Most people are tightening their belt on spending this year. But that doesn't have to mean cutting out travel. With planning and creativity, you can still find great travel deals and have a wonderful vacation.

"If you travel to mountain resorts in the summer -- places such as Aspen, Jackson Hole or Sun Valley -- you get more for your money because there is so much to do," says actress and author Mariel Hemingway. "The outdoor activities are either free or much less expensive than what you'd spend at a tropical resort."

Despite spiraling gas prices and the flagging economy, people will continue to travel this summer. In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by the Travel Industry Association, six of 10 Americans will not change their travel plans even with additional increases in gas prices. Also, one of six receiving a tax rebate from Congress will use that money to pay for travel and vacations.

"Everybody wants a break from the bad news economy and the pump pressure, and a vacation, quite literally, is a way to get away from it all," said Leslie Downey, director of communication for Travelers Advantage and TravelersAdvantage.com. "As we sail into the summer vacation season, there are great travel and savings deals for even the most cost-conscious vacationer."

Here are some other money-saving tips from the experts at Travelers Advantage:

-- Get the most for your money when you drive. You can make fill-ups go farther and cars last longer by maintaining proper tire inflation, performing routine maintenance on a regular basis, avoiding driving during the hottest part of the day and using a dashboard window sun cover.

-- Plan a biking or camping vacation. This is a great way to save money and keep fit, all at the same time. Did you know most people who visit state parks say they were very satisfied with the excursion? And camping is still the number one outdoor vacation activity.

-- If you're flying, buy your ticket between midnight and 1 a.m., just after airline agents have loaded new fares into their computers. Remember, the cheapest flights tend to be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. And if you're willing to fly late at night or early in the morning, you may get lower fares.

-- If you go on a cruise, don't visit the onboard shops until right before the trip ends -- that's when they often discount the items on sale. You can also skip paying for shore excursions, and simply visit the port city on your own or by bus.

For additional savings on summer travel, the experts at Travelers Advantage offer these great vacation deals:

Soak up a Virgin Islands Sizzlin' Summer Sampler, and experience endless stretches of powder perfect beach edged by azure water, lush tropics and more. Enjoy exotic 5-night vacations to St. Croix, St. John or St. Thomas. You can book through July 31 for travel through Aug. 15. All resorts include a $50 Visa gift card, attraction coupons and resort credits ranging from $50 to $100.*

Cruise into some great last-minute deals to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico during the month of June. Three-night Bahamas cruises aboard the Carnival Fascination, departing from Miami, Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas, departing from Miami, or Disney Wonder, departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., are available from $289 to $639. Seven-night Caribbean cruises aboard the Carnival Valor, Carnival Destiny and Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, all departing from Miami, range in price from $559 to $1,099. Mexico cruises -- from four to seven nights aboard the Carnival Paradise, Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas or Disney Magic, all departing from Los Angeles -- range in price from $379 to $1,505.**