Budget Travel

When tourists become targets of crime, word spreads quickly.

The problem is that many would-be travelers are so focused on such stories that they either avoid the scene of the crime or spend their precious vacations constantly looking over their shoulders.

That's no way to travel.

But there is no point in ignoring travel scams at street level. It pays to understand common traps and ways they can be avoided. Be alert to any unsavory plans for separating you from your travel money.

Extra: Take some advice of our readers and give us some warnings from your own experiences.

_{Photo by Bruno Vincent/Getty Images}

Where is it written that quality attractions always must charge an admission fee?

Examples: a visit to the Smithsonian, a drive along the rugged California coast or a weekend in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

All of those experiences will cost money to experience, but admission charges are not required.

There are many other important travel experiences that are free of charge. Take a look at travel opportunities that come at no cost. The tips you'll read will do more than just improve your travel budget numbers.

Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Winter Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: Expedia.com discounts in Florida, a pair of train-related sales and a special offer for flights to London.

Ever get a great airfare but cough up the savings for an expensive ride from the airport?

It's not hard to do. In many major cities, a cab ride from terminal to downtown is $50 or more.

But some of those same cities offer airport trains at a small fraction of the cab or shuttle bus prices. Granted, the ride might not be quite as comfortable, and you might do a little walking, too. But if you practice one-bag travel, these small sacrifices can add up to big savings.

Take a look at 12 North American cities where rides on airport trains cost less than $10. Climb aboard and save.

Do you have plans to visit SeaWorld in the near future? If so, it pays to buy your tickets before you leave home.

You can also combine SeaWorld admissions with other theme parks. Take a look at the SeaWorld discounts that are possible simply by using your computer to make a purchase or two.

More Theme Park Savings

Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Winter Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: hotel discounts for Paris and Las Vegas, and a sale on gift certificates from Restaurants.com.

Why not explore Latin America? It can be a budget travel paradise, but many are hesitant.

Some fear crime or language barriers. Others wonder if they can be comfortable there. A few think the distances from home to Central America or South America are too great.

It's time to take a look at some budget travel myths for Latin America. Some of these misconceptions have their roots in reality. Just don't let that reality become so distorted in myth that you are cheated out of great value and memorable travels.

Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Winter Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: discounts on Entertainment Books, a sale on room rates in New York City and a pair of cruise offers.

U.S. budget travelers who have been shopping for airfares recently might think prices are getting ugly. What happened to those enticing low prices?

New U.S.D.O.T. Passenger Protection Regulations require posting the sum of airfare+taxes. The idea is to curb sensational fare advertising that doesn't include taxes and fees until the consumer has entered the booking process.

The stated goal is "fair and reasonable treatment" for travelers. But at least one of the airlines that fought the new rules is crying foul.

Consider the argument I received in a news release from Spirit Airlines this week. Spirit President and CEO Ben Baldanza: "If the government can hide taxes in consumer's airfares - which they are mandating us to do starting this week - then they can quietly carry out their hidden agenda and increase the taxes consumers bear."

I have no idea if such a "hidden agenda" exists. But if taxes do in fact go up, would it be perceived the next day as an airfare increase? If so, is that fair to the industry?

David Berg, general counsel for the trade group Airlines for America told the New York Times that "you can't show the taxes in essentially close proximity with the total price, and they can't be in the same size font -- it has to be smaller type." Berg's conclusion: "That makes it harder for passengers to understand the taxes they are paying."

One might also wonder if frequent-flier programs that reward based on prices paid will change their rules. Southwest created a lengthy blog post explaining the situation and sent emails to Rapid Rewards members this week stating that there is "no change in how your points are calculated." You'll now need to make note of the "base fare" and add your possible rewards points accordingly.

Whether considering rewards points or simply the make-up of your final airfare, it appears U.S. budget travelers will be focusing more than ever on the fine print. Happy reading.

Anybody ready to start thinking about Spring Break?

As January draws to a close, it's only natural to start thinking about spring. The pessimists among us will remind us of seven winter weeks that stretch across the calendar before spring officially arrives.

Optimists look at it this way: this is a great time to start planning a budget spring break getaway. Booking early can save money, especially on airfares and hotel rooms.

Check out 10 illustrated planning steps for booking an affordable spring break getaway. Throw another log on the fire and get busy!