If you haven't made any vacation plans yet, now is the time to get moving! 

Obviously, money is tight everywhere, so you may need to scale back your plans.  But big plans or small ones, you do need time to rest, relax, and refresh.

If you do have money available for a vacation, you may find your dollars going farther than expected.  There are lots of special deals available this summer, due to the ecoomic downturn.  Plane fares are lower and bus fares are two for one.  Many vacation destinations (theme parks, historical sites, etc.) are offering exceptional deals, especially if you book online.

If you want to save money, spend a little time online looking for deals.  Check newspaper travel sections and chambers of commerce and tourist commissions to get ideas and to ask if there are any special deals.  Look at packages, but also price the packages separately.  You may get a far better deal booking pieces separately.  Use online bidding sites to price rental cars.

You can also save money on food and extras.  Many hotels offer a complimentary breakfast.  Take advantage of it.  Hit a grocery store or farmers' market to buy fruit as snacks — healthier and cheaper than fast food.  Don't do pay movies on the hotel television.  Bring a laptop and some rental DVDs instead. No one needs the tacky souvenirs, so don't bother.  If you shop as entertainment, think in terms of Christmas gifts so that you are spending money you would have spent anyway.

What other cost-cutting ideas can you add?