Montana to Krakow, Getaways Without a Big Price Tag

By AMY GUNDERSON

Published: June 5, 2005

(Exerpted)

WHILE travel costs are rising - up some 4 percent for hotel rooms this year alone, according to the Travel Industry Association of America - there are places to visit that can help rein in the costs. All-inclusive deals can offer something for the whole family, and if you know where to go, even the Caribbean and Europe are within reason. High prices don't have to trip up family fun...

...Though the euro is still flying high against the dollar, a hop across the pond isn't out of the question. Think beyond London and Paris and consider options in Eastern Europe to get the most mileage out of the dollar. Poland is still affordable and a great option for older kids who might be ready to explore the area's history, says Ellison Poe, of Poe Travel in Little Rock, Ark. "Krakow is fantastic," said Ms. Poe, who is traveling to Poland this winter with her family. "It's one of the most beautifully preserved cities and is not on the beaten track yet. Krakow will be like Prague in a few years." For kids, Ms. Poe recommends a visit to the medieval Wieliczka Salt Mine, where there are guided tours of the underground labyrinth of caverns, lakes, centuries-old carvings and even several chapels carved out of the salt.

There are reasonably priced high-end boutique hotels like the Wentzl ($195 a night weekdays, $166 on weekends, at $1.28 to the euro), older standbys such as the Francuski (from $150 a night), but also plenty of less expensive options such as Hotel Saski, (48-12) 421-4222, www.hotelsaski.com.pl , near market square in the center of town, where a room that can sleep three goes for $128.