Allen, TX (MMD Newswire) May 20, 2009 -- Summer is almost here, and with it thoughts of trips to the beach, a national park or the ballpark. Even in this economy, you don't have to give up your family vacation. Advance planning and careful organizing can make summertime travel affordable, even without running up a large credit card bill.

"This year, in particular, you can find good deals on travel and hotels," says Heath Tudor, consumer liaison for RESQDEBT, a Dallas-based financial health management firm (www.resqdebt.com). "Many destinations and organizations are offering discounts and special packages to help cash-strapped families enjoy a summer trip. Oftentimes, outings close to home, such as a local sports team or amusement park, can also be the centerpiece for a getaway that won't break the bank."

The key, according to Tudor, is to plan your vacation now, and decide early what you want to do, where you want to go, how you will get there, where you will stay, and most important, how much you have to spend. "Be honest about how much you can afford," says Tudor. "You want to have a great time with your family, but if you spend too much or put a lot of money on credit cards, the debt you come back with can tarnish the memory of a happy summer vacation."

Here are some tips that RESQDEBT recommends:

Set a spending limit. Budgeting is key if you want to control your spending and still focus your attention on where you want to travel and what kind of trip you want to take. This year, even on a small budget may go farther than you realize. Lodging and airfare costs are down 8.5 and 7.7 percent this year, according to March figures from the U.S. Travel Association (www.tia.org/).

Also, if you know what you want to spend, you can start saving for your trip now. Putting aside a small amount each week in a "vacation account" will keep you from going into debt and help you avoid unnecessary credit spending.

Gather information. Find out everything you can about your travel destination. Go online and see if your destination has posted tips for visitors. Ask friends who have been there, and search online for blogs that have tips or reviews posted about your destination. Frommer's is one of the best-selling travel guides, and it's available online at www.frommers.com. Other great travel planning sites include: www.fodors.com and www.lonelyplanet.com. Also, all state tourism bureaus have Web sites.

What can you afford? Your budget will determine your travel plans. If you have a larger budget, you might consider flying to an exotic location or purchasing a vacation package deal. Many airlines and hotels are helping consumers with special deals and offers. Often times, timing your travel to fall during a certain day of the week or time of year can also shave dollars off your trip. However, if flying is not an option, you might consider driving to a campsite at a state or national park, or a city nearby that you've always wanted to explore. Or, you can plan a few days around attractions close to home, such as a major-league sports team or an amusement park.

Plan your itinerary carefully. You can go through a lot of money if you wander through an unfamiliar city without a plan. Decide what you want to see, where you want to eat and what you want to spend on souvenirs. Having a schedule will help you avoid spur of the moment purchases that can add up and throw off your budget.

Negotiate for the price you want. A few years ago, Websites like www.priceline.com were all the rage for budget-conscious travelers. Priceline, which lets you name your price and participating hotels and airlines either take if or leave it, is still a great way to negotiate a lower rate. Other sites that can help you round up the lowest-priced accommodations and fares include www.travelocity.com; www.expedia.com; www.cheaptickets.com and www.trip.com.

Cash is king. Credit is useful when you're buying a house or car, but for a summer vacation, you want to avoid debt by paying cash wherever you can. Most major vacation spots have ATMs that let you take out cash. And, getting traveler's checks in advance are a great way to limit your spending and stay within a pre-set budget.

"You want to come back from summer vacation with a file of smiling photos and happy memories - not a load of debt," says RESQDEBT's Tudor. "By planning, setting a budget and sticking to it can help make sure you do just that."

About RESQDEBT

RESQDEBT is an Allen, Texas-based financial health management firm that educates consumers about living debt-free and helps them establish a path to fiscal well-being. RESQDEBT is a credit counseling alternative that provides debt settlement and negotiation services that can help consumers avoid debt consolidation or bankruptcy. Led by an executive team with more than 25 years of combined experience in helping consumers live debt-free, RESQDEBT has helped thousands regain and sustain financial stability. For more information, please visit www.resqdebt.com.

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