Where are the best travel deals this summer? Perhaps near your own US home, suggest travel experts.
Canada is not the bargain it used to be. The weak dollar makes Europe less attractive. And rising airfares everywhere discourage far-flung travel.
But in the US, many cities and areas are offering discounts and promotion. For example, Philadelphia is promoting two-night packages that come with a $50 American Express gift card, and Aspen, Colorado, is offering a $50 gas voucher and two free bicycle rentals for anyone staying two nights or more.
Travel experts also say searching winter-oriented Web sites for summer promotions can turn up some bargains.
Many theme-park destinations have also been offering deals. Compared with last summer, hotel rates have dropped 7% in Orlando and 12% in Aneheim, Calif., home of Disneyland, according to Expedia.com.
A bigger challenge is cheaper airfares. Domestic fares have been up 20% on average for the period 3 June to 20 August, according to Farecast.Com.
Report by David Wilkening
