Hi

Summer is quickly approaching so before you load the kids into the car to escape town, there are few money-saving tips you might want to consider.

When traveling internationally:

* Visit destinations where the U.S. dollars is closest in value to the local currency (currency in the Caribbean is tied to the U.S. dollar, for example)
* Look for all inclusive packages, such as resorts or cruises and pay upfront in U.S. dollars
* Ask your travel agent about locations that may be less costly as they are in their 'off season'

Ways to save money on hotels:

* Ask your travel agent about upgrading your hotel reservation to a room with two king size beds instead of getting two hotel rooms when traveling in groups or with kids
* Ask your travel agent to find hotels where kids stay for free or cheaper when traveling with kids
* Ask your travel agent to find a hotel room with a kitchenette so you can take care of a few meals yourself instead of eating out for every meal
* Your travel agent can suggest properties that might offer complimentary breakfast or heavy hors d'oeuvres in the afternoon.

When traveling by car:

* Pack the car as light as possible - the more weight, the harder the car works and the more gas you use
* When renting a car for a large group of people, renting one SUV saves on gas mileage vs. renting two smaller cars
* Make sure tire pressure is accurate so that gas is spent efficiently
* Use only the grade level of gas that your car owners manual calls for, nothing more
* Use cruise control to run the engine efficiently and save on gas

Thanks