent in the First Half of 2009

Compared to the same period in 2008 New York City hotel rates dropped 30 percent tying them with Las Vegas as the greatest price fall among major U.S. cities. However, despite the drop in rates, New York still had the most expensive hotel prices in the U.S. and seventh most expensive globally.

"Hotel rates are at a historic low right now and it's the perfect time to take advantage of the great deals in New York City and around the northeast." said Steve Dumaine, senior director of merchandising for hotels.com.

Not only did New York hotels drop in price but it appears that the city is one of the most favored destination for U.S. and international travelers across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. New York was second amongst American travelers and first among foreign travelers.

New York City held its spot as the most expensive domestic city for U.S. travelers, ranking seventh globally.

For more information go to www.hotels.com

Orbitz Announces Fall Sale -- Autumn's Popular Destinations

Sale Launches with Hotels from $35 per Night in

Autumn's Popular Destinations

Orbitz.com released the latest edition of the Orbitz Insider Index, revealing the top shoulder season destinations offering big fun and even bigger savings this fall. Along with the insider index, the company also announced its Fall Sale.

"Fall's shoulder season, the period between summer and holiday travel, is the perfect time to enjoy great weather with the perks of lower costs and less crowded beaches and attractions in many popular tourist destinations," said Sam Fulton, Group Vice President for Orbitz.com's Retail Group. "This is the time of year where you will find some of the best deals and get the most value out of your vacation."

The Orbitz Insider Index reviewed average hotel costs in 10 popular shoulder season destinations, identifying which give travelers the most value this fall. Offering consumers the highest year-over-year percentage savings, Dublin and Bermuda top the list, with 44% and 38% respectively. Those savvy spenders should set their sights on a fall excursion to Las Vegas, San Juan, and once again, Dublin, all of which offer average hotel rates under $100 per night.

Nearly all of the Orbitz Insider shoulder season destinations are included in the Orbitz Fall Sale. Sample rates include:

-- Las Vegas: 4-star Luxor Hotel, rates starting at $50/night, check in date Oct. 15, 2009. Orbitz Special Offer: 3rd night free, $25 beverage credit.

-- San Juan: 3-star Doubletree by Hilton San Juan, rates starting at $99/night, check-in date Oct. 11. Orbitz Special Offer: Stay 4 nights and get the 3rd and 4th nights free, $50 food and beverage credit

-- Vancouver, Canada: 4-star Century Plaza Hotel, rates starting at $87 per night, check-in date Oct. 17. Orbitz Special Offer: 25% off 4 nights or more. 20% off 3 nights

For more information about the above information including the Insider Index go to: http://www.orbitz.com/

SmarterTravel.com -- Gives you Smarter Deals

Online Travel Site -- SmarterTravel.com 

Gives you Smarter Deals

SmarterTravel.com offers many opportunities to experience a wide choice of travel deals, guides, advice, and a plethora of news regarding the travel industry.  Not only will you receive a great deal but you will also receive wonderful advice and news alerts.

The site offers Editors Picks and Sponsored Deals giving the reader an easy way to locate these top deals.  Below is just a sample of what I found on this site:

Editors Picks:  Airfare Deals

Europe Sale Fares on Lufthansa from $432 round-trip

$39 one-way Air Tran Sales Fares

$18 round-trip Spirit Sale Fares

Hawaii Sale Fares on Hawaiian from $318 round-trip

Go to SmarterTravel for further details.

Sponsored Deals:

Vacation

$95  -- 4 star Hyatt Regency Cancun:  Air + 4 Fr $95  Expedia

$1,749 -- Romance of Costa Rica: 7 nights hotel, Guide & Tours, 5 Tours, Romance and a Car  JDWatersports

Hotels

$79 -- Save in Fairhope:  Book 3 nights in October Fr $79/Nt Expedia

$95 -- Stay 3 Nt and Save 20% off your stay!  Ramada Limited  Expedia

Airfare

$143 -- Save on Flights to San Francisco at $143 roundtrip Tax Inclusive CheapOAir

$239 -- Enjoy Germany & Save! Fly from NYC Fr $239 one-way  round-trip/ Req AirCanda

Cruise

$649 -- Free Coupon Book & More - 7 Nt Carribean Cruise Fr $649 Americas Vacation Center

$449 -- Hot Deal on 6 Nt Cruise! Norwegian Fr $449  Expedia

Go to SmarterTravel for more details!

Be sure to check out their wonderful articles and photo gallery after rummaging through the deals!

  

Hotels.com -- U.S. Hotel Prices Drop 17%

According to hotels.com

U.S. Hotel Prices Drop 17%

The latest hotels.com Hotel Price Index(TM), the average price of a hotel room in the U.S. fell 17 percent in the first six months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. During Q1 and Q2 of 2009, the average cost of a nightly hotel room was $115, down from $139 the year before.

