SmarterTravel Announces Top Five Bargain & Off-Peak Destinations

Economic Downturn Delivers Great Deals for Travelers

BOSTON, March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- SmarterTravel®, a comprehensive travel advice resource for the budget-conscious traveler, today announced the top vacation destinations for off-peak and bargain travel.

“This year is very different from years past when it comes to bargains and we are seeing unbelievable deals to places that you’d expect, and surprising deals to places that you wouldn’t have thought you could afford,� said Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel. “Sure, there are always going to be good deals but this season offers some of the deepest discounts I have seen in a long time.�

Compared to peak rates, this spring is delivering substantial savings on stays in places like Lake Tahoe (save $174 on three nights), Paris (save $400 over seven nights) and Laguna Beach (save $225 on three nights).

The Top 5 Bargain & Off-Peak Destinations are:

1. Europe & U.K. Take advantage of nearly 20 percent gains in the value of the dollar against the euro and 32 percent against the pound*. Plus, find great deals such as six-day, air-and-hotel packages to London or Paris from $599. More.
2. Las Vegas. Save on everything. SmarterTravel has seen airfares as low as $71 round-trip and hotels starting at $39 per weeknight. The Hilton is offering two nights' accommodations with six buffets, two spa passes, and two cocktails for $135. And that’s just a sampling. More.
3. Hawaii. Capitalize on promotions intended to boost tourism. SmarterTravel editors have found deals like three-nights-plus-air from $299, 50 percent off companion airfares and $100 dining credits. Throw in car rental deals and you've got yourself an affordable tropical vacation. More.
4. Lake Tahoe. Visit in the spring to take advantage of the lull between the peak winter ski season in the mountains and the summer season on the lake, so you'll find cheaper hotel rooms (particularly midweek) and fewer visitors. Comparing this coming spring to the summer of 2009, SmarterTravel editors see savings of up to $58 per night. More.
5. Orange County, California. Travel to the “OC� in the spring shoulder season and see savings of up to $75 a day on hotels, plus huge savings at Disney with free hotel nights and gift cards. Alaska Airlines is offering a “kids-fly-free� deal (through 6/17), so travelers will save before they’ve even arrived. More.

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About SmarterTravel

SmarterTravel provides independent advice and analysis that helps travelers find the best deals and get the most value from their trips. SmarterTravel has an unbiased team of travel experts who analyze travel trends and offer money-saving strategies and travel tips. For more information and travel advice, visit http://www.smartertravel.com.

SmarterTravel is a division of Smarter Travel Media LLC. Smarter Travel Media operates AirfareWatchdog.com™, BookingBuddy®, FrequentFlier.com and SmarterTravel, including sites in the U.K. and India.

Airfarewatchdog, BookingBuddy and SmarterTravel are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Smarter Travel Media LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners.

*Source: oanda.com

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