Budget Travel Tips for the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona

The current state of the economy has left most people feeling the crunch on their budgets and when money's tight, justifying non-essential spending becomes more difficult. Things are tough all over, but try telling that to the hordes of Texas Longhorn football fans that have a hard time passing on the chance to see their favorite team hopefully rise to victory in the Fiesta Bowl this year. To those fans, attending that bowl game is essential.

You don't have to take out a second mortgage on your house if you want to attend the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona this year. The Texas Longhorns will meet the Ohio State Buckeyes on January 5, 2009 and fans of both teams will be eager to watch the showdown. There are good deals out there to be found.

Glendale, Arizona is located approximately 12 miles northwest of the Phoenix Airport. At this late stage of the game, if you already have tickets, I hope you already have flights. Finding a flight at the last minute can be very expensive but not impossible. Travelocity.com offers "Last Minute Packages" with airfare combined with a car or a hotel, or in some cases both. Last minute generally means you're booking within two weeks of the departure date. Depending on your departing airport, this is a good place to look for deals.

Southwest Airlines flies into Phoenix from many destinations and is still offering their "Wanna Get Away" discounted fares ($89-$320 depending on city pair) where available.

If you don't already have tickets to the game Sportstraveler.net has a great package from January 3 thru January 6 which includes 3 nights at the Royal Palms Resort & Spa where they boast privacy as their ultimate luxury. The package runs between $1095.00 per person (for a quad) and $1595.00 per person (for a single) and includes the following:

• Three night accommodations at the five star Royal Palms Resort and Spa

• Check in January 3, Check out January 6

• Upper Level End zone Fiesta Bowl Tickets

• Longhorns Welcome Party with open bar and food

• Roundtrip transfers to the Fiesta Bowl

• Roundtrip transfers to the Longhorn Pep Rally

• Admission to College Football's Largest Tailgate Party

• Staff on-site to assist

• Ticket holder and lanyard

• All taxes and services

Diamond Travel is offering ticket-included-packages at the following rates:

Upper Level Endzone $695

Lower Level Endzone $750

Upper 10-15 yard $825

Lower 10-15 yard $975

Upper 25 yard $975

Lower 25 yard $1095

upper 35-40 yard $1095

Lower level 35-40 yard $1295

Each package includes:

• Three nights at The Chaparral Suites in Scottsdale. (The hotel is less than 1 mile from many restaurants, sports bars and entertainment areas. You would check in on January 3. You can also check in on a different date if necessary. )

• Ticket to the game - End zone to the 50 yard line

• Full cooked to order breakfast each morning.

• Two hour happy hour each evening.

• Transfers to and from the Stadium

• Admission to The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl tailgate party.

• All taxes, fees and shipping

If you're covered on your hotel and flights, Hertz is offering a discount code to receive a special Fiesta Bowl Tour rate on rental cars. Contact Hertz at 800-654-2240 and provide the discount code CV#02UR0010.

You might also try searching auction sites like Ebay or Craig's List for deals on tickets or possible packages.

One thing to bear in mind regarding any package you may consider purchasing. Read the fine print. Often times these packages come with very strict rules and stiff penalties for cancelling, if they allow a cancellation at all.