"This is by far the most significant change in prices we've seen since we created the Hotel Price Index. Americans' travel dollars have never gone farther than in 2009," said David Roche, President of hotels.com.

U.S. is not alone in regards to the fall in room rates as hotel rooms in Europe were down 16 percent, rates in North America and Asia both declining 17 percent, and hotel prices in Latin America fell 18 percent for the first half of the year.

Other notable findings in regards to U.S. destinations include:

Las Vegas overtook New York City as the favorite domestic destination for U.S. travelers in the first half of 2009, with room rates in the city just $82 a night on average. Destinations rounding out the top five U.S. favorites included New York City, Orlando, Chicago and San Francisco.

Las Vegas and New York City both experienced the nation's greatest drop in room rates with each destination down 30 percent compared to the same period the previous year.

Among the states, New York was the most expensive destination, followed by Hawaii, Massachusetts and Wyoming, whose ski tourism helped boost hotel prices in the state. The nation's least expensive states in the first half of 2009 included Nevada, with room rates just $77 on average, Idaho and Kansas.

For international travelers visiting the United States, New York, Las Vegas and San Francisco were the top destinations in Q1 and Q2 2009.

Hotels.com -- Record Breaking Fall Sale

Hotels.com Offers Record Breaking Sales for the Fall

There are nearly 2,000 properties on sale in more than 100 destinations with savings up to 50 percent. Hotels.com is celebrating the season of foliage, fairs and football with the largest Fall Sale in the company's history.

"Fall is one of the best times to travel since it lands between two heavy tourism seasons - summer and the holidays. Travelers can find some of the year's deepest hotel discounts with rates often much lower than other months," said Carl Sparks, general manager of hotels.com. "Plus with great weather, beautiful fall scenery, and an abundance of sporting events, fairs and festivals there's plenty to see and do in almost every destination."

The Fall Sale offers up to 50 percent off in select hotels in Chicago, Boston, Las Vegas and Miami, as well as free nights at participating hotels in New York, Dallas, and Orlando. Also, in addition to great rates, guests may also receive added perks including resort credits, food and beverage gift certificates, and more.

Guest must book by October 12, 2009, for stays through October 19, 2009. For additional information and details on the promotion go to: www.hotels.com/fallsale

Sample of Fall Foliage and Fairs:

Boston: The Westin Boston Waterfront

4 star, 4.3 hotels.com guest rating, 88% recommended

Save up to 30%, Sale rates from $132

Denver: Hotel Monaco Denver -- A Kimpton Hotel

4 star, 4.5 hotels.com guest rating, 94% recommended

Save up to 20%, Sale rates from $135

Seattle: Fairmont Olympic Hotel

5 star, 4.7 hotels.com guest rating, 94% recommended

Save 40%, Sale rates from $179

Santa Fe: Villas de Santa Fe

2.5 star, 4.5 hotels.com guest rating, 95% recommended

Save up to 50% Sale rates from $100

Football Destinations and City Escapes:

Austin: Radisson Hotel Austin -- Town Lake

3.5 Star, 4.0 hotels.com guest rating, 81% recommended

Save 40%, Sale rates from $131

Miami: Pelican Hotel

3.5 stars, 4.6 hotels.com guest rating, 100% recommended

Fourth night free, Sale rates from $120

San Francisco: Hotel Adagio a Joie de Vivre Boutique Hotel

3.5 star, 4.4 hotels.com guest rating, 90% recommended

Save up to 30%, Sale rates from $123

New York: On the Ave Hotel

3.5 star, 4.4 hotels.com guest rating, 92% recommended

Save 20%, Sale rates from $219

A minimum night stay may be required for some Fall Sale Rates. For more information go to www.hotels.com/fallsale.

TripAdvisor -- Top 10 Places Worldwide to Beware of Pickpockets

TripAdvisor -- Beware of the

Top 10 Places for having your Pocket Picked

According to TripAdvisor, the world's most popular and largest travel community, visitors would do well to watch their bags in the top 10 cities below:

1. Barcelona, Spain: Watch out for the Las Ramblas, the famous wide, pedestrian walkway full of life, music, and people, as it is the perfect place to get your purse poached.

2. Rome, Italy: Rome is full of both tourists and incredible things to sightsee making it easy for a pickpocket to lift a camera or purse with a quick snip of scissors or some clever handiwork with a zipper.

3. Prague, Czech Republic: There are thousands of tourists who crowd the ancient stones on the Charles Bridge each year, this makes it a perfect recipe for pickpocketing so make sure you strap down your valuables.

4. Madrid, Spain: Watch out at the El Rastro fleamarket as this is a crowded area that attracts unfriendly pickpocket schemes.

