Let the voting begin!

Vote for your favorite frequent-flier program, U.S. budget airline and international budget airline. You may vote once every 24 hours until the voting phase closes March 21.

One change this year: voting requires login, either through About.com or Facebook. You may also login by submitting a valid email address.

Perhaps you are hesitant to give an email address, fearing it will be sold or furnished to spammers. While I understand that position, please know that About.com will hold your address in confidence in accordance with the company's privacy policy. The new login procedure is designed to promote a fair voting process -- nothing more.

So please vote for your favorites without hesitation and tell your friends to do the same.

Read more about the budget travel finalists:

When you're done voting here, check out all the other Readers' Choice Awards finalists.

2012 Readers' Choice Awards: Final Voting originally appeared on About.com Budget Travel on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012 at 00:01:40.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Winter Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: a pair of cruise offers, a "leap year sale" on bed and breakfast gift cards, and discounted resort rates.

Deals for the Week of Feb. 20 originally appeared on About.com Budget Travel on Sunday, February 19th, 2012 at 17:43:16.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

When you arrive in Orlando, you'll notice it is a place that focuses on travelers.

It's not a tourist trap. I enjoy visiting the area. But there are some travel mistakes you can make here that will cost you time as well as money.

Each of these 8 costly Orlando travel mistakes can be bypassed without a great deal of effort. More importantly, following this simple advice will not diminish your travel experience -- and you'll come home with more money in your pocket.

8 Costly Orlando Travel Mistakes originally appeared on About.com Budget Travel on Sunday, February 19th, 2012 at 16:32:55.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

When tourists become targets of crime, word spreads quickly.

The problem is that many would-be travelers are so focused on such stories that they either avoid the scene of the crime or spend their precious vacations constantly looking over their shoulders.

That's no way to travel.

But there is no point in ignoring travel scams at street level. It pays to understand common traps and ways they can be avoided. Be alert to any unsavory plans for separating you from your travel money.

Extra: Take some advice of our readers and give us some warnings from your own experiences.

_{Photo by Bruno Vincent/Getty Images}

Beware of Travel Scams originally appeared on About.com Budget Travel on Sunday, February 12th, 2012 at 15:59:14.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Where is it written that quality attractions always must charge an admission fee?

Examples: a visit to the Smithsonian, a drive along the rugged California coast or a weekend in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

All of those experiences will cost money to experience, but admission charges are not required.

There are many other important travel experiences that are free of charge. Take a look at travel opportunities that come at no cost. The tips you'll read will do more than just improve your travel budget numbers.

Free Things to Do for Budget Travel originally appeared on About.com Budget Travel on Sunday, February 12th, 2012 at 15:52:51.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Winter Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: Expedia.com discounts in Florida, a pair of train-related sales and a special offer for flights to London.

Deals for the Week of Feb. 13 originally appeared on About.com Budget Travel on Sunday, February 12th, 2012 at 15:13:20.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Ever get a great airfare but cough up the savings for an expensive ride from the airport?

It's not hard to do. In many major cities, a cab ride from terminal to downtown is $50 or more.

But some of those same cities offer airport trains at a small fraction of the cab or shuttle bus prices. Granted, the ride might not be quite as comfortable, and you might do a little walking, too. But if you practice one-bag travel, these small sacrifices can add up to big savings.

Take a look at 12 North American cities where rides on airport trains cost less than $10. Climb aboard and save.

Airport Trains Under $10 originally appeared on About.com Budget Travel on Sunday, February 5th, 2012 at 16:57:36.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Do you have plans to visit SeaWorld in the near future? If so, it pays to buy your tickets before you leave home.

You can also combine SeaWorld admissions with other theme parks. Take a look at the SeaWorld discounts that are possible simply by using your computer to make a purchase or two.

More Theme Park Savings

SeaWorld Discounts originally appeared on About.com Budget Travel on Sunday, February 5th, 2012 at 15:26:46.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Winter Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: hotel discounts for Paris and Las Vegas, and a sale on gift certificates from Restaurants.com.

Deals for the Week of Feb. 6 originally appeared on About.com Budget Travel on Sunday, February 5th, 2012 at 15:10:45.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Why not explore Latin America? It can be a budget travel paradise, but many are hesitant.

Some fear crime or language barriers. Others wonder if they can be comfortable there. A few think the distances from home to Central America or South America are too great.

It's time to take a look at some budget travel myths for Latin America. Some of these misconceptions have their roots in reality. Just don't let that reality become so distorted in myth that you are cheated out of great value and memorable travels.

Latin American Budget Travel Myths originally appeared on About.com Budget Travel on Sunday, January 29th, 2012 at 20:50:47.

Permalink | Comment | Email this