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  • Mar 13, 2008 12:15 am US/Eastern
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Special South Florida Vacations Right At Home

MIAMI (CBS4) ― A s the U.S. economy tightens up , many people have less and less money for a vacation.  Some residents say their bills just keep getting higher and higher--one reason that Florida tourism officials are kicking off an $8 million national campaign to get the message of there being great deals right now in your own backyard. 

"Food prices, gas prices, vacations, your way of living now, everything is changing," explained Phyliss of Fort Lauderdale to CBS4's Al Sunshine. "When you have children and families, it's very difficult. I mean, it's even hard to go to a ballgame. It costs so much. Everything's out of control."

Rolando Aedo of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors' Center says "We don't like to use the word sale, but we definitely are making available the best Miami has to offer at significant savings in some cases that's 30-40%." 

Those benefiting the most are foreign tourists getting good prices from a weak dollar.  But there are also deals for people who live here. 

There are free night promotions, children eat free, sixty percent discounts on European cruises, food credits worth up to $500 and early-booking discounts.

Fely Aceituro says her travel agency set an all-time booking record last year, and 2008 is looking even better.

"We have 7-night cruises for $170 plus taxes, port taxes, gangway fees, and fuel charges; about $245 per person. It's an incredible deal." 

Spring Break bookings remain strong according to the industry, though tough times have cut into people's vacation plans. 

The Miami Herald business writer Doug Hanks agrees, saying "Down in the Keys you hear lots about hoteliers coming in afterwards, and there's lots of coolers in their rooms. While people are still vacationing so far, they're not being quite as indulgent."

Hanks belives in the traditional slow summer season one might see even better deals. 

He added, "You can bet there's going to be a lot of discounting. Look for a lot of gas specials. I mean gas is hitting records.  Say, 'Hey, we'll pay you $50 for a full tank of gas to get to the Keys, or to Orlando or what not.' They'll be a lot of bargains this summer."

Since tourism remains South Florida's biggest business, some insiders are optimistic the overall economic problems may not be as bad as facing the rest of the country.  

Aedo remains optimistic. "If we have a healthy tourism economy, it will definitely soften any possible blows of a recessuion in our community."

Travel insiders say the Internet is full of vacation deals for the start of the spring travel season, and be sure to read all the fine print detailing refund policies and cancellation charges, and consider paying a little extra for travel insurance in case of the unexpected.

Florida residents should visit the Greater Miami Convention & Visitor Bureau website as they make their plans.  There is information on hotels, spas, dining, attractions, nightlife, art and culture, leisure activities, a calendar of events and more. Residents can also call 305 539-2939 to request a vacation planner or visitor's guide which will be helpful in planning a vacation in their own back yard.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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