Staying Within Your Budget With Travel And Vacations Ideas

"Last year was all about the staycation," says Michael Smalley, director of operations for Cruise America, the nation's largest RV rental company. "This year, the staycations are not a solution; we're seeing people going seven and eight nights more frequently than we did last year."

Similarly, the Brits, who are famous for staycation strategies, are trading their backyards for long hauls too, with a 14% boost in "awaycations" to places like India, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey and Costa Rica.

"Consumers who hung back last year are more confident about spending this year and are benefiting from better deals outside of the Eurozone," explains Dermot Blastland, Managing Director of Thomson & First Choice travel company. "According to Concierge Magazine, there are many proper travel and vacations destinations to choose from, without going broke.

Jamaica is one of the best travel and vacations ideas if you're looking to save a few bucks. Thanks to a recent construction boom, there are too many rooms and too few visitors, so you can expect to save 25% on a week-long stay compared to last year. The Ritz- Carlton Golf & Spa Resort recently offered five nights for the price of four, which came to $1,636 (including meals).

Similarly, Linda Smith of Jamaica Villas offered a free fourth night at her four-bedroom, six-bathroom beachfront estate for $6,429 per week. This same beach haven went for $9,000 the year before.

You'll also find all-inclusive resorts like Sandals here, which can ensure you don't overspend. For a list of other budget holiday beach vacations, visit www.concierge.com/ideas/beachisland/tours/500823?page=1.

It's also possible to find travel and vacations in Europe on a budget. Cruises are offering some of the hottest deals for seeing multiple cities on-the-cheap. Bookings on European cruise ships have risen 42% in the last two years because travelers like the idea of being able to control expenses better.

Most ships offer accommodations and all meals included for less than $100/day! Western Mediterranean cruises can take budget travelers to Barcelona, Cannes, Florence and Naples, while Eastern Mediterranean cruises travel the Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Ukraine and Russia circuit.

Popular ships to check include Royal Caribbean, Disney and Carnival. For more ideas on cheap European travel and tourism, visit www.concierge.com/ideas/budget/tours/2073?&page=2.

To read more Staying Within Your Budget With Travel And Vacations Ideas