Top Five Bargain Destinations for Summer 2008

There's a 95 percent chance Senior Editor Christine Sarkis is thinking about travel right now. Follow her on Instagram @postcartography and Twitter @ChristineSarkis.

Christine Sarkis is an SATW-award-winning journalist and executive editor at SmarterTravel. Her stories have also appeared on USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post, and Business Insider. Her advice has been featured in dozens of print and online publications including The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, and People magazine. She has also shared travel tips on television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Marketplace, and Here & Now. Her work has been published in the anthologies Spain from a Backpack and The Best Women's Travel Writing 2008. She is currently working on a travel memoir.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: The Trtl Pillow. It's easy to pack and comfortable, and makes it so I can actually sleep on flights.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Seeing the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of somewhere warm, like a glass igloo or hot spring.

Travel Motto: Curiosity is an amazing compass.

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: Aisle all the way.

Email Christine Sarkis at editor@smartertravel.com.

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Soaring airfare prices, depressing exchange rates, and recession fears may seem like they’re conspiring to keep you at home this summer. But summer bargains are out there. In fact, as long as you play it smart and avoid long, expensive flights and countries whose currency is walloping the dollar, you should be able to do a lot on a budget this season.

I’ve monitored trends, industry news, and sale patterns to point you in the direction of places that offer the best bargains for the coming season. Below you’ll find examples of deals presently available for summer trips. Like all offers, these are sure to expire; however, a little research on your part can yield similar results when you’re ready to book.

Las Vegas

Sticking to a budget once you’re in Vegas is up to you, but at least the deals for getting to and staying in Sin City are plentiful right now. Unseasonably cheap rates this spring have set the stage for an even more affordable summer season.

Expedia and Orbitz are both running summer sales to Las Vegas. Expedia’s sale features rates such as four nights’ accommodations and airfare from Los Angeles for $244. Orbitz is offering $50 off Vegas vacation packages booked by May 18, plus extras such as resort and dining credits and two-for-one offers on activities and spa treatments.

The Stratosphere has a Perfect Package deal with rates starting under $50 that includes suite upgrades, discounts, and activity passes. The SPF-149 offer at Mandalay Bay gets you a suite upgrade discount, casino credits, and activities and dining discounts, plus a certificate for future travel. Deals like this are a dime a dozen this summer. To find more, check out The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s Vegas Right Now promotion or browse the hotel deal listings at Lasventions.com

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