Millions of Americans are busy planning their vacations. The early birds already have their plane tickets confirmed and their hotel rooms reserved.
If you're still trying to figure out your plans, this summer could a good time to save more money than ever.
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This summer could be more affordable for two big reasons: a strong dollar and lower gas prices. However, you should still use the following money-savers to keep your holiday budget from busting.
Where To Go, When To Go?
On a chilly spring day, we asked people about the dream summer vacations. A few young men, including Lee Simmons of Detroit said they hoped to go to Miami. "Ooh, it's warm.. water.. it's snowing out here now. This is Michigan weather," Simmons said with a laugh, as flurries flew around his head.
"I would go to Maui, Hawaii because it was rated the number one place in the United States to go," said Tonya Andrews of Southfield.
While another young man offered this reply. "Tokyo, Japan, because I hear they got a lot of sake and I hear the girls is real nice," said DeAndre Groves of
Highland Park.
Wherever you're hoping to go this summer, experts at Orbitz.com have come up with three weeks in the summer that could be the least expensive.
"Saving during the summer season is all about timing. There are certain weeks where you can save money and certain weeks that will cost you more,"
said Jeannene Tornatore, senior editor of Orbitz.com.
Orbitz.com says if you're looking for deals, you might focus on these three weeks: June 1st-7th, July 6th-12th, and August 24th-30th.
You'll notice those weeks follow major holidays, or just the dates are just before Labor Day when many students are already heading back to school.
In fact, Tornatore says August tends to be the least expensive time to travel in the summer.
Europe:2015 or Bust?
The summer of 2015 might also be the best time to plan a European vacation. The strong dollar and lower prices abroad will really stretch your vacation budget. However, if trans-Atlantic travel isn't for you, there's also good news on the home front.
"We think this is going to be the summer of the road trip, with gas prices predicted to be the lowest they've been since 2005," said Jeannene Tornatore, senior editor of Orbitz.com.
Hitting the road is an idea that appeals to many Metro-Detroiters, especially with so many attractions close to home.
"We've got great resources. I like the west side...Saugutuk area...the beaches...Muskegon, said Douglas Runyon of Grosse Pointe Farms.
No matter where you go, don't forget these money-saving travel ideas.
*Bundle your air fare, hotel and rental car.
*Look for travel apps that lead you to savings
*Search for promotional codes on travel websites, like Orbitz.com
*Join loyalty programs for airlines and hotels to get deals and special perks
*Consider alternative airports when heading to popular destinations (IE: Chicago O'hare, Midway, or even Milwaukee)
*Be flexible with destinations and dates
If you haven't already booked, you better get busy.
"The sooner you can book to get availability in a lot of the hotel properties that you want, and the seats on the flights that you want is going to be key," said Tornatore.
By the way, Orbitz.com says the most popular destinations this summer are Las Vegas, Cancun, and Orlando. If you want to avoid big crowds, think about alternatives to those hot spots.