Bad times can be the best times to travel

The stock market is swooning. The economy is wobbling. An election is pending. The future is foggy. Sounds like a great time to take a vacation. What better way to relieve stress?

How to go without going broke

When the world went to financial hell in a handbasket in the Great Depression, people went to the movies. Today they go to Montana or maybe even Mongolia.

Now that oil prices are down, why aren't airfares?

Q. Since oil prices have fallen off recently, why haven't airfares fallen too? A. Fuel makes up about 40 percent of the total budgets of most major airlines. And in the past year, as the price of oil -- and in tandem, the price of jet fuel -- has skyrocketed and surpassed labor as their biggest expense.

Seattle on the cheap: Urban adventure awaits

Home to Microsoft and Starbucks, grunge rock and a constant rainy drizzle, Seattle is defined by the collision of urban soul and natural beauty. It's also a great destination for the budget-conscious traveler. An abundance of outdoor activities and a pulsing arts community make it the perfect place to visit while holding onto spare change.

Looking for travel luxury at low cost? Consider India

Americans are currently traveling in large numbers to destinations like Bali and Argentina where the cost of living is unusually low. Why? Travelers can offset high airfares with cheap hotel and food costs.

BUDGET TRAVEL

Don't get burned on that weekend getaway

Prices may be sky high, but you can still take that trip with these down-to-earth cost-cutting tips.

End of summer is a window of opportunity for bargain travel

It's late July, the very peak of the peak season, when every bed, seat and berth is supposed to be full. But travel falls off sharply toward the end of August, when the new school year has begun. Even on some earlier dates in August, softness is found in travel bookings, and bargains begin to emerge.

Thrift tips for 5 Virginia destinations

Heading for Virginia for a summer break? Here are tips for having fun in five Virginia locations without busting your budget. CHARLOTTESVILLE

Flying a cut-rate carrier around Europe? Check the charges first

Ryanair and EasyJet. Germanwings and Air Berlin. Wizzair and BmiBaby. Among savvy travelers, those names are famous. They're the celebrated cost-cutting carriers of Europe that fly you from, say, London to the French Riviera for the frequent equivalent of $59. Or from Paris to Warsaw for $49.

GREAT BRITAIN

Great Britain: London lodgings for under 100

Is there a more exciting city in Europe than London right now? The catch: Americans heading to London need to prepare their wallet for a pounding. The city is probably the most expensive in Europe, and Europe is currently more expensive for Americans than it has been in at least a decade.

BUDGET TRAVEL

Save money in Italy with alternative lodgings

Trading the traditional hotel for a B&B, farmhouse or apartment's not only cheaper, the experience can be richer.

FAMILY TRAVEL

A jolly good time for the kids

London has loads for children to do. But instead of simply visiting the tried-and-true sights such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Trafalgar Square, why not treat your kids to some hot spots popular with children who actually live in London?

London: More ways to save

Transportation: London cabs are quite costly and a single ride on the Tube is now priced $7.90 (4); bus trips are $3.95 (2). But hardly anyone in London pays those fares. Buy a one-day Travelcard for $10.50 (slightly higher if you travel before 9:30 a.m. weekdays) for unlimited trips within the city center; a three-day Travelcard is priced $34.30, the seven-day is $47.70. You can purchase Travelcards at any Tube station, or before you arrive through visitbritain.us. Details at www.tfl.gov.uk.

London: Lodging know-how

Singles save more. Unlike lodgings in the United States, most English hotels, inns and B&B's are not priced by room but by number of occupants. At all options listed above, a single person can expect a price 20 to 30 percent lower than the double rate listed. Triples and quads are more.

Italy: Trip tips

Guidebooks haven't caught up with the choices of alternative lodging available in Italy. When it comes to B&Bs, apartments, houses and agriturismo inns, the best information in on the Web:

Summer vacations for under $800

Take a short cruise that departs from a port you can drive to, vacation in your own city, go camping in a state park or head to a nearby theme park.

Travel to Maryland -- and save

If you're planning a trip to Maryland, here are deals that could cut your sightseeing costs. ANNAPOLIS Visit History Quest (99 Main St., 410-267-6656, www.annapolis.org), the headquarters of the Historic Annapolis Foundation, for its free multimedia presentations and gift shop.

Why go far? 20 fabulous sleeps in our backyard

At long last, our towns -- and our hotels -- again belong to us. Like boat parades and, yes, hurricane season, the culling of the crowds is an annual rite. And once the stars, paparazzi and sun-starved Winter People clear out of town, local lodgings always drop their rates. But with the economic blues on every mind, hoteliers in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties are offering up Florida resident-deals that are even sunnier than usual.

SOUTH FLORIDA GETAWAYS

Family deals for every wallet

Familiarity breeds content this summer for cash-strapped families that want a low-mileage change of scenery. Sure, it's hot here this time of year. But if there's a pool or beach nearby, who cares? Thanks to favorable Florida resident rates, you can stay a few nights at that upscale resort. Or consider the camping trip your kids have always wanted. (Hey, some of our state parks have hot showers and cabins with air-conditioning.) Explore South Florida's backyard with some of these best bets for families...

Local hotels offer deals for Florida residents

Many local hotels are offering summer discounts; be sure to mention that you're a Florida resident. Rates below do not include taxes and may be available for a limited number of rooms. Here are some choices:

SPA DISCOUNTS

Pamper yourself with spa discounts

Need a little pampering close to home? Miami-Dade and Broward counties are offering month-long spa programs this summer, with discounted treatments at some of the area's priciest spas.

Eat cheaper with dining deals

Summer in South Florida is when locals don't have to fight tourists for tables at the hottest restaurants. And it's when discounted prix-fixe menus provide an opportunity to sample local cuisine without breaking the bank.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Locals get a break at attractions

This summer, some local attractions and events also offer discounts, deals and free entry. Here's a selection: MIAMI-DADE Jungle Island, Miami: If you haven't been back to Jungle Island since it opened, now is the time. After five years, the foliage has grown in; unless you look up and spy a nearby condo tower, you'll never even know you're in the city. Plus you can pet a red kangaroo, goats and llamas, and check out the liger -- a cross between a lion and tiger. You won't want to pet it, though...

CONDO-HOTELS

Check into a condo hotel

A slump in the condo market is a surprise benefit for travel-weary South Floridians.

Miami Beach travelers embrace thrifty lodgings

Hotel & Hostel in Miami Beach. But that's fine with her since she is saving a ton of money every night. Simon, who is from Germany, says she used to stay in four-star hotels until she found out about hostels, which offer low-price lodging and the chance to make new friends.

Choosing a vacation rental

Thanks to the glut of South Florida condos, vacation renters in our area have more choices than holiday-makers elsewhere. ''Most markets are outstripping supply. That's not the case in the Miami area,'' said Justin Halloran, vice president/U.S. for Home Away, which owns several vacation rental websites, including the popular Vrbo.com.

Backpacking the continent

After five years as a college undergrad in Gainesville, I entered the real world last year with just two regrets -- not squeezing in that sixth fall, and never embarking on that life-altering journey across Europe.

ON A BUDGET

Europe on a budget

Even with the rising euro, you can keep costs down by seeing Europe like a native.

A hostel for any age

The water in the shower went from cold to colder. I had forgotten my flip-flops, so I was sure to contract a rare foot fungus in seconds. And was it just a case of double vision, or were there two pairs of feet in the bathroom stall next door?