Look for packages to save on travel

• By CYNTHIA V. CAMPBELL
• Travel editor
• Published: Jul 27, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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While travel expenses are up this summer, Genevieve Shaw Brown, Travelocity’s senior contributing editor, said summer travel is still very strong. “What’s different is how people are traveling,” Strong said in a telephone interview.

“People are taking shorter trips closer to home and booking more packages,” said Brown. In addition to booking airfare and hotel on the Internet site, people are also booking packages that include everything from rental cars to tickets to shows and theme parks.

Brown advises people to look at the total package when booking a vacation online. Price things such as airfare and hotel separately, then price them together online. By booking and paying everything before leaving on a trip, it eases people’s minds about the falling U.S. dollar. “They’ve paid the price and now they don’t have to think about it anymore,” said Brown.

She said there are a number of ways to set a vacation budget and stay within that budget. One way is to book a trip at an all-inclusive resort that offers lodging, meals and entertainment for one price. “They come in every shape, size and budget,” said Brown. “Look for one that suits your needs — couples, family, meals, interest and budget.”

Another option is cruising. It’s especially less expensive for people who live within or near a major port. It eliminates airfare altogether. She said the Carnival Fantasy has been offering a five-night cruise to the Western Caribbean for $398 per person. That’s slightly less than $80 a day for lodging, meals and entertainment.

Brown said people should be aware of changes in fees charged by airlines, such as fees for bringing a second piece of luggage. “Only bring what you need, and not get stuck paying extra fees. All airlines allow you to bring one carry-on bag under 45 inches and a personal item, such as a diaper bag or briefcase. Most will allow you to bring a stroller or car seat and check it plane-side.

Brown also advises people shopping for vacations online to shop by theme. Look for trips listed under topics, such as beach, romance, sports. “It saves wasting our time,” she said. Start your search by visiting http://www.travelocity.com.

Alligators and snakes
Alligator Alley, 19950 Ala. 71 in Summerdale, Ala., has opened a new Giant Snake Safari exhibit. Visitors are invited not only to check out the many gators, but see “giant” snakes that are generally defined as species that can exceed 20 feet in length. They include anacondas, reticulated pythons, African rock pythons, Indian pythons and boa constrictors.

Discover both the myths and mysteries of the serpents. Get your pictures taken with one of the snakes, and learn history and conservation about the creatures.

Alligator Alley, which opened in 2004, participates in the Florida Nuisance Alligator Removal Program. The attraction features more than 20 acres of natural cypress swamp land. Families can safely observe gators feeding, courting and nesting from an elevated boardwalk.

There are currently more than 150 alligators on the property. And don’t miss seeing Captain Crunch, a world-record gator that’s more than 13 feet long and weighs more than 800 pounds.

To reach the attraction from Interstate 10, take exit 44 (Loxley/Gulf Shores Beaches) on Ala. 59 south. Turn left at the EMC Building onto Couch Plant Road. Cross over Ala. 71 into Alligator Alley’s entrance. Visit http://www.gatoralleyfarm.com.

Wahine surf contest
Wrightsville Beach, N.C., will be the setting Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 16-17, for the annual Billabong East Coast Wahine Championship. Be on hand to watch the action just south of Crystal Pier when the East Coast’s women’s surfing competition takes place. Competition runs 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-noon, Sunday.