The Fareologists at Live Search Farecast issued the 2009 Summer Travel Forecast, which shows a dramatic shift in favor of the traveler. Airfare for summer travel to domestic destinations is down more than 9 percent on average from 2008, while overall summer fares to destinations in Europe are down more than 19 percent. U.S. hotels, which, unlike airlines, cannot cut capacity to manage low demand, have dropped rates 14 percent on average since last year. Budget-conscious travelers can save even more by flying during extended shoulder seasons — May through mid-June and mid-August through September — choosing the right destinations, and knowing when to buy their airfare.

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