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Last minute travel news for Memorial Day
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Jump into a great vacation this Memorial Day
If your family is planning a Memorial Day getaway -- even at the last minute -- you’re not alone. According to the experts who predict these things, more Americans will be traveling this Memorial Day weekend than they did last year.
Gas prices are lower than they were in 2008, and AAA is predicting more motorists on the road. So if you’re driving to your Florida vacation, plan ahead, leave early and bring things to keep the kids entertained while you’re traveling. Doesn’t hurt to bring your sense of humor and optimistic, aka -- don’t think of it as a traffic jam, think of it as an opportunity to talk with your family -- kind of attitude.
Be sure to check out the local paper sites for a list of Memorial Day events. Both the St. Petersburg Times and Tampa Bay Tribune offer weekly calendars.
Good news about discounts
Hotels.com is advertising 50 percent savings on Memorial Day weekend rates plus $50 for anyone booking three nights or more. Book by May 25 for stays between May 21 and 27.
CheapOair.com has last-minute airfare deals such as $69 each way from D.C. to Orlando. You can also find deals for four-star hotels under $99 per night and car rentals from $14 per day.
Southwest Airlines has a Memorial Day sale with fares from $69 each way. Tickets must be purchased between May 15 and May 21 for travel May 22 through June 10. A three-day advance purchase is required.
Expedia has a Memorial Day sale with 30 to 50 percent off regular rates.
Orbitz has at least 30 percent off hotels in more than 500 destinations.
Travelocity is promoting a Getaway Sale with 40 percent savings.
Walt Disney World for free
On your birthday that is. Mickey Mouse and friends are offering free admission to anyone on their birthday. Pre-register for the deal. If you want to bring family and friends, they have to pay.
Military family heads up
Busch Gardens and Seaworld are offering free admission to any active duty, activated or drilling reservist under the Here's to the Heroes program. He or she need only register, either by clicking here and submitting his or her information or in the entrance plaza of participating parks, and show a Department of Defense photo ID.
As many as three direct dependents of military personnel also are entitled to free admission. Dependents may take advantage of the offer without their service member, though an adult must accompany minor dependents, and dependent ages 10 and older must present valid dependent I.D.
A heads up for after Memorial Day travel
Both United Airlines and US Airways say they are preparing to increase fees for customers who pay luggage fees at U.S. airports.
The increases will kick in June 10 and July 9, but both airlines will not charge those customers who are flying first-class or are frequent-flier program elite members.
Customers who pay the airlines' baggage fees online will also avoid the price hike.
United currently charges passengers $15 for their first bag and $25 for the second. The price hike will raise those baggage costs to $20 and $25 respectively.
US Airways, which uses a $15/$25 baggage system, said its planned $5 additional charge per bag will apply to all U.S. flights, along with flights to Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.
For more info: Florida Tourism
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