Is This the Year You Travel to ...

Summer: Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska — (Photo: Thinkstock/iStock)

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

See recent posts by Carl Unger

Have you always wanted to travel to an exotic locale, but couldn’t justify the cost or long flights? Well, with the travel industry slumping, it may be time to finally visit that far-flung destination. Here are five places to consider.

China

New routes and a ton of new infrastructure following the Olympics make this a good time to finally visit China. Vacation packages are available in abundance, with good prices from Gate 1 Travel ($1,069 including air and six nights' hotel) and Gap Adventures ($849 including six nights' hotel).

China

Alaska

Alaska has been one of the most popular domestic tourism destinations in recent years, fueled mostly by a strong cruise market. The boom, however, seems to be subsiding, even as Alaska marks its 50th year of statehood. Some cruise lines are even pulling ships and reducing sailings. The state is considering incentives to bring people back, and in the meantime, cruise lines are offering lower prices, even for next year, to attract business.

Hawaii

Hawaii's 50th year as a state hasn't exactly been a tourism success, either. Peter Greenberg writes that 2009 has seen a 10 percent drop in visitors, and hotel occupancy, traditionally around 80 to 90 percent, is sitting at a paltry 66 percent. If you've always been intimidated by the long flight, now's the time to get over it. Look for deals from resort companies like Aston, and vacation packages are a good place to start your trip research as well.

Europe

Sure, Europe may not have the once-in-a-lifetime cache of the more far-flung destinations on this list, but if you've never been, it may be time to go. Why? Tourism is struggling and demand for air travel is low, meaning deals should be abundant as the Continent heads into the post-summer slowdown. Germany and Ireland are included in our Top Five Off-Peak Destinations for Fall and the Deal Detective recently tracked down Prague and Vienna on a budget.

Australia

Australia will never be cheap, given the distance, but with new air service from V Australia and Delta, there are more options than ever to travel Down Under. Australia has felt the tourism pinch as well, with hotel occupancy and nightly rates both falling this year, meaning deals are out there. Our own Deal Detective just put together a few options for an East Coaster looking to take a three-week trip to Australia for under $5,000, proving it can be done.

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