Now, more than ever, budget-conscious travelers need to be in-the-know to plan a great vacation. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, the average U.S. lodging cost is up 4.3 percent from a year ago.
It turns out that planning when to go is just as important as planning where to go, if travelers are to keep their budget intact. While the major online travel agencies often highlight tips for travelers and special deals, one online leader in travel, CheapTickets.com, recently made 2007 travel planning even easier. The CheapTickets Travel Cheapometer forecasts the best months to enjoy savings at the destinations that were most popular among travelers in 2006.
CheapTickets.com compared average daily room rates at destinations around the globe during 2006 for each month to the average daily room rates for the year. Here are some of the highlights.
1. Travelers looking to explore the Big Apple should dive right in during January. Yes, it’s cold, but travelers could find a savings of 43 percent on hotels. To take the chill off, they can cozy up in one of New York City’s 18,696 restaurants.
2. A 50 percent savings in the Netherlands would make anyone warm and fuzzy in February, and places like art-rich Amsterdam are easy on the eyes and the wallet.
3. Families could eat up savings of 49 percent on an April getaway to Jamaica, including great all-inclusive resorts to match any budget.
4. Though the snow has melted by June, Park City, Utah, remains a perfect escape for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in the spring, and a 69 percent savings would be enough to melt your heart.
5. Far off destinations such as Japan aren’t out of reach, especially in September when savings could be at 58 percent and autumn colors are in full bloom.
6. Ready to hit the slopes? Try Lake Tahoe in November, when you could find 60 percent savings on your hotel.
If you do book online at sites such as www.cheaptickets.com, consider combining a purchase of air tickets with a hotel and car rental package for added savings. With a little bit of creativity and ingenuity, hot travel destinations in 2007 are within reach for budget-minded consumers.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Town meeting on Tuesday approved an almost $14 million fiscal 2027 budget, and approved bylaws for short-term rentals and signage, and for public safety vehicles.
Of the 20 warrant articles, one, Article 7, to use free cash to pay prior fiscal year bills of $941.27 was indefinitely postponed by Moderator David Rolle because the bills were for the fire association.
Some 247 of the town's more than 2,600 registered voters filled Lanesborough Elementary School, debating articles during a meeting that lasted more than three hours.
The town's 2027 spending plan is up more than 10 percent, with the main increases from higher enrollment in the regional schools and the McCann Technical School renovation project.
Voters approved the assessment of $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School. They also approved Article 11, which was the use of $16,298.48 in free cash for the McCann's roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget.
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. Article 5 asked the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses, which passed.
Fire Chief Jeff DeChaine spoke to the audience on his articles and the need for a new truck to replace the 1996 fire truck, listed on the warrant articles for a total $813,366, which includes a $100,000 contingency cost on whether a 2026 model-year chassis can be secured before new emissions standards in 2027. If they get the 2026 chassis, that contingency likely won't be needed.
Town meeting on Tuesday approved an almost $14 million fiscal 2027 budget, and approved bylaws for short-term rentals and signage, and for public safety vehicles.
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On Tuesday, the School Building Needs Commission heard an update from the owner's project manager, Skanska, and endorsed a draft schedule that runs from 2026 to 2032.
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Late last month, the Conservation Commission greenlit some tree pruning on the property. New windows and a new door can be seen in the front of the building.
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As the school year winds down, the sun was shining high as Morris Elementary School and the community celebrated student success with a splash. click for more
The Berkshire Community College community celebrated outgoing President Ellen Kennedy for the innovation, kindness, and curiosity she has fostered on campus over the last 14 years. click for more
