If you can afford a vacation, 2009 will be “the year of travel deals” says Genevieve Shaw Brown, senior editor of Travelocity as reported by Travel Weekly.

Indeed prices have already begun to drop. I put together some cruise deals the other day and found many Mediterranean Cruises offered for $999 or less. I also found 7-day Mexico Cruises with outside balcony cabins on Princess, Holland America and Carnival for $650 to $850 between now and June 15! Hawaii Vacations are still a bit high, but coming down quickly. Look for some great Hawaii Vacation Deals in March. There are already great Mexico vacation deals, especially with the the Cancun all-inclusive resorts.

Reality is setting in for the travel companies. Last year, the mantra was Luxury Travel. This year it is Value. The Hawaii visitor’s bureau has changed their marketing emphasizing value over luxury. Look for a deal and search for it in the middle of January and February. The industry will pretty desperate for your business.

However, a word of caution is in order. Be careful who you give your money too. Be wary of smaller tour companies. ALWAYS use a credit card to pay for travel. Google the tour or cruise company making sure they are solid.

George