Actress, Author Mariel Hemingway & Travelers Advantage Say: Travel Smart, Save Money

Most people are tightening their belt on spending this year. But that doesn't have to mean cutting out travel. With planning and creativity, you can still find great travel deals and have a wonderful vacation.

"If you travel to mountain resorts in the summer -- places such as Aspen, Jackson Hole or Sun Valley -- you get more for your money because there is so much to do," says actress and author Mariel Hemingway. "The outdoor activities are either free or much less expensive than what you'd spend at a tropical resort."

Despite spiraling gas prices and the flagging economy, people will continue to travel this summer. In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by the Travel Industry Association, six of 10 Americans will not change their travel plans even with additional increases in gas prices. Also, one of six receiving a tax rebate from Congress will use that money to pay for travel and vacations.

"Everybody wants a break from the bad news economy and the pump pressure, and a vacation, quite literally, is a way to get away from it all," said Leslie Downey, director of communication for Travelers Advantage and TravelersAdvantage.com. "As we sail into the summer vacation season, there are great travel and savings deals for even the most cost-conscious vacationer."

Here are some other money-saving tips from the experts at Travelers Advantage:

-- Get the most for your money when you drive. You can make fill-ups go farther and cars last longer by maintaining proper tire inflation, performing routine maintenance on a regular basis, avoiding driving during the hottest part of the day and using a dashboard window sun cover.

-- Plan a biking or camping vacation. This is a great way to save money and keep fit, all at the same time. Did you know most people who visit state parks say they were very satisfied with the excursion? And camping is still the number one outdoor vacation activity.

-- If you're flying, buy your ticket between midnight and 1 a.m., just after airline agents have loaded new fares into their computers. Remember, the cheapest flights tend to be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. And if you're willing to fly late at night or early in the morning, you may get lower fares.

-- If you go on a cruise, don't visit the onboard shops until right before the trip ends -- that's when they often discount the items on sale. You can also skip paying for shore excursions, and simply visit the port city on your own or by bus.

For additional savings on summer travel, the experts at Travelers Advantage offer these great vacation deals:

Soak up a Virgin Islands Sizzlin' Summer Sampler, and experience endless stretches of powder perfect beach edged by azure water, lush tropics and more. Enjoy exotic 5-night vacations to St. Croix, St. John or St. Thomas. You can book through July 31 for travel through Aug. 15. All resorts include a $50 Visa gift card, attraction coupons and resort credits ranging from $50 to $100.*

Cruise into some great last-minute deals to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico during the month of June. Three-night Bahamas cruises aboard the Carnival Fascination, departing from Miami, Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas, departing from Miami, or Disney Wonder, departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., are available from $289 to $639. Seven-night Caribbean cruises aboard the Carnival Valor, Carnival Destiny and Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, all departing from Miami, range in price from $559 to $1,099. Mexico cruises -- from four to seven nights aboard the Carnival Paradise, Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas or Disney Magic, all departing from Los Angeles -- range in price from $379 to $1,505.**

About Mariel Hemingway

Mariel Hemingway made her silver screen debut at 13 years old in "Lipstick," and was nominated for an Oscar four years later for Woody Allen's "Manhattan." She has starred in some 30 films. Currently, she is producing a film based on her grandfather's epic best-seller "A Moveable Feast," a set of memoirs of his experiences in Paris in the 1920s. In addition to her film career, she found a passion for holistic and balanced living. She's written two books and conducts wellness retreats across the country sharing her insights about yoga, meditation, nutrition and home. Hemingway is a wife and mother of two teenage daughters.

About Travelers Advantage

Members of Travelers Advantage (http://www.travelersadvantage.com or 1-877-841-1335) can save money on air travel, cruises, car rentals and accommodations, as well as earn five percent cash back on eligible travel booked with preferred providers through the service. Membership in Travelers Advantage can be enjoyed during the first month for only $1. The trial membership can be canceled at any time during the one-month trial period by calling toll free and owing nothing further. Unless the member calls to cancel during the trial, the membership will be extended automatically for an entire year at the $9.99 monthly fee and automatically renewed annually upon expiration at the then-current monthly fee, billed to a credit card account, without the member having to do anything further. Additionally, members may call toll free to cancel at any time and receive a pro-rata refund of their then current membership fee. Travelers Advantage is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans.

About Affinion Group

As a global leader with nearly 35 years of experience, Affinion Group (http://www.affinion.com) enhances the value of its partners' customer relationships by developing and marketing valuable loyalty, membership, checking account, insurance and other compelling products and services. Leveraging its expertise in product development and targeted marketing, Affinion helps generate significant incremental revenue for more than 5,300 affinity partners worldwide, including many of the largest and most respected companies in financial services, retail, travel, and Internet commerce. Based in Norwalk, Conn., the company has approximately 3,300 employees throughout the United States and in 10 countries across Europe. Affinion holds the prestigious ISO 27001 certification for the highest information security practices, is PCI compliant and Cybertrust certified.

* Offer valid on new bookings of 5 nights or longer. Blackout dates may apply and vary by hotel. Not valid on group travel. Additional restrictions may apply. Operator reserves the right to discontinue promotions at anytime without notice. Operator is not responsible for omissions or typographical errors. Tours operated by Certified Vacations Group, Inc.

** All rates are cruise only, per person, double occupancy and do not include non-commissionable fares and $19.95 processing fee. Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas, Disney Wonder, Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas, Carnival Destiny, Carnival Fascination and Disney Magic are registered in the Bahamas. Carnival Paradise and Carnival Valor are registered in Panama. Royal Caribbean's Monarch is registered in Norway. Travel services are provided by Travelers Advantage Services, Inc. State seller of travel registration numbers for Travelers Advantage Services, Inc.: California 20791-50 (registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by California. Travelers Advantage is not a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund); Florida: ST-36197; Hawaii: TAR-6223; Iowa: 800; Nevada: 2005-0034; Washington 602 493 651. Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Mariel Hemingway https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=68025