5. Paris, France: Be careful in the city's metro system as it is crowded with travelers and pickpocketers.

6. Florence, Italy: When admiring Michelangelo's creation, or at its replica in busy Piazza della Signoria, be alert that others may have their attention on your wallet.

7. Buenos Aires, Argentina: Very busy outdoor attractions that attract thieves waiting to help the weary traveler.

8. Amsterdam, Netherlands: It is easy to get carried away with all of the fun things to do but pickpocketers have been known to take advantage of countless tourists in this enchanting city.

9. Athens, Greece: Whether visiting the Parthenon on the Acropolis, or anything else in this magnificent historic city, keep the bags close to the vest while your eyes admire the rest.

10. Hanoi, Vietnam: This is the capitol of Vietnam and very beautiful and unique place to visit with 600 temples and pagodas, but also a place to stay alert for mischief.

TripAdvisor gives advice on how to avoid being pick pocketed as this can happen in any city.

1. Never keep your wallet or valuables in your rear pocket, even if it buttons - it's by far the easiest target.

2. Beware of the distraction tactic. Dropping something near you, squirting something on you, or simply jostling you. Be on guard when in crowds, and secure your belongings.

3. Pickpockets often work in pairs or groups and it's not just the usual suspects. Be cautious with any strangers -- sometimes people who don't look like they'd be a threat, such as children or the elderly, can be part of larger operations.

4. Stay alert in confined spaces and near passageways. Try to avoid standing near the doorways of trains as groups of pickpockets can rush at you when the doors open.

5. Before you set off on a trip, pare down the contents of your purse or wallet as the smaller the bulge, the less likely pickpockets are to covet it.

TripAdvisor -- Fall and Labor Day Travel Survey

TripAdvisor Announces results from its

Fall and Labor Day Survey

TripAdvisor surveyed over 2,400 U.S. travelers and found that 84% of travelers plan to take leisure trips this fall, up from 82% one year ago, and 43% said they will be traveling more this autumn than last. Also, 69% are likely to fly on a whim for a great deal and 70% will stick to the road.

In the past month, here are the top 10 regions that the millions of travelers on TripAdvisor.com have been browsing:

1. Coastal South Carolina

2. Jersey Shore

3. Florida Keys

4. Cape Cod

5. Southwest Gulf Coast

6. Florida Panhandle

7. Texas Gulf Coast

8. North Carolina Coast

9. Monterey Peninsula

10. Napa Valley

Here are the Top 10 most searched Cities in August currently with airfares under $199:

1. Orlando

2. Las Vegas

3. Fort Lauderdale

4. Tampa

5. Miami

6. Atlanta

7. New York

8. Denver

9. Fort Myers

10. Boston

Top 5 Fall Activities

1. View colorful Fall Foliage -- 44%

2. Visit a State/County Fair or Fall Festival -- 28%

3. Go Wine Tasting/Visit a Vineyard -- 26%

4. Go to a Football Game -- 23%

5. Visit a Beer Festival/Oktoberfest -- 14%

Travel Deals Online: Are you in the Mood?

Here is a Collection of 

Travel Deals from Online Sources

If you are going to travel why not travel on a deal!  Here is a collection of deals that I found from online sources. Have fun!

Airfare Deals:

• AirTran Airways one-way airfares from $39.  Book by August 25th and travel by December 16, 2009.  Sample Deals:  Boston to Baltimore $39, Akron-Canton to New York(LGA) $39, Atlanta to Dallas-Ft.Worth (DFW) $74.  Link will take to Expedia.com for details.
• Frontier Airlines one-way airfares from $44 but you better act quick as this sale ends August 26, 2009.  Travel is valid through February 10, 2010.  Sample Deals:  Albuquerque NM to Denver, CO $44, Denver, CO to Portland Oregon $69, Austin, TX to Denver, CO $74.  Link takes you to Frontier Airlines for additional details.
• Eurofly roundtrip airfares to Rome.  Travel from New York to Rome as low as $343 rountrip.  Flights are available on select dates in September and October but are based on availability.  If you are interested you will need to book ASAP.  Also, many of the outbound and return flight dates are not conveniently paired and in order to snag the sale fares you will have to book legs of your journey as far as two weeks apart.  Go to the link for details.
• American Airlines European airfares (roundtrip) Travel needs to be booked by August 25, 2009.  Outbound travel from August 17, 2009 to October 25, 2009; travel must be complete by November 24, 2009.   Sample flights:  New York to London $442, Boston to Barcelona $516, Dallas Ft.-Worth to Frankfurt $606, Miami to Milan $564.  For additional information click the link as it will bring you to Orbitz.

