Another travel news roundup

Posted by Bill on Saturday, February 14, 2009   |   No Comments

Although pretty much everyone is feeling the pinch of the current economic squeeze, there is something of a silver lining. It’s a great time to buy if you’re in the market for a house, a car or almost anything else.

The same is true of RVs. Some owners of big rigs have had enough and are looking to unload them. If you’re among the buyers out there, this could be good news. The service claims to have secured access to thousands of forfeited RVs from banks, private sellers, manufacturers and dealerships. You can select from several categories, including Class A Gas Motorhomes, Class A Diesel Motorhomes, Class C Motorhomes, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels and a miscellaneous group called “Other RV Types.” Since it’s a buyer’s market, prices are likely to be good. Their site promises you can find deals with up to 60% off MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price). On the other hand, if you have an RV you want to sell and can’t, this might be an option.

If you’re like me and love the open road, you might be interested in helping keep them clean. The Michigan Department of Transportation’s Adopt a Highway program is a way to get personally involved. You need a group of at least three people, and workers must be at least 12 years old. There is no fee involved.

“See more, spend less.” Experts suggest looking both closer to home and farther away. Among their other suggestions are these.

Look for off-season or off-peak deals
Travel with friends or family and share the cost
Reserve early and lock in prices
Look for accommodations with kitchen accommodations
Seek out neighborhood restaurants out of downtown areas
Extend your budget by planning a couple of “picnic” lunches
Don’t bite on sightseeing tours. Plan your own and use public transportation.

The Michigan Historical Museum at 702 West Kalamazoo Street in Lansing is hosting a free exhibit entitled Michigan’s Roadside Attractions. The exhibit is presented in cooperation with the American Road Magazine and can be seen through September 14, 2009. To learn more, call 517/373-3559.

The U.P. 200 and Midnight Run sled dog championships are running over the weekend of February 20-22. This is the 20th running of these events in Marquette, Michigan. For more, click here. You can also call 800/544-4321.

From Boyne Falls comes news that the Boyne Mountain Resort has installed a new system to control energy consumption in unoccupied hotel rooms of the resort’s Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa accommodations. The Lodge is the first hotel in the state to use the revolutionary new system expected to trim energy use by up to 40%. Watch for more about this innovation in a future post.

The state of Indiana is offering the Ultimate Indiana Vacation Giveaway. The contest is made possible through a partnership with Indiana travel destinations who have joined forces to offer prizes packages worth more than $1,700.

Like travel trivia? Here is an intriguing trivia section that’s fun. But be forewarned: It’s not as easy as you might think.

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