EconomyEinstein

Single parents make up 10% of the families in the U.S. and yet the travel industry is just beginning to recognize that we too like to take fun family vacations with our children. One big challenge is that single parents have single incomes, so frugal travel is essential. But that's not the only consideration. Some "family packages" will separate the parent and child for the vacation, sending the kid off to play with other kids in a glorified daycare while the parent plays golf or lays in a deck chair. This is great for the parent that gets quality time on a daily basis, but single parents look forward to spending time with the kids while on vacation. Fear not, single parents have a champion in Brenda Elwell and her website Single Parent Travel .

In yet another attempt to offset the rising cost of fuel, almost all major airlines, including American Airlines, Continental , Delta, Northwest and United , will start charging passengers extra for tickets that do not include a Saturday night stay-over or a stay that doesn't entail a minimum number of nights.

The article itself says to be wary of back to back ticketing but if two carriers compete head to head with nonstops, like American and United do between New York and Chicago for example, book one on each. Alternatively just book Southwest whenever possible.

Getting Around the Airlines New Minimum Stay Requirement [Source:SmartMoney.com]

If you're confused about the best place to buy airline tickets here's a tip: AVOID Travelocity, Orbitz and Hotwire. Use a fare comparison aggregator first. They aren't travel agencies, they are resources that check several (and in some cases, hundreds of) websites for the best deal, something you'd be hard pressed to do as a mere mortal.
Those sites include ...

• Kayak.com


• Sidestep.com


• FareCompare.com


• Mobissimo.com

All are good for checking fares and comparing with Mobissimo being exceptional at International fares. Go ahead and check them now, links open in a new window.

NEVER go to an airline's site directly unless it's Southwest (unavailable through aggregator fare services). You could take the step of seeing who has the best deal and then booking directly on a carrier's website though.