Other Deals:

• Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa  This is an all inclusive resort in Ocho Rios offering rooms as low as $136 a night.  Offer is for stays through December 22, 2009, booked by August 30th.  
• Golf resort Horseshoe Bay Resort has a "Just bring your Swing" package that includes lodging and unlimited golf with complimentary club rental.
• New Orleans tourism web site Save $50 on hotel stays if booked through the New Orleans official leisure tourism Web site and also get a $25 gift certificate good for Commander's Palace or Cafe Adelaide.  

For additional information or terms and condition, on any of these deals please click the link.  Happy Travels!
  

GoWaza.com -- Total Travel Planning Site

GoWaza.com New Travel Site 

helps ease the 

Frustrations of Planning

I love finding new travel sites and I must say they are getting better.  The options are amazing for us internet surfers as we can now experience great travel deals with the ease of one click.  At GoWaza.com you can put in your travel dates and up pops numerous hotels, flights, rental cars, events and restaurants for your choosing.  This site combines all of your travel items into one integrated dashboard and map.  

Since San Diego, CA is one of Orbitz top destinations for Labor Day weekend, I decided to input information for a mock up trip for the weekend.  Wow, the search provided numerous hotels, restaurants,flights, etc, all on one page.  This also included a map, with directions, to make it easier to plan the trip.  Also, by clicking on the events tab I was able to see that I had a choice of 19 events for the weekend.  Since I am an 80's kinda gal, I clicked on the AC DC tab and it brought me straight to the ticketing site to purchase tickets.

The site also offers another feature that allows you to build your trip on a map and then send your friends the entire trip.  This is a great feature for those of us who travel in groups and with one click everyone is in the loop.

Features in a nutshell:

• Search flights, cars, hotels, restaurants and contacts simutaneously
• Connect with your friends when you travel
• Multiple sites are searched to get you the lowest price
• See all of your travel information on one map

To give this site a try go to:  GoWAZA
  

Orbitz Reveals Most Popular 2009 Labor Day Weekend Destinations

Orbitz -- Most Popular

Labor Day Weekend Destinations

Labor Day is fast approaching and is one of the busiest travel weekends of the season. For Americans' this weekend is looked upon as the last chance for a long weekend getaway before summer slips away. Orbitz Insider Index has reveled where travelers are celebrating this holiday weekend and where they can find some of the biggest late summer savings.

Orbitz Insider Index -- Top Labor Day Weekend Destinations:

Destination Avg. Hotel Rate

1 Las Vegas, NV $108

2 New York, NY $191

3 Cancun, Mexico $151

4 Honolulu, HI $111

5 Chicago, IL $127

6 Atlanta, GA $121

7 San Francisco, CA $142

8 Seattle, WA $118

9 San Diego, CA $195

10 Paris, France $164

Last Minute Deals:

--- New York to Tampa- Airfare + 3-nights at the 4-Star Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, from $389 per person

--- Atlanta to Chicago -- Airfare + 3-nights at the 4-Star Palmer House Hilton, from $394 per person

--- Minneapolis to San Francisco -- Airfare + 3 nights at the 4-Star San Francisco Marriott, from %500 per person

Prices do change as you will need to go to the website for additional information.

TripAdvisor -- Tips and Advice

TripAdvisor Advice

TripAdvisor announced the top ways it helps travelers get the most bang for their buck.

Many times I use these online travel sites to find the best deals

and I felt this information would be useful.

Top Values --

TripAdvisor travelers looking for an amazing stay on their trip to high-priced New York City, for example, could uncover that the Top Value four-star Hotel Giraffe offers a highly-rated stay at an average of $331 per night, which might be a perfect alternative to the Sofitel New York, a four-star property that runs an average of $429 per night.

Vacation Rentals Calculator

The Vacation Rentals Calculator reveals which choice -- a hotel or vacation rental -- will save you money based on these criteria. For example: a family of four looking to spend three days in Orlando, Fl, could save around $210 by staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel and eating a few meals in.

Great Summer Escapes

TripAdvisor's "Great Escapes" provide inspiring, wallet-friendly getaway options, revealing trips by air or by car that cost less than $199.

TripAdvisor Flight Search

TripAdvisor has a Fees Estimator that gives travelers an honest price for a flight by accounting for baggage fees, plus the cost of on-board amenities and other extras that can really add up.

Filters

You can filter hotel reviews on TripAdvisor to see only those written by people traveling on business, as part of a couple, with a family, as part of a friends getaway, or solo.

"Best for Less" Guides

These guides provide valuable insight on how to get the most for your money. Each features 8 to 10 destinations, highlighting five hotels, five restaurants, and three free attractions as part of a value-conscious trip. They have also included a "Dos and Dont's" for each destination.

www.tripadvisor.com