Staying Fit
If you haven't yet planned a summer vacation, no worries. There's still time to find an affordable getaway.
To get the best deals, all experts say, the key is to stay flexible.
AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.
Where you go, how you get there and when you book flights and accommodations can make all the difference in the price.
"Airfares tend to drop pretty dramatically in the last week of August,” says Rick Seaney, CEO of Farecompare, an online travel site. “It's seasonal. The kids are back at school so there are cheaper prices” and smaller crowds. “If you have some flexibility on your destination, prices vary by airline and city,” he says.
Where to Go
One of the best ways to save money is to stay closer to home. “Travel in your own backyard,” says Michael Edwards, managing director for North American and European business, IntrepidTravel.com, an experiential travel company. “Take the airfare out of the trip. Take closer, shorter flights.”
Consider a destination close enough to drive as the national average for gas prices is down 21 cents year over year as of the middle of June. “There has been a downward trend in gas prices since Memorial Day,” says Julie Hall, a spokesperson for AAA.
Yet, if you feel the urge to travel far, consider countries with favorable exchange rates. The exchange rate for foreign currencies can mean more for your money. Consider Costa Rica, where the rate is 580.232 Costa Rican colones to the dollar, or Mexico, where the rate is 19.0041 Mexican pesos to the dollar.
For example, the three best value hotels in Costa Rica, according to TripAdvisor.com, are Tamarindo Diria, Best Western Jaco Beach All Inclusive Resort and Shana by The Beach Hotel Residence & Spa, all with rates of roughly $200 per night or less.