The Encyclopedia of Cheap Travel: 1,000 Companies, Consolidators, Agencies and Resources

Whether you’re a single traveler looking for soft adventure in the U.S. or a family seeking an affordable European barge trip, The Encyclopedia of Cheap Travel: 1,000 Companies, Consolidators, Agencies, and Resources will guide you to the cheapest fares possible.

Here are a few of the tips found throughout the reference:

1. Air Passes are hard to beat and all ages save $$$ (p.87).

2. Hotel Discounters guarantee best rates (p.110).

3. Cruise Consolidators offer rock bottom fares. Never pay brochure rate!(p.100).

4. ‘Untours’ are an independent traveler’s best friend. (p.57). 5. Travel Clubs offer savings up to 80%. Are they right for you? (p.151).

6. All-inclusive Resort Stays are true bargains (p.30).

7. Get together a few friends and Travel Free. It’s that easy! (p.24).

8. Utilize Free Campgrounds to save $$$. (p.157).

9. Last Minute Travel Web sites offer huge savings on unsold tours, cruise, and more. (p.155).

10. Volunteer Vacations are tax deductible and can be more engaging than sightseeing tours and there are so many exciting experiences to choose from. (p.130).

Traveler’s Q & A

Q. My husband and I are considering taking our children, ages 7 and 9, on a cruise but are not sure if that’s a good idea?

A. Cruises are ideal for families. You get to unpack and stay put throughout your vacation. Naps and favorite foods are always available. Today, ships offer everything from movie theaters to in-line skating, which means plenty of choices for everyone. Disney and Royal Caribbean have excellent kids’ programs with qualified hosts and supervisors. There are even game rooms and teen discos. Recently, shore excursions “just for kids” have been introduced. I don’t recommend taking children 4 or under, but your children are just the right ages to appreciate such an experience. If you’ve never cruise before, I suggest taking a short cruise to “test the waters” before embarking on a 7 - 21 day cruise.

Q. My fiancée and I would like to see more of Europe but don’t know where we want to go, or if we want to take a tour or be on our own. I was stationed in Germany for three years and she has been to Spain, so we don’t want to go to those places. Any suggestions?

A. Plenty! There are so many great places but if you have never seen London or Paris, you must remedy that! There are many companies that offer good packages to Europe, such as France Vacations (800-332-5332, www.francevacations.net) and Globus & Cosmos (800-338-7092, www.globusandcosmos.com). Both provide value-oriented escorted tours and independent travel packages. Another option is to purchase an airline package through British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, which includes airfare, accommodations, and breakfast daily. If you opt to go on your own, it’s best to take a city tour first to orient yourself with the layout of the city and all it offers. You may want to consider spending three days in London and then taking the Chunnel to Paris for three days. A few hours and approximately $100 (per person) later, you’re sipping French wine on the Champs Elysees! Both cities are safe and easy for independent travelers, and there’s so much to see and do. Don’t forget to ride the British Airways London Eye and buy half-price theater tickets at Leicester Square.