Last year saw nine air fare price increases. Last summer many airfares rose from $30 to $60 on average from the previous summer. This year you can expect surcharges of about 10% for airline tickets during Spring break. For the Summer there will be increases of $10 to $20 on long hauls.

How you can do to save on Spring and Summer travel: Search out the best day to shop for airline tickets and the least expensive days to fly. Sign up for airfare alerts on the Internet with companies like FareCompare, Kayak,, Bing Travel Predictor. But, be prepared to act on these alerts ahead of time because they may not last long.

Here are a few ideas to save on airfare for spring travel:
• Plan not to fly in late March. Flying during the first week of March compared to the week of March 22 will save travelers about $60 on airfare. The week of March 22 can be particularly expensive.
• Try flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to save. A seven-night booking of Tuesday to Tuesday or Wednesday to Wednesday trip can save 20 percent compared to traveling on a Friday or weekend.
• Use airfare alerts and predictions. Airfares change all day long.. The Bing Travel Price Predictor is a helpful tool that predicts whether to buy airfare now or wait. Smart travelers should sign up for airfare alerts and monitor predictions for their trips before booking to help save on airfare costs.
• Look for destinations and hot spots where accommodation rates have been discounted. Many domestic hotels have cut their rates which helps offset the increases in airfares. Many top hotels have reduced rates by 15% or more in the last few years. Find savings in Las Vegas of 27% and San Diego 24% plus savings in Orland, Maui, & Puerto Vallarta.
See Retreat Vacations for more vacation and travel ideas.

This unique nature retreat is located on 250 acres and is just steps away from free admission to Smoky Mountain National Park. It attracts people from all over the world who desire true privacy, luxury, and pampering. The last two mile drive to the top climbs 1,000 feet. The inn has received high praise from many travel reviewers. It has nine guest rooms and five suites or cabins. It features a four course evening meal in the main house dining room. Guests select from a menu and before dinner enjoy delicacies on the main house porch. Private dining is also available.

It is popular for hiking as it is on the Cataloochee Divide Trail and connects with other great trails such as Double Gap Trail and Caldwell Fork. It is in the midst of nature where 200 different species thrive from humminbirds to deer. The Inn also offers Romantic “Add Ons” which are activities such as 1/2 day fly fishing, massages, private yoga, eco tours and more. For further info on this romantic getaway see www.theswag.com .

The new machines will build a base for snow tubing andthe base will be about the size of a football field. Snow tubing is very popular at Ober Gatlinburg and they hope to have it open for downhill fun before Thanksgiving. Ober Gatlinburg is starting its 50th year as a ski resort.

For an enrichment experience you can visit three surviving churches and sample a spirited look at life from a simpler time. There is the Methodist and two Baptist churches. The former is still used and is a preAcher’s praise. In earlier says, about 150 familes lived in Cades Cove. See for yourself the highlighjts of another time and feel the Smoky Mountain majesty.

Richard Choura(www.retreatvacations.com)

Richard Choura (www.retreatvacations.com/Mexico-vacations)

If you can enjoy a winter wonderland plus world-class dining, then let the professionals at the White Barn Inn& Spa treat you like royalty. The White Barn Inn & Spa is a very private award-winning hotel, restaurant and spa and has been known as a landmark in Kennebunk, Maine for 150 years. Wake up to the peacefulness, aroma of fresh coffee, and fresh baking bread of the inn. The complete experience of a festive holiday meal at the inn is like a dream come true. The immense effort that goes in to preparing the meals is stunning and will make you feel like a duke or duchess.
Richard Choura (www.retreatvacations.com)

Richard Choura

Some people like specialty travel to culinary schools, wine tasting, or cultural tours. Some tour operators offer theater trips with backstage visits with performers. Some seniors are touring with grandkids. There are also tour companies that specialize in certain age groups, for families, or unusual destinations.

To get more out of your group travel make a comparison of what is included in your itinerary details such as:
● How many meals are included per day and what type and size? Will your group leader be ordering for you in places that don’t speak English?
● What is the size of the bus you will be traveling on?
● What are the amenities of the hotel, B&B, or other accommodations they will be furnishing? Do they provide service?
● Are you responsible for any tips or will they all be included in your package?
● What will be the size of the group you will be travelling with?
● Will you have to pay for any entrance fees?
● Ask the tour operator what is not included?
● Are you going to have to wait in line for any length or go in a “side door?
● Are you going when the weather is best or during the rainy season?
● Is round trip travel included?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Richard Choura (www.retreatvacations.com/specialty-travel)