Oh the economy. How I have grown to despise that word. Even more so since it has been affecting me personally. And while it’s scary- there can be a lot of opportunity as well. If you are feeling the economy blues- it may be time to take a quick vacation to forget your troubles for a few days.

It’s important to look for some bargains when your pockets aren’t as deep as they used to be. Here are some tips for traveling cheap and in style.

Sign up for e-newsletters: As annoying as they can be- signing up for discount traveling sites newsletters can help you save money when you are very flexible on your plans. Updates will come to your inbox informing you of awesome Las Vegas hotel deals, and cheap airplane tickets to Orlando (and more- those were obviously examples).

Sign up for Airline’s e-newsletters and download widgets: Along the same lines as the above tip, many airlines also have a newsletter that will ping you when they have can’t miss deals. Delta and Southwest are both known for last minute deals that can be found by their newletters or widgets. However with those deals you must act fast- they disappear as quickly as they come.

Be flexible: While many places are slashing prices to be competitive others are raising prices to keep afloat. If you are dead set on a location then try to be flexible on timing. For example many hotels are cheaper during the week then the weekend (depending if they are a tourist location- you will find the opposite if they rely on business travelers). If you are set on your timing then try to be flexible on location.

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Is it weird to fly down to St. George, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas just for In-N-Out ? I guess the answer to this question really depends on who I ask the question to. If someone were to ask me such a question I would grab my purse and ask when the flight left? But it’s no secret to anyone I am addicted to animal fries and a cheeseburger protein style. However, because we have the ability to travel whenever wherever- I ask my husband what he wants to do for his birthday this weekend and he states he would like In-N-Out and doesn’t care if we do anything else.

I do have to note an exciting rumor that I recently was made aware of that In-N-Out will be soon joining us in the Salt Lake valley. A bitter sweet feeling really. In-N-Out is more than just a fast food place to me, as it will be seen here. It’s nostalgic from growing up in California and working there to pay for my college. It’s something that I don’t get that often that when I do- I appreciate it more. But oh well- I love In-N-Out that much that I just don’t care. Welcome to Utah!

It’s no secret that the economy is affecting our lives. Things are getting tough, people are being laid off, stocks are plummeting, gas prices are at an all time high, homes are being foreclosed. It’s enough to make even the sanest person depressed. Sounds like a good time for a vacation? I would say so. At a time of so much disparity- wouldn’t it be great to get away from it all? Go on a cruise and just forget all our worries, travel abroad and experience a new culture?

In reality, when the economy falters the first thing to get cut is our vacations. As ironic as this can seem, it’s just the way it is. This reigned true in my situation. I was supposed to be going to Europe next week, but due to financial situations and an unplanned surgery- that trip has gone out the window. While I am sad about this fact it reminds me that while, no I don’t get to go on my Europe trip this year, that things could be a lot worse. We both still have our jobs, which is a blessing considering the industries we are in, and we are able to live comfortably. While there will be no traveling abroad for the likes of us this year, there are plenty of other trips we will be able to make. It’s a scary time for all of us- but as Joe Dirt would say:  “Keep on Keepin on!”