Created: Monday, March 8, 2010 12:00 a.m. CDT
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Get online to find great deals on travel this season

By (ARA)

(ARA) - The travel bug is striking Americans across the country. Most of us feel a need to get away and recharge our batteries with a change of scene. If this urge to travel has struck your family, there are deals to be found, whether you're planning an in-state excursion, flying across the country or even boarding a boat for a cruise.

Imagine taking your family to a national park this spring break. Or celebrating the end of the school year on a family cruise. Or taking some time away from the kids with your spouse on a romantic weekend adventure.

Whether you're planning to fly, drive, sail or just spend some time in the hotel, you can find fantastic travel deals and discounts right now.

* Look for the specials. Cruise ships, airlines, hotels, restaurants and even activity centers are offering special vacation deals. Think about visiting different port cities in Alaska or seeing the New England coast from your cabin's balcony. Or rent a convertible and feel the wind whipping through your hair as you drive through the mountains.

* Use your favorite online vacation search site for great savings when you combine hotel, car rental and airfare purchases. To make the deal even better, purchase your trip on these sites through Ebates.com, which will give you cash back on a percentage of your total purchase for additional savings. The best part about using a site like Ebates.com is that there are no points to accumulate or miles to redeem, and the cash back you earn is yours to use any way you want to.

* Consider varying the timing of your travels, especially if you're booking flights. Leaving on a Wednesday and returning on a Tuesday, or traveling early or late in the day can lower the prices tremendously.

* If you have accumulated miles, make sure you redeem them while searching for airfare deals.

* Start gathering the materials you need for your trip. Purchase travel books or luggage through more than 1,100 online stores on Ebates.com, and not only save money using coupon codes and discounts, but also receive a check back in the mail for a percentage of your online purchase.

Get started now on planning that vacation getaway to rejuvenate your body and refresh your mind. And try several of these tips to help you save money on your trip.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Reader poll

Clarke County Landfill Commission voted to proceed with a transfer station to replace the landfill after it reaches capacity, but Osceola City Council hasn't given its support for the idea. What do you think is the best option for the city of Osceola?
A transfer station would be most convenient, even if it comes at slightly higher costs than direct hauling and keeps the city in the 28E agreement.
If direct hauling to Madison County Landfill or Metro Waste Authority is the cheapest option, it's the best choice despite some inconvenience to those who currently drop off waste at Clarke County Landfill.
Although it could be the most expensive option, Clarke County should build another landfill.
I don't care what the city decides.

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