« Back
With stock prices falling like acorns, budget-centric websites are rising to the top of more vacationers' bookmark lists. USA TODAY's Laura Bly points a mouse to 25 sites - some old favorites, some newcomers - aimed at bargain hunters.
DEALS/STRATEGIES
BudgetTravel.comThe online incarnation of Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel magazine mixes authoritative, expert-driven information with a growing social media component that includes reader tips and travel journals. Particularly noteworthy: Real Deals and This Just In, a daily blog. Also worth clicking: SmarterTravel.com
Craigslist.orgThough this popular marketplace is almost as famous for scammers as for bargains, sharp-eyed (and wary) travelers can nab deals on everything from vacation rentals to theater tickets. Tips: Buy locally from people you can meet in person whenever possible, and never wire funds.
Lastminute.comTravelocity's last-minute site lists air/hotel and air/car packages, most in North America, priced up to 70% off on departures from hours to three weeks in advance. Also worth clicking: Licketytrip.com (for last-minute vacation rentals); VacationsToGo.com
Liftopia.comAimed at slope-bound travelers willing to commit in advance to the days they want to ski, Liftopia.com offers discounted, non-refundable lift tickets at more than 60 alpine resorts in North America. Prices fluctuate depending on snow conditions and other factors, but average about a third below on-mountain rates.
Mousesavers.comDisney fans looking for bargains gravitate here for discount codes and coupons on everything from theme-park admissions to Mary Poppins Broadway tickets, plus tips and tricks to making the most of a visit to Orlando or Anaheim. Also worth clicking: wdwinfo.com; UndercoverTourist.com
Travel-Ticker.comThis recently launched deal aggregator, a spinoff of Hotwire, updates listings hourly and emphasizes "geographically targeted" choices (meaning Californians are more likely to see come-ons from Cabo San Lucas than Curaçao.) Also worth clicking: Deals.BootsnAll.com; ShermansTravel.com{+1}; Travelzoo.com
