Start Planning Your Next Girls' Getaway

Ah, the joys of summer! While most of us agree that we live in a beautiful part of the world, the weather can sometimes get us down. When the rainy season starts again, here are some travel tips that will enhance your experience and save you money. If you like luxury travel on a budget and you want to extend the Seattle summer, start planning your fall or winter Girls' Getaway, today.

We've got three great local travel agencies on Mercer Island that each specialize in different forms of travel or destinations worldwide. You can interact with a real person who will give you informed advice.

specializes in customized vacations, from relaxing getaways to adventurous expeditions — especially destination weddings, honeymoons, corporate incentive programs and travel fundraising.

specializes in custom private land tours in Europe and Asia as well as small ship cruise experiences with lines such as Zegrahm and Tauck Tours.

 is a local travel agency that specializes in trip planning services for individual and corporate clients going to Asian destinations

Here are also ten websites-for the intrepid Mercer Island traveler-that focus on luxury travel at moderate prices. Keep in mind that many of these sites require membership-but it won't cost you a dime to join!

Sniqueaway.com offers limited time, affordable travel deals on exclusive accommodaations throughout the world.

At Jetsetter.com, you'll find savings on adventure travel, villa rentals and exotic locales.

Hautelook.com features discounts on resorts and chic hotels.

Lastminutetravel.com offers incredible savings on domestic and international hotels, flights, cruises, vacation homes, cars and more. You won't want to miss this website-especially if you have flexiblity in your travel schedule!

Ruelala.com boasts exceptional travel deals and experiences-from spas to historic countryside properties.

You'll have the opportunity to read thousands of cruise reviews and find outstanding cruise values on cruisecritic.com. Also, if you're new to cruising, there are some great tips to get you started.

Voluntourism.org is a site dedicated to providing the most comprehensive information on voluntary service-combined with travel-opportunities.

This week, Yuupon.com highlights the following destinations: Cancun, Orlando, North and South Carolina and more-all from 43-88% off. There are special tips and helpful hints associated with each offering, so read all the way to the bottom of the page!

Tahiti anyone? If you've always had the urge to travel to Tahiti, check out Enviius.com. Until July 19, you can book your reservation for a two bedroom villa with tropical view for just $379 per night (regularly $520)-for up to four guests. Or, for a party of up to six, you can reserve a three bedroom villa for just $690 per night (regularly $1000)! An all-inclusive resort in Cancun and the resort at Glade Springs, in West Virginia, are two other Enviius escape listings for the week.

This week, you'll find bargains on exotic excursions to Morocco, Santorini, Monte Carlo, Rome, Paris and more at Ideeli.com.

Whether you and your gal pals dream of distant shores while in the lap of luxury, or you'd all prefer to see the world while helping others, your dollars will go farther if you use good planning tools-like some of the websites listed above. If international travel is in your future, be sure to shop for a credit card that doesn't charge a fee to exchange your currency, such as 's Premier World MasterCard. Also, be sure to review your mobile phone plan for international travel rates. Even though it may take a little extra investment of your time before you leave, you won't have to worry about any unwanted surprises upon your return!