T: Is for Travel!

As the summer heightens so does our wanderlust. After all isn't now the time for vacations? With the climbing economy and the soaring gas prices most Americans are putting a halt on those pangs of travel. Tonight's column will show you not only how to have the trip of a lifetime but have it cost less than a road trip to a national treasure.

First up is Cheap Caribbean's exclusive "Free Your Mind" savings program. I was sent a flyer to them a couple of days ago and when researching them I found them not only to be credible but accurate. How does Barbados sound? For seven Tropical Nights with air fare included, the price is $299 and you can travel from September - December. How about $599 for five nights but everything is included, except motorized water sports. At this site are deals for Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and even Cancun. With the price of gas this almost sounds unreal.

Next up is a company called travel zoo and guess what? Cheap Caribbean's $299 Barbados deal is number 1. This site gives you the top Twenty cheapest vacations daily. Today some of the highlights are: $59 flight from Tampa to NYC, $799 Italian dream getaway and a New York City to London flight for $487 which includes taxes. If you have a destination in mind, Travelzoo’s SuperSearch will scour a variety of travel sites to find the lowest airfare possible. Now that's convenient.

For a more local approach, did you know you could surf in New York City? You can and some are just a subway ride away. First up Coney Island, in addition to a beach, a famous boardwalk with rides and games, the Cyclone, the sideshow, museum, flea markets, the beautiful new KeySpan Park Stadium, the fantastic New York Aquarium and special events like June 21st Mermaid Parade and the summer Siren Festival.
Is aviation something that thrills you? Gateway's National Recreation Area is for you. There is seasonal ferry service (to be expanded) from Manhattan to Gateway’s Sandy Hook Unit in New Jersey.

Know as the "Bronx Riviera" Orchard Beach is the borough’s most popular summertime meeting place. There’s a boardwalk for people-watching, a band shell where weekend concerts are held.

Rockaway Beach is the most popular and America’s longest municipal beach, with almost ten miles for sun worshippers and sandcastle builders.

Sometimes we need to get away for our peace of mind. Now there are choices that make it affordable and that is a F.A.C.T.