by Buffy Cranford

Created on: November 03, 2009

The world is yours to travel during these hard economic times. Families are tightening their budgets, and in response, hotels, restaurants, cruise companies and airlines are lowering their prices to appeal to finance weary travelers. For those traveling on limited funds, there are more options than ever to experience luxury travel at a fraction of the cost. This article examines some of the best vacation locations for 2009.

Palmer Gulch KOA

The heartland of the United States offers plenty of historic getaways for families, couples, or friends looking for a weekend (or more) of fun. Burrowed in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the Palmer Gulch KOA appeals to everyone from tent and recreational campers to those who would prefer the comfort of an upscale lodge. With just under 500 camping sites, 55 camping cabins, known to KOA travelers as "kamping kabins", duplex cabins, and over 60 lodge rooms, this KOA has a place for everyone. Although a KOA may seem like a strange recommendation for a vacation location, the Palmer Gulch KOA is located at the heart of Black Hills entertainment. Must-see attractions such as Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Sylvan Lake (filming area of National Treasure), Deadwood, Sturgis and Rapid City are a short drive from this resort.

During the summer months, you can start off the day with an affordable all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with buffalo sausage on the side. Next, saddle up a horse at the Palmer Gulch stables, hike the nearby Harney Peak, travel the short distance for a walk around Horse Thief Lake or visit Mount Rushmore for the day. Wrap up the day with a chuck wagon dinner, or roast marshmallows over a roaring fire.

Families can remain entertained at the campground using one of the two swimming pools, or the jumping pillow, water slide, miniature golf or splash pad areas. A daily fee is added to your stay for unlimited use of any of the campground activities, and there is qualified staff on hand chaperoning high traffic operations. Crafts, skits and music are scheduled throughout the week for family entertainment.

Palmer Gulch is a hot vacation spot in South Dakota, but if you book early, there are plenty of vacation deals available. For example, you can get 15% off if you pay for your stay in full at time of booking, or if you book now, you can get 20% off your stay in a camping cabin.

San Francisco

If city life is your forte, a long weekend or week in San Francisco is bound to sooth the soul. Sure, the Golden Gate Bridge,

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