(ARA) - Convinced there's not enough time for a vacation? According to recent studies, you're not alone.

Vacation habits are changing as Americans log more hours in the office and watch their big-ticket spending. As a result, weekend getaways and last-minute trips are becoming more popular as opposed to the traditional long annual vacation.

According to a recent survey by discount travel site Hotwire.com, more than three-quarters of Americans say they plan to take at least two weekend getaways this year, with more than 30 percent opting for four or more long weekend trips.

At the same time, only 39 percent of Americans say they'll leave town for a week or more. As to why they're shifting vacation habits and opting for more frequent, shorter trips, the most popular answers listed were "saving money," and "can't take time off work."

So what's the best way to plan a weekend getaway that's relaxing not only for the body and mind, but for the wallet as well? Consider the following money-saving tips:

* Play with your dates. Traveling on a Thursday as opposed to a Friday can often bring down the price of an airline ticket or hotel room. Check several arrival and departure dates to find the best price.

* Book a non-holiday weekend. Traditional travel weekends like Labor Day or Thanksgiving are inherently more expensive. Book the weekend directly before or after a holiday for the best savings.

* Consider a last-minute package. Discount travel site Hotwire.com recently launched its "Weekender" vacation packages, offering deep discounts on last-minute weekend trips. Users can compare different flight time windows and specific hotels to customize a weekend getaway. