$99 O/W to Seattle on Continental won't last

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

Everyone's holding tight to their wallets these days, but that doesn't mean you must sacrifice vacation time. We all know the benefits of getting away for a day, a long weekend or — in a dream world — for a week or more.

Here's a scenario: You have a few free vacation days and a little money saved up.

Avoid planning a cram-down vacation, where you must travel to one particular spot, then try to make the components of the trip fit your budget.

For example, don't book pricey airfare to an expensive island, then stay in a dump miles from a beach. Or, don't insist on traveling to a destination during the peak tourist season, when prices for airfare and hotels are at their maximums (the Caribbean in the winter; Europe in the summer).

Instead, follow deals that give you the most bang for your buck.

Here's an example. Continental Airlines offers a one-way rate of $99 ($118.70 with all extras) to Seattle. This super rate is valid on trips taken through Sept. 18, 2010.

What makes this rate a steal of a deal is that it has no blackout dates to work around.

This could be an ideal summer getaway spot or a Labor Day break destination for couples, a few friends or the whole family. It could also be a fly-in destination to reach the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia. The drive time from Seattle is about three hours barring no highway jams or long waits at the Canadian border crossing.

There are three rules to land the $99 Seattle rate:

1. Give at least a one-week advance notice of travel

2. Avoid travel on Fridays and Sundays (this rate isn't valid on those days).

3. Book tickets immediately, as this price will likely expire before the day is over. Airfares are subject to change without notice.

Start your search for this special rate at Expedia. Also, the Seattle Tourist Bureau offers a money-saving web site for visitors searching for the best available hotel room rates at 83 city-wide properties. Booking here has its advantages, the most important being no pre-payment and no-fee cancellations up to 24 hours before arrival. Plus, guests are given the best available room at check-in, when possible.