With the economy showing its first signs of life this week, the travel industry has reason to be cautiously optimistic.  After all, this is the worst economic downturn the US, and the world, has experienced in quite some time.  The travel industry has been hit particularly hard.

Airlines have been dealing with higher fuel prices and a significant drop in the number of passengers.  They are trying to stay above water by raising prices, but that seems to only further dissuade potential customers who are worried about spending extra cash on tickets while the economy struggles.  Major airlines expect to cut nearly 10% of their flights over the next few months.  Even budget carriers like Southwest Airlines and Europe’s Ryanair are cutting flights.  Meanwhile, train and bus ridership is up nearly 12%.

Hotels are also feeling the crunch.  Most places report a 5% decrease in reservations from this time last year.  Meanwhile, cancellations of existing reservations have nearly doubled in the past few months.  Some hotels rely on corporate bookings for a major part of their revenue.  So, as companies struggle to make ends meet, Hotels are struggling also.

But there are some bright spots.  Oil prices have fallen, making driving once again a reasonable alternative to flying.  And airlines have been restructuring to cater to customers on a tighter budget.  Though the slowdown has hurt airlines, it has given a higher profile to budget carriers like Southwest Airlines and Ryanair, both of whom survive by offering rock-bottom fares.  British Airways is trying to increase its trans-Atlantic service by offering cheap business class flights with its new subsidiary, OpenSkies.

In many places, investment groups and real estate developers are starting new projects aimed at creating mid-range and budget hotels.  These are signs that the industry is responding to the economy, even if they are a little late in doing so.  Hopefully, when all is said and done, there will be more options for budget travelers in search of cheaper flights and cheaper hotels.

When you’re preparing to jet off on your next vacation, don’t let missing the flight hold back your travel plans.  Planning a trip can be stressful, and it’s easy to forget about some key details when you’re frantically getting to the airport, picking up luggage and searching for the right gate for your departure.  Since you can’t control what happens after check-in, you need an action plan to keep your travel schedule right on track.  Here are six easy ways to avoid missing your flight:

1.    Pack a light carry on.  Loading up that carry on bag with too many things can slow you down considerably, especially if you’re on a flight schedule that requires multiple stops and airport changeovers.  Pack a light carry on bag so that you can keep moving ahead of the crowds and get to your next stop with ease.
2.    Get your bathroom breaks in early.  Avoid waiting until you find the gate to head to the bathroom.  You may not be able to squeeze in your break if the flight is already boarding, so plan accordingly and hit the restroom as early as you can.
3.    Eat a healthy snack at least an hour before the flight.  Eating a light snack will keep energy levels up and keep hunger pangs at bay.  Avoid the temptation of overeating at meals on your travel days so you don’t end up nauseous during takeoff – or get stuck in the bathroom right before your flight.
4.    Call your airline to confirm the flight.  If you have access to a cell phone on your way to the airport, quickly check up on your flight to make sure everything is still on time and on track. If your flight is delayed, you’ll have some more ‘breathing room’ that may lower your stress levels.
5.    Be courteous.  It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the airport when you’re trying to get form point A to point B, but minding your manners can help you get ahead.  Avoid confrontations with other passengers or flight attendants by being a calm and patient traveler more often than not.
6.    Skip the shopping circuit.  Avoid spending time at the duty-free or newsstands between flights – you never really know how long those checkout lines will be.  Do your shopping in the city you’ve been traveling to, and you’ll easily keep your travel plans on track.

As more people forego their typical travel plans in order to save money, many hotels and resorts are thinking of new ways to capture the avid traveler’s attention.  While discounted hotel stays and flight-hotel packages can encourage some travelers to go ahead with their travel itinerary, many are finding better incentives to book that hotel stay.  Some hotels are now offering gas cards to potential guests as an incentive to save money during and after the vacation. By encouraging travelers to save money on related travel expenses, hotels may be able to lure otherwise home-bound guests to their property, despite the economic downturn this year.
Many travelers have already taken steps to reduce their gas consumption and reduce their dependency on vehicles for local and regional travel.  The rising trend of ‘staycations’ allows many singles and families to forego traveling altogether and explore their neighborhood or hometown instead.  Staying at a hotel has consequently become a luxury for many, and rising travel costs are not making it easy for the average traveler to keep up with their tight budget.
Hotel rates are projected to decrease in the upcoming months, but at a steady rate.  This may encourage more people to book hotel stays and make use of incentives and package deals that help stretch those dollars to their fullest potential.  Loyalty programs are another incentive that can bring back return guests and encourage travelers to continue on with their usual vacation plans. Loyalty programs allow guests to earn points for future rewards such as discounted hotel packages, free overnight stays and other hotel specials that are not otherwise available to the average guest.
Still, incentives such as gas cards may offset some of the costs associated with travel, and smart hoteliers are cashing in on the trend by extending gas card incentives to many traveling hopefuls this year.

