Tough Times, Great Travels: The Travel Detective's Guide to Hidden Deals, Unadvertised Bargains, and Great Experiences

As someone who has cut back spending in several areas of my life during this economic downturn, I still can't seem to cut back on travel. Perhaps it's because my family still lives on the other coast. But I also believe it's because the thought of not being able to travel seems like a punishment for circumstances out of my control. So, if nothing else, I'm continuing, because I refuse to be a victim of this slump! And that is why this particular travel book is so timely and a hugely important book to come out right now. Pros Tough Times, Great Travels is brimming with travel budget tips for getting the most out of travel these days. Instead of building up his book by telling you the economy is in a slump, he assumes we're smart enough to know that and cuts right to the chase. Great Tips The book addresses little-known travel discount tips, the best travel deals, ins and outs of renting a car, train and bus travel, shoulder and off-season travel, dining on a budget, places where your currency can stretch the farthest and the best credit cards to take with you on a trip. There is valuable information on passports and luggage, including a tip on luggage you can actually wear! There's a chapter on family travel too--a sweet spot for me. Who knew Club Med sometimes offers travel deals with free airfare? I'll have to look into that one. Greenberg shares city-by-city tourist discount cards and devotes a chapter to free activities, which includes information on cities with self-service bike rentals--the best one being in Paris, according to the author. Cons? None. At least none that I could find. Sue Douglass Fliess http://www.travelmuse.com/reviews/book-review/peter-greenberg-budget-travel-guide

If you watch Peter Greenberg when he's on the morning shows you may not find anything earth shattering in this book for you. But on the other hand, it does put all in one place. Everyone will find a few hints here that they might not have known. The less experienced traveler will find definitely find it very helpful. So between having a quick reference and at least a tip or two, it is definitely worth the price.

Tough Times, Great Travels: The Travel Detective's Guide to Hidden Deals, Unadvertised Bargains, and Great Experiences Peter Greenberg's book gives secrets to the best way to travel in this economy. It covers everything from affordable accommodations to secret travel discounts. It's all about knowing where and when the best time to travel is and this book really guides you. My favorite section is the "One Tank Trips" which is a great guide to mini road trips around the country. Some of my other favorite tips were the free activities in cities, best day to book a hotel room and airline tickets, and best of all avoiding those dreaded luggage check fees. This book is great for solo travel, families, young couples and students, so pretty much everyone. Staying local may be what's most affordable in this economy and "Tough Times, Great Travels" is the key to finding those close but new and exciting spots.