Another money-saving plan: 'togethering'

First because of the slow economy, the travel industry coined the phrase re"staycation."

 Then, unemployment crept up , things got a bit worse and lo and behold,  the word "naycation" was coined.

 Just because business is  a bit slow these days, that doesn't mean you're not entitled to a bit of a break, the industry reasons. Thus the phrase "togethering" is born. (Old timers know it as taking a trip together with other families and friends to save buck.)

More than half of American households plan to take vacations collectively as an affordable alternative to going it alone, according to the April 2009 travelhorizons survey by the U.S. Travel Association and Ypartnership.  

In an effort to capitalize on this trend, the folks who own vacation rentals urge consideration of their abodes over the idea of paying for multiple hotel rooms, saying there's fun in numbers (in addition to savings) and no worries about getting hassled in the morning by housekeeping.

The Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) have a slew of specials, resources, tips and tools for finding that a vacation rental online at www.DiscoverVacationHomes.com.

 A few suggested locations from a list of many:

Beachfront Only Vacation Rentals  in San Diego.  Current offers include five percent off online bookings, 10 to 15 percent off any last minute bookings (3 weeks or sooner and two-night minimum stays with no restrictions.

 Great Vacation Retreats on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai, the current offer is 25 percent off all one to three bedroom condo rentals there.

Key to the Rockies Lodging Company in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, reserve three nights and get the fourth nightfree for certain studio, condo and vacation home rentals through October 31, 2009.

And one personal favorite, Hilton Head Rentals & Golf, 30 percent off one to seven bedroom vacation rentals, including pet-friendly properties, during  remaining summer weeks.