While many people have long turned to airline mile incentives and frequent flier miles packages to make the most of their dollar, hundreds are now realizing that collecting miles may be a futile effort.   The world’s most popular airlines including Delta and Continental are restructuring their frequent flier programs and reducing the number and scope of incentives for even the most loyal traveler.  These devaluations of airline miles also means higher fees to use up those miles and co-pay agreements that allow travelers a chance to upgrade their awards.
The days of a completely free ticket are giving way to mediocre discounts and incentives that are far from attractive.  Accruing miles for frequent flying is actually becoming more costly to keep up with, especially if travelers miss the deadlines to use up the miles and have to pay fees to redeem points.  Travel experts continue to explain that frequent flier programs aren’t really loyalty programs; they are more of a ‘multichannel marketing vehicle’ that encourage travelers to collect points and use them for discounts on additional purchases.  Car rentals, groceries, phones and even hotel rooms may be available at a discounted rate for these avid travelers, and few actually collect enough to qualify for a completely free airline ticket.
Some airlines are offering alternative options for their loyal customers, giving them a cash back discount and opportunities to enroll in a credit card to rack up extra advantages and benefits instead.  Still, these incentives are not enough to offset the hidden costs.
People who continue to make purchases with high-interest credit cards just to ‘collect miles’ may also be putting themselves at a disadvantage.  Charging a credit card for high-ticket items means interest payments will soon be due, and the extra costs may not be enough to substantiate the cost of a future ticket.  Making sure that the credit card is itself a valuable investment may be in the best interest of the budget-conscious traveler.

As the cost of travel continues to rise, more people are looking for frugal activities and cheap airline tickets to keep up travel expenses.  After finding a reasonably priced ticket and settling into comfortable accommodations, turning to free – or close to free – attractions and activities can make the frugal trip that much more worthwhile.  Almost every city has its own set of free attractions to discover and explore, and many overlooked destinations continue to be a popular weekend activity for residents.  If you’re committed to keeping up with your budget this travel season, here are some simple ways to find free attractions in any city:
1.  Consult the Visitors Bureau.  Every city has its own tourist outpost set up at the Visitor and Convention Bureau, and many of the organization’s websites list some popular activities – and their costs – for the avid traveler.  You can also call these agencies to inquire about any free events or attractions in the area, and you’ll be surprised at the list of activities that truly are free of charge.
2.  Don’t forget the gardens!  Botanical and sculpture gardens are often overlooked when it comes to finding free things to do, and most cities have at least one that is open to the public free of charge.  Check up on hours and age limitations by visiting the organization’s website and look forward to a unique experience.
3. Look for free museum passes.  Some museums and galleries charge admission fees throughout the week, but many offer free admission on select days.  If you’re heading out on your trip during the week, don’t be surprised to stumble across a few museums and art galleries that offer free admission during the first half of the workweek.
4. Head to an outdoor concert.  Outdoor concerts in the city square or at a city park are great ways to enjoy the great outdoors and take in some free music.  You can find a listing of concerts through the local newspaper, or even by contacting the Visitors Bureau.
5. Go people watching at the park or café.  Cafes, bistros and city parks are fun and free destinations to just sit back and people watch.  You’ll get a taste of local culture and can enjoy the area from a new perspective.

