Travel trends in 2009 (Canoe Travel) If you can afford a vacation, 2009 will be "the year of travel deals."

2009 could be the year of cheap vacations (WNDU 16 South Bend) Traveling might not be your first priority for the new year, especially if you left town this holiday season or you're struggling financially. But 2009 could be a great time for deals on that dream vacation.

BARGAINS AHEAD (The Buffalo News) NEW YORK –The value of the U. S. dollar is surging, gas prices are at their lowest levels in four years, and hotel rates are softening. If you can afford a vacation, 2009 will be “the year of travel deals,” predicts Genevieve Shaw Brown, senior editor of Travelocity. “As long as the economic slowdown continues, deals will abound for people who do have discretionary income to travel.”