Get a break on rising hotel prices this fall - courtesy of airline cutbacks and high gasoline prices.   Airlines’ service cuts and rising fuel costs are dampening travel demand to many destinations. Some hotels are offering deep discounts to temper rate increases and attract vacationers.   This is a reversal of the trend in recent years, which saw rapidly increasing and record room rates.

U.S. hotel room rates are still forecasted to rise modestly this year. That is partly because of continued strong demand in urban markets and the weak U.S. dollar, which has been attracting more travelers from overseas.   Average room rates are expected to rise about 2 percent this year.   But this is in stark contrast with what €™s been going on in resort areas.  Resort properties across the U.S. last month saw a half-percentage point decrease in daily rates from a year earlier, the first decline since 2003. Occupancy rates are lower also.

Bargain hunters traveling to popular vacation spots in Florida, Arizona or Hawaii should have good luck finding deals over the next few months, since leisure-travel destinations are expected to see flight-capacity cuts, and airfare increases.  Some hotels are cutting rates and throwing in extras (like a fourth night, or meals, free).  Other are deferring their typical annual rate increases for the first time in years.

In places like San Diego, an influx of new hotels is partly to blame for falling room rates, as are rising gas prices and weak housing markets in nearby cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas.

In the coming months, major airlines will be announcing a number of flight cuts, leaving some hotels and vacation destination’s worrying.   In Orlando, the local visitors bureau has formed a task force called Air Team Orlando that will meet with the airlines, partly to lobby against declines.

The travel slump has caused demand for flights to ease.   The Air Transport Association of America predicts a 6 percent decline in travel on U.S. airlines this Labor Day Weekend, the first drop since 2002.

So, if you €™re looking for travel deals and opportunities, keep an eye on resort-type properties.   These will likely be the first to drop their rates in response to the economy and travel trend changes.

There’s nothing more invigorating than a dip in a cool, blue spring on a sultry summer day.   And there’s no shortage of springs in north Florida, which has one of the highest concentrations of first-magnitude freshwater springs in the world.   Why not combine a trip to one of Florida’s natural springs with your stay in a Florida Hostel.

IchetuCknee Springs, just north of Fort White in Columbia County, is always a winner. Information: (386) 497-4690; www.floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings/. But if you don’t like crowds or want to try something new, check out these hidden gems:

In the depths of Troy Springs just outside of Branford, you will find the remains of the Civil War-era steamboat Madison, which was scuttled in the spring run in 1863 to keep it from being captured. Swim, snorkel or scuba dive in the crystalline blue, 70-foot-deep spring waters, or paddle a canoe or kayak across the spring mouth to get a glimpse of the wreckage. The park has picnic tables, restrooms, a walkway and a riverside dock for canoeists and boaters on the Suwannee River.  Located off County Road 425, 1.3 miles north of U.S. Highway 27. 674 N.E. Troy Springs Road, Branford.   Information: (386) 935-4835, www.floridastateparks.org/troyspring.

Hart Springs outside of Bell in Gilchrist County is one of the largest spring-fed swimming areas in the state. The county-owned park features a half-mile boardwalk through the pristine cypress hammock, a volleyball court, boat rentals, RV and tent camping, covered picnic areas, and two air-conditioned pavilions for family gatherings. 4240 S.W. 86th Ave., Bell.   Information: (352) 463-3444, www.hartsprings.com

Juniper Springs, with its clear blue waters and generous swimming area, is one of the hidden gems of the Ocala National Forest. Visitors can camp, swim and canoe at the site, which also offers canoe rentals, restrooms, concessions, a visitor center, museum, picnic facilities and showers.  Juniper Springs is five miles west of the junction of State Roads 19 and 40 on the north side of State Road 40. Information: (352) 625-0546; www.floridaparks.com/floridafederalpark.

Rainbow Springs State Park, the state’s fourth largest spring, is southwest of Ocala and feeds into the scenic Rainbow River. You can swim or paddle in the cool spring waters, picnic in the park, take a hike or go birding along the nature trails.  Information: (352) 465-8555, www.floridastateparks.org/rainbowsprings.