Whether you’re traveling alone or with the family this season, staying safe on your vacation is a top priority.  Every destination has its own set of safety concerns and dangerous areas, so you’ll need an action plan to steer clear of  high crime areas and ‘bad neighborhoods’,  or simply avoid a confrontation. From Disney World in Orland to the sightseeing tours in Washington, D.C., here are some tips for staying safe on your vacation:

1.    Keep track of local law enforcement numbers.  Program your cell phone or other communication device so you have local law enforcement phone numbers right at your fingertips.  You can always call 911 for help, but having local contacts can speed up communications if you need it.
2.    Zip up bags and totes.  It’s easy to leave handbags and shopping totes wide open while you’re busy browsing, but this will leave you more vulnerable to pickpockets.  Make sure everything stays closed and even locked when you’re out in public.
3.    Avoid walking alone at night.  Whether you’re walking down a common tourist area or heading back to your hotel after dinner downtown, avoid walking down the streets alone at  night.  You’re a prime candidate for a confrontation, so make plans to walk with a group or during daylight hours if needed.
4.    Let people know where you’ll be.  If you’re traveling with a group, make sure everyone knows who is exploring where at any given time.  Keeping in touch via cell phones or PDAs enabled with GPS devices is a surefire way to avoid getting lost on your trip – and staying out of danger.
5.    Always carry a map.  Always have a map available at your fingertips if you do get lost; you don’t want to spend time finding a store that sells maps when you’re in panic mode, and having a map on hand will help you find your way back to the hotel with ease.

Heading out on traveling venture on your own can be an exciting experience, and may even put your survival and navigation skills to the test.  Traveling alone offers several benefits; you have full control over your itinerary, can manage your own schedule, you can pick and choose only the attractions and sites that you want to experience, and you may even save money on food and accommodations with your ‘single’ status.

Still, traveling alone does require some safety precautions, especially if you’re a single woman who is heading off on a solo trip for the first time.  Here are some essential safety tips and strategies to make sure your trip doesn’t leave you vulnerable to injury or crime:

1.    Pack light and pack smart.  Packing a light load when you’re trekking through busy city streets or going on long tours can prevent you from losing important items on your trip.  Pack a handbag or fanny pack with only the essential items you need for that particular day, and make sure all jewelry, travel documents and money are well-hidden from view.
2.    Eat properly.  The last thing you want to worry about is getting sick or suffering from a bout of fatigue on your trip.  Make sure you eat well-balanced meals, drink plenty of clean water, and even take a multivitamin to ward off disease or digestive problems.  Skip the ‘taste test’ of foreign food if you have a sensitive stomach.
3.    Dress appropriately.  Make sure you’re traveling not only for the weather, but also for the culture.  Some countries require visitors – especially women – to dress in modest clothing or cover their hair in a scarf.  Learn about common cultural practices well beforehand so you don’t break the rules.
4.    Carry your own first aid kit.  You never know when you may need antiseptic wipes, a band aid, or even painkillers during your trip and you don’t want to worry about finding a store in the middle of the night.  Pack a small kit with the essentials to manage small health concerns with ease.
Load up the cell phone with important phone numbers.  Plan ahead and load your cell phone with key contacts in case of an emergency situation.  Include hotel and taxi numbers, the local police department and the local hospital in this list as an extra precaution.

If you’re heading off on an overseas flight or traveling for up to 12 hours across the country, eating the right foods on travel day can keep you healthy and comfortable.  Eating just the right mix of proteins, fat and carbohydrates at the right times can keep your energy levels up and prevent indigestion, fatigue or nausea during a stressful flight.  Here are just a few foods to avoid before a long flight:

1.    Dairy products.  Dairy products such as cheese, yogurt and milk can be valuable sources of protein on a regular day, but eating these right before your flight can make your stomach turn.  If you must have some dairy products, make sure you eat them at least 7-8 hours before your flight departure.
2.    Coffee on an empty stomach.  If you’re heading off on an early-morning flight, it’s tempting to reach for a cup of java to kick off your day.  Unfortunately, coffee can cause stomach upsets and make you queasy as you rush to the airport and settle in for your flight.  Make sure you eat a small snack with your coffee for better digestion.
3.    High fiber foods.  Leafy green vegetables, whole grains and beans should be staples of your diet on any given day, but eating these before a flight can leave you bloated and uncomfortable.  Save these types of foods for post-flight meals and you can look forward to a comfortable and relaxing flight.
4.    Extra-large servings.  Overeating right before a meal can set you up for cramping, indigestion and stomachaches throughout the flight.  Tight seating and sitting still for long periods of time can make it difficult to digest a heavy meal, so plan to eat light throughout the day.
5.    High fat foods.  Food that’s high in fat slows down digestion and can leave you feeling sluggish.  Avoid eating high fat, fried foods before hopping on board to ward off indigestion, bloating and even diarrhea.

