Holiday Travel Tips That Make Cents

(MS) -- Much like gift giving and candy canes, travel has become synonymous with the holidays. This year, as many families prepare to cut back on holiday spending, travelers can still head off to visit long-distance relatives, or use the holidays to explore a new travel destination with their immediate family, without breaking the bank. Here are some simple penny- and stress-saving tricks to holiday travel:

* Abandon the beaten path. When visiting family for the holidays, choose the road less traveled; take the scenic route. You'll be less likely to hit heavy traffic, and traveling locally will allow you to look for hotels in the suburbs along the outskirts of major cities. Rates are often substantially lower in surrounding suburbs, particularly during tourist-heavy periods such as the holiday season.

* Go free. With a little research you might be surprised to find how many free activities and simple pleasures your travel destination has to offer. Create a balanced travel itinerary by pairing more expensive tourist destinations with a picnic in a nearby park or taking in the local main street holiday decoration display, parade or festival.

* Save your sanity. While you might be heading to visit family this holiday season, that doesn't necessarily mean you want to stay with them. Staying in a nearby hotel will still afford you the chance to spend time with relatives, but it will also allow you to keep your 'cool' and survive the season.

* Give yourself something you actually want. While you probably won't be able to avoid getting another necktie or bathrobe this holiday season, you can exercise the power of choice when looking for a hotel. Get the most bang-for-your-buck by staying at an upscale extended stay hotel that provides more than just a bed.

According to family travel expert Lisa McElroy, "The holidays can be such an expensive time, with gift-giving and holiday travel. If you can save money but stay in comfort, your family holiday trip will be one to remember. Consider an upscale extended-stay hotel, where you and the kids can make use of a full kitchen, plus spread out in separate bedrooms. If the hotel includes meals and offers free internet, even better -- you'll be able to put your holiday dollars towards celebrating the season."

* Avoid peak dates and book early. Because many families know well in advance where they'll be spending the holidays, booking early is a great way to save money. Many hotels offer advanced purchase rates that can save families who book early significant amounts of money. Some are sweetening the deal even more with special giveaways! When booking, keep in mind that most hotels also have rates that fluctuate during peak travel days. However, booking in advance can help mollify those rates.

* Up the fun! Fun doesn't have to end once families return to the hotel. Instead, find a facility that offers a pool for the kids to play in and fitness facility for adults to enjoy, unwind and fight off those extra holiday pounds.

To learn more about upscale extended stay hotels or to book online today, visit www.suitetrip.com.