We're still traveling, but perhaps not as far

Despite the rough economy, most families are still planning summer vacations, but some changes have been made. A new survey yielded these results:

* 82 percent plan to take vacations.

* 33 percent of those families, however, are spending less time or money on trips this year.

* Families who are not traveling cite economic concerns.

* Fifty-six percent are taking shorter trips.

* Forty-one percent are driving instead of flying.

* Forty percent are figuring out ways to eat out less often while on vacation.

The survey was commissioned by Disney Family.com, which has ideas on helping parents make the most of the summer. For the site's travel section, click here.

What's in a name?

Butt Hole Road in South Yorkshire, England, was recently renamed Archers Way. Wonder why.

Telluride has a summer season, too

Mention Telluride, Colo., and most people immediately think of skiing and other winter activities. But there's a lot doing in summer, too, such as music, food, wine and film festivals, and many free activities. What's more, it can cost as much as 50 percent less to stay there. Lodging in both Telluride and Mountain Village now starts at $49 per person per night. A 4th Night Free special is also available, along with golf and spa packages. But let's get to the free stuff. No-charge activities include gondola rides, fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, cultural events and concerts.

Visit http://www.tellurideskiresort.com/ (and never mind that "ski" is part of the Web site's address) or call 800-778-8581.

Here's a chance to give back just a little bit

People who travel to other countries, expecially Third World ones, are often struck by the poverty they encounter. A simple way to help a tiny bit is to visit the Hunger Site. Just a click on the various icons, with no purchase necessary, ensures a donation to fight hunger, improve literacy, protect animals and even help save the rainforest.
Visit http://www.thehungersite.com/.

A travel joke, of sorts

A man was crossing into Mexico on bicycle. At the inspection station the official noticed he was bringing several bags in. What's in the bag?" the guard asked. "Sand," said the cyclist. Sure enough, an inspection showed nothing but sand. Two weeks later, the same thing happened and only sand was found. This went on every week for six months. Then one day the guard happened to meet the cyclist downtown. "Say, you sure had us crazy," said the guard. "We knew you were smuggling something across the border. I won't say a word, but what is it you were smuggling?" And the man answered:

"Bicycles!"

Prices drop on European hotels

TourCrafters is discounting rates on impressive hotels in Spain, France, Greece and Turkey by up to 25 percent. Some examples from Italy: In Rome, the four-star Hotel Cicerone has reduced the price of a double room from $406 to $324 a night. The four-star Hotel Beverly Hillshas lowered its prices from $366 to $304. Florence's Plaza Hotel Lucchesi has reduced rates from $384 double to $306 double. Even in pricey Venice, there savings. The four-star Sofitel has cut the cost of its$528 rooms to $378. And the three-star Hotel Malibran, on a hidden square near the Rialto Bridge, has lowered the price of its air-conditioned, Venetian-style rooms from $220 to $198.

Visit http://www.tourcrafters.com/ or call 800-482-5995.