Does this translate to more travel for you and your family? Our family has gone on two mini-vacations that were one tank road trips from our home. Each was a long weekend stay at a hotel but fun everyone. For families with kids, travel can be a lot more expensive so we all try to find the best deals, no matter if the economy is going up or down. We tend to travel more when the hotel deals are better. Many hotels and travel destinations offer special deals for residents in the state. Sometimes those deals will extend to residents in neighboring states.

It is positive to that there is more spending on travel, but that does not translate more employment. Although there was increased spending on travel there was a decrease in employment in these areas. Air travel employment saw a 1.4 % decrease and travel accommodations saw a 1.5% decrease in employment.

With the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, tourism in the Gulf States is taking a hit. What that will mean for the final tourism data is left to be seen. Although some of the beaches in these areas are affected by the oil spill some still have not be touched. With the oil spill deterring tourists, hotels in these areas are offering more discounts. There are still some fun options and activities for families to enjoy.

But wherever your family decides to travel this summer, or the rest of the year, have fun and I hope you get deep discounts.

Source:BEA

Crystal Cruises –Crystal Serenity Itinerary

Travelers who reserve Lighthouse Key Disney area vacation condominium rentals during May 2010 travel dates will receive the same number of nights in September 2010 for free.

Those taking advantage of the vacation special will also receive a certificate from The Spa at Lighthouse Key valid for use on their return trip in September. The certificate grants users who purchase any spa treatment, 50% off a second spa treatment of equal or lesser value.

September is a slower month for travelers in the Orlando area and you can expect to see specials during that time of the year. If you do decide to go in May and then return in September, you should see some discounts occurring at the attractions and theme parks in the area. You might just decide to have a relaxing time with the family, instead of going to the theme parks. Because there will be less people, you probably will get a lot more relaxing and quiet time.

Lighthouse Key Resort has many different condo rentals available. Condos may be the right option for families because there is a lot more space to spread out. One-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom condo rentals are available at the resort.

You will not get the daily cleaning of the condo, like you would expect from a hotel. They do say on their web site that they clean the condo before your stay and after you stay at the condo and resort. You can also request a cleaning of the condo at an extra charge.

Lighthouse Key Resort and Condo does not provide free breakfast that so many hotels now offer. If you have to feed a large family, the costs can add-up. Of course, you could always make you own breakfast in the condo’s kitchen.

There are definitely negatives and positives to staying in a condo instead of a hotel. Weighing the pros and cons and seeing what is the most important for your vacation experience and wallet will help you decide what is best for you and your family. The buy one vacation rental in May and then get one free in September is an option to consider for your family-it could work it for you in the long run.

Only available through VisitOrlando.com/deals, Southwest Vacations kicks off the Super Deal program with an exclusive Orlando CVB offer starting at $34 a day for a seven-day Orlando vacation. Offer details include:

• From now until March 1, when you purchase a flight + 7-night hotel package at select Orlando hotels, three of those nights are FREE!
  • – Hotel options include locations throughout Orlando including DoubleTree at the Entrance to Universal Orlando, Sheraton Safari Hotel & Suites, Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and more.
• Travelers who book this exclusive Orlando CVB package on VisitOrlando.com/deals will save an extra $150.
• In addition, a 7-day Disney’s Magic Your Way® Ticket can be added to the package for the price of a 4-day ticket.

The Southwest Vacations Super Deal is only available to book until March 1, but travel can take place anytime during 2010. A new limited-time Super Deal will be unveiled on March 2 and new Super Deals will continue to rotate through 2010. For more details and to book, go to VisitOrlando.com/deals.

In addition to the Super Deal, the Orlando CVB unveiled its 2010 Orlando Magicard which provides year-round savings at more than 75 area establishments including attractions, accommodations, restaurants, dinner theaters, ground transportation, golf courses, and cultural arts. The Orlando Magic Card is free and can be downloaded at VisitOrlando.com/deals, requested for mail delivery by calling 1-800-551-0181, or picked up at The Official Visitors Center in Orlando. The 2010 version of the card provides expanded offers including theme park deals and other significant savings options such as free nights plus additional free amenities at area accommodations; buy one ticket, get one free offers at attractions; or straight discounts up to 50% off. Examples include:

• Orange County Regional History Center: One free admission with each paid admission
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not: $2.00 off admission plus second day free
• Orlando Shakespeare Theatre: Purchase one ticket and receive a free second ticket of equal or lesser value
• Funky Monkey Wine Company, Pointe Orlando: Complimentary sushi roll with entree
• Capone’s Dinner & Show: 50% off all tickets plus free souvenir

Marriott’s Grande Vista Resort: Buy 3 nights, get 2 nights free, plus two adult 3-day tickets to any of the four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks

Sample fares are each-way based on required roundtrip purchase:**

Chicago – San Francisco $147

Denver – Boston $185

San Francisco – Denver $79

JFK – Washington Dulles, $74

Chicago – Orlando, $98

Los Angeles – Chicago, $156

Customers can purchase holiday fares at united.com, through United reservations, or through travel agencies. Fares vary based on the date of travel.