Even at this late summer date, bargain vacations can be found

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Where did the time go? Summer is already at the halfway mark and perhaps you haven't had time to make any vacation plans. Even if you have spent weekends at the beach or visiting friends, all of us need and deserve a real change of pace; some time away from our normal routines.

The good news is that there are some bargains to be had for procrastinators and those of us who just didn't get around to making vacation plans. But, if you want to save money, you need to keep an open mind as to where to go, and you also need to be flexible and ready to grab a good last-minute deal.

There are many enticing websites for travel bargains, so set your budget before "surfing." Last-minute cruises can offer big savings, but remember to look for cruises leaving from New York; Bayonne, N.J.; or Boston; otherwise, you have to add on the cost of flying to the departure city.

If you don't need a ship with all the latest bells and whistles, an older ship with fewer amenities can offer better prices.

Popular destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean or the Mediterranean are the ones most likely to have last-minute openings. In addition to websites like Cruise Bargains and Vacations to Go, call one or two local travel agents, and let them know you would be interested in last-minute cancellations. Be forewarned, however, about so-called "free vacation offers." These are often scams ... if it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Before signing anything, check it out, and always read the fine print. Cruises or foreign travel not in the budget? If you can't afford Paris, close-by Quebec has a similar ambience.

Porter Airlines flights from New York on weekdays are about $420. You can book hotel rooms on LastMinute.com, although you won't know the hotel till after you have booked, but the site does show you the neighborhood and the star rating. Another money-saving tip is to book on a Tuesday or Wednesday when you will get the best rates, and avoid, if possible, traveling on a Friday or Sunday.

If like me, you love to travel (Val always kidded me that I was the only woman who could get excited about a trip to Secacus, N.J.) then you have been using at least one credit card that accumulates miles as a reward. If you haven't, start now. You can compare credit cards at creditcards.com/reward or flyer.com. Some cards have no yearly fees; others offer a few perks like a free checked bag or priority boarding.

Remember to leave a copy of your itinerary with a family member and to take all needed medications and an extra pair of eyeglasses with you. I asked Sandra Mango, an experienced travel consultant with WorldTek (1-800-243-1723) for some current best buys in travel. She advises that the more flexibility you have on dates, the better value you can find.

Maine, New Hampshire and small New England towns often have specials that include some meals. Myrtle Beach, S.C., is great for families as there are loads of activities for the children, and at certain times of the year, an overnight in New York City at a premium hotel can be had for as little as $150. In fact, Sandy is booking now at some low rates for overnights during the Christmas holidays.

"Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us." -- Maya Angelou

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 49 Rose St., Apt. 510, Branford, 06405.

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