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Saving on Winter Vacation

We`re starting out the new year on a surprisingly warm note, but many people are still hoping to escape to a more tropical environment. Winter is here, with its bone-chilling temps and endless snow. OK, so this year`s the exception. But you can still escape to some place even warmer without breaking the bank.

"We have people who are looking now to still go this winter, but it may not be as easy to find the lowest fares at this point, because a lot of things are booked up already," said Northland Travel consultant Cheryl Fenster.

Before packing their bags, some people like to strip down and get a little sun first.

Electric Sunn Tanning and Salon owner Sue Blair said: "Our sun is so much different than what they have there. Of course, you don`t want to go down there and burn and then spend your whole vacation laying in the hotel with a sunburn."

Blair says many of her loyal clients are returning after the holidays to build up a base tan before jetting off to a sunny beach.

"We just ask them, `Where are you going this year?` And of course, we`re jealous," said Blair.

However, it`s not all margaritas and sun on vacation. There`s also flight delays, lost luggage and fees to worry about. Just a few reasons why it`s a good idea to talk with a travel agent first.

Fenster said, "Normally, if you`re standing in a long line and not knowing what to do, it just gives them a little extra assurance that if they call us, they have somebody else working for them to try and get things resolved."

Besides providing a sympathetic ear, agents also qualify for additional discounts with plenty of resorts all over the world. Which will add a little more change in your pocket on what should be a relaxing getaway.

Fenster says if you plan to leave the U.S., you`ll need to make sure your passport is valid. If you don`t have one, it can take six to eight weeks to get one. You can find more good travel tips at travelsense.org.