When you’re in the spirit for traveling and exploring, a health or safety emergency is usually the last thing on your mind.  Still, getting sick or being a victim of theft can happen to anyone, and even the most preventive measures may not ward off troubling times.

Whether you lose your passport or get sick on your adventure tour, here are some simple ways to manage almost any travel emergency:

1.    You lose your wallet.  If you drop your wallet on your traveling tour, your latest shopping excursion or just exploring the newest area on your itinerary, you’ll need to file a police report right away.  Don’t wait until you get back to your hotel to file the report; contacting local law enforcement immediately can help you recover your wallet faster, especially if someone has kindly taken it to an area officer.  If you aren’t able to track down your possessions within 4-6 hours, consider calling your credit card hotlines to cancel all credit cards and contact your bank ASAP.
2.    You lose your luggage at the airport.  Baggage claim fiascos can put a damper on your travel plans, but taking action immediately can get your case resolved as quickly as possible. In some cases, airlines will reimburse you for the contents of your bag if they cannot locate it within a specific period of time.  Always make sure you pack a few basic essentials into your carry on whenever possible.
3.    You get into an accident.  Read up on your health insurance coverage before you leave home to make sure you know what is – and what isn’t – covered on your trip.  If you get into an accident, you’ll need to have medical insurance to cover ambulatory services and any doctor evaluations, so keep your insurance company information on you at all times.
4.    Your hotel reservation doesn’t exist.  If you didn’t have a chance to confirm your hotel reservations before you left, you do run the risk of being off the books when you try to check in.  Always confirm reservations at least 24 hours before your arrival to make sure everything is on track.  If something’s gone awry, you’ll need to track down a backup destination as quickly as possible; contact the local tourism board for recommendations.
5.    You lose your passport. If you’re in a metropolitan city, you may be able to get into the U.S. embassy or consulate office nearby for a replacement.  If not, you’ll have to contact them anyway and file paperwork for an emergency version.  Always keep a copy of your passport on hand, along with a driver’s license and birth certificate to help speed up the process.

While thousands of Americans are foregoing the summer roadtrip in order to avoid the pinch of rising gas prices, others are still going ahead with their summer plans by adding a few creative twists to their plans.  Even though it’s easy to blow a travel budget on gas, food and lodging on the usual roadtrip route,  there are several ways to cut costs and minimize expenses from the get-go.

From arranging a ‘couch’ for your stay to packing your own sustainable food picnic, here are some simple ways to save money and enjoy exploring the American interstate like the good old days:

1.    Look for free lodging on your route.  In the same way that bed and breakfasts offer comfortable accommodations for the weary traveler, many people are joining online networks such as Couchsurfing where you can find people who offer free lodging at various destinations.  Couchsurfing communities allow people from all over the world to connect with people who will provide a ‘couch’ (usually a guest bed) for a safe and friendly lodging experience.
2.    Count on free entertainment.  Head to any city or town’s community or visitor’s center for a listing of free entertainment and events you can take in along the way.  This is a lot of fun for the spontaneous traveler, and will give you a chance to experience the local culture at no cost.
3.    Pack a picnic.  Think sustainable energy when you’re hitting the road for a few days so you can avoid the fast food stops as often as possible.  Loading up on healthy, wholesome foods means you’ll have more energy to focus on your trip and can forget about the common side effects of processed foods.
4.    Skip the highway travel as often as possible.  If you’re looking for diversity and excitement, plan your route along the smaller roads that get less traffic – and may even help with your mileage.
5.    Make use of buses and trains.  Map out your route so you only use a vehicle for a portion of your trip, and then count on buses, trains or even rental cars to help you get to neighboring destinations with ease.  In most cases, you’ll be able to save on the costs of gas and parking with this strategy.