At HostelTraveler.com, we’re known for  helping you get the most out of your travel spending.   Visiting hostels and traveling the world is our passion, and may be yours too.    However, with today’s rising cost of energy, we also want to share  some tips on saving money on travel, whether it’s to the far reaches of the globe, or only around the corner from your home.   So, if you’re in the mood for a “stay-cation” this season, here’s how to squeeze more energy out of the gas you buy.

DRIVE MORE EFFICIENTLY

Drive Sensibly: Aggressive driving wastes gas. Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can lower your gas mileage.

Observe the Speed Limit: Exceeding 60 mph can lower your gas mileage. The more miles over 60 mph you drive, the lower your gas mileage can be.

Avoid Excessive Idling: When you sit in traffic or in line idling, your car is getting 0 miles per gallon. Try to avoid peak rush hours or long lines to maximize your gas mileage.

Use Cruise Control: Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

Remove Excess Weight: Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. For example, an extra 100 pounds can reduce your MPG.

Use Overdrive Gears: When you use overdrive gearing, your engine speed goes down. This will save you gas and reduce engine wear.  

KEEP YOUR CAR IN SHAPE  

Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned: Proper maintenance can improve gas mileage.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated: Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure and your gas mileage will also improve.

Check and Replace Air Filters Regularly: Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your gas mileage.

Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil: Improve your gas mileage by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. Also, look for motor oil that says “Energy Conserving” on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.  

PLAN AND COMBINE TRIPS  

Travel with Less Cargo: A roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space; however, a loaded roof can decrease your fuel economy. Reduce aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel economy by placing items inside your trunk whenever possible.  

Commute: Stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours. Consider telecommuting (working from home) if your employer permits it. Take advantage of carpools and ride-share programs to cut weekly fuel costs in half as well as to have access to HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes if your area has them. Or, consider public transit if it is available.

Las Vegas is a feast of architectural curiosities, vintage neon, modern design, and street theater. Simply walking the Strip is an artsy experience, though you’ll also want to explore some of the city’s interesting museums and galleries.   Delve into Las Vegas’ quirky history at the Liberace Museum, which pays homage to the late, great showman and displays his costumes and pianos, including a rhinestone-encrusted Baldwin grand. The Neon Museum celebrates the city’s iconic signs, and while the facility is a work in progress, you can take a walking tour along Fremont Street to view restored gems like the 1966 Aladdin’s Lamp from the Aladdin Hotel.

For culture with an international flair, visit the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum in The Venetian, where masterworks from New York’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the State Hermitage Museum of St. Petersburg, Russia, are displayed

in special exhibits.  American Modernism is the focus of an engaging show at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (through October 15, 2008), which features works by 20th-century greats like Georgia O’Keeffe.

Contemporary artists strut their stuff during First Friday celebrations, a once-a-month art event in Las Vegas’ historic downtown neighborhood. Galleries, shops, and restaurants welcome visitors as street performers add a festive ambiance.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, while Las Vegas is renowned for its man-made wonders, the great outdoors is equally enthralling.  From desert terrain to deep canyons to resplendent lakes, the region is a haven for nature lovers.

Nearby Mt. Charleston (35 miles) is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and is a splendid spot to hike, camp, ski, and go birding. Look for wild horses, burros, and hummingbirds while taking in the panoramic views.  Even closer to the city (13.2 miles) is Red Rock Canyon with its breathtaking, other-worldly sandstone formations. Try the 13-mile scenic drive or get your adrenaline pumping on a rock climbing excursion along one of the designated and rated routes.

To experience the mesmerizing desert up close, travel a little farther (60 miles) to the Mojave National Preserve, a 1.6 million-acre park that’s home to sweeping sand dunes, twisting Joshua trees, and mesas of spring wildflowers (when there’s adequate rain). Death Valley National Park (135 miles), another desert wonder, is the lowest point.