Travel advice to keep costs under control.

• Position: Vacations

Families with school-age children and college students across the country are preparing for their annual spring break. With an economy still trying to recover and gas prices on the rise, the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies, Fairfax, Va., advises travelers to examine all of the options for the time off and determine what is best for their situation.

"Spring break means travel for many families," notes Dave Jones, president of AICCCA. "It is always a good idea to be sure that whatever type of vacation you choose is affordable. Involve the whole family in the planning process and you can take advantage of a teachable moment as well."

AICCCA offers these suggestions to keep spending down:

Travel by car. Choose a destination that you can drive to. Even with higher gas prices, travel costs are much cheaper by automobile. For college students traveling together, those costs can be split among everyone.

Make the most of your accommodations. Choose a hotel that has a complimentary continental breakfast and save the cost of one meal per day. Food costs can add up quickly, so a hotel that offers refrigerators or even small kitchens in the rooms also can help control expenses.

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