First off...book early.  We all know gas prices are wrecking havoc on the price of air flights this summer.  So if you do plan to brave the “unfriendly” skies, then nail down your dates now and book it.  They are only going to go up.  Be sure to consult FareCast or FareCompare before buying your air tickets.  Both will help you decide when to fly and when to buy giving you predictions for your exact flight.

If you are driving, start stashing away some loose change.  It is amazing how fast that adds up and will be a nice cushion for your gas budget.  Check out GasBuddy before you head out to keep an eye on gas prices along your route and look carefully, some hotels are even offering $50 gas cards if you choose to stay with them.

There are plenty of destinations out there that are still offering deals though.  Vegas is unseasonably cheap this summer.  Four star hotels are down about 20% from last Summer’s rates, so you can stay at a much nicer place for a little less money, or the same dive you’ve always chosen and save a little dough there too.  Also, don’t forget those ellusive re-positioning cruises that will take you up or down the coast or across an ocean for a fraction of the cost of some other itineraries out there.  They only happen twice a year when the ships are headed to different locations to start new schedules and they are a wonderful way to cruise for not too much money.  Also check different lines for Kids Cruise Free programs.  Many cruise companies (including MSC and Costa Cruises) offers specials like this during the summer for the 17 and under set.

There are also Timeshare deals.  Check out a great resort at a great destination for a great price...typically, all you have to do is listen to a 90 minute schpeal on the wonders of owning a timeshare, then say NO THANK YOU firmly, collect your free gift and enjoy the rest of the time at the great resort!  You can hit some exotic locations this way and stay in a resort you wouldn’t normally be able to afford.  Check out Wyndham Vacation Resorts for some great offers around the globe!

Or, if you want to stick fairly close to home, try camping.  State parks and local campgrounds are a great, and economical, way to get away without going too far.  Check your state’s parks website or even try Camping.com which is a great site for all things camping- packing tips, places to go, things to do while you are there, etc.

Whatever your destination, do your research!  There is often a deal to be had out there.  Keep scouring the Internet and you are bound to find a discount without compromising your vacation vision too much!

Check out some of my favorite site and you might just find the deal you have been waiting for:

Sidestep
Orbitz
Travelocity
Kayak
SeatGuru
Smartertravel
Hotwire
TripStarter
BedandBreakfast.com
Expedia
Weather.com

This article sums it up quite nicely- McDonald’s is going to offer FREE latte’s on Friday morning until 10:30am.  They are trying to get rid of the stigma that Seattle has with coffee and I think it just might work.  Offering GOOD coffee in a relaxed, NO pressure environment.  No crazy names, no ridicule if you don’t have your order ready right away.  They have even registered a fun new domain. 

So even if you aren’t a regular McD’s customer, they are hoping you might turn into one now!  Let us know what you think.  Have you tried it?  Is it tasty?  Let us know! 

March 28 - 30th, 2008 • Qwest Field Event Center • Seattle, WA • General Admission - $14 • Hours - Daily 10-6
Purchase your discount tickets in advance at any Bartell Drug Store after Mar 1st! Price is $12.
Bring your own bag to help reduce waste. Get tips, swag (oh! the swag!) and information on everything from cooking, fitness, and eco-friendly living. Join us there!

Let’s cut to the chase.  Visit Great Wolf Lodge this Spring or Early Summer and save up to $150.00/night on 7 of the different suites they offer!  Just type in promo code “GRAND” and check out the availability and pricing calendars and select your dates.

I did find the best rate for the family suite to be $179.00 for a Sunday through Thursday booking.  Sounds high yeah, but consider this....$179.00 for a family of 4 to stay in a room for the night and admission to the water park for all four.  Check in isn’t until 4, but you can go as early as 1 and start playing in the park and you can continue to use the park until 10 pm (closing) the next night.  So really the deal is, you have 2 days of water park fun and a place to sleep for 4 all for $179.00.  Not bad at all.  And the price does jump to $329.00/night after June 20th for the same room.

I know what your thinking and I’m thinking the same thing.  Swimsuit??  Already??  But let’s do it for our children (and because after June 20th we can never afford it.) Put that bathing suit on.  I will too.... only I’m wearing my cover up the entire time.  I don’t care that it gets wet and stretches down to my ankles.  I will not take it off. 

Forget the highway robbery that those folks at the Space Needle are trying to get away with (what’s up with charging $32 a couple for a ride in a metal box anyway?) and head to the Columbia Tower Observation Deck.  What you get?  Nearly a 360-degree view of the Emerald City in all it’s glory.  When to go?  The deck is open for public viewing Monday thru Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm.  Yeah, yeah, I know...date night, doesn’t help it.  But, what about stealing your hubby away from his office for a surprise lunch at the top of the tower??  That would really throw him for a loop!  Do it, we dare ya!

Where to go? Enter the tower from 5th Ave and head up the left bank of elevators to the 40th Floor.  Once there, head out and catch the next ride on the elevator around the corner and head to the 73rd Floor.  What you’ll find when you get there?  Comfy chairs, relaxed atmosphere, and an AMAZING view of the water, the mountains, and our great city.  What not to miss?  The women’s restroom on the 76th Floor...you’ll just have to see it for yourself.  Trust us.

AND...if you want to do something like this at night or on the weekends, try nearby Smith Tower.  They are open Daily from 10am until “Sunset” from April -October (in the summer, sunset can be quite late you know?!); and from November to March they are open from 10am-3:30pm but only on the weekends.

You can also find a view at an extreme bargain by taking the free of charge climb up the nearly 110 stairs to the top of the water tower observation deck at Volunteer Park in Capital Hill.  It is open Daily from dawn-dusk unless it is scheduled for maintenance (check website for current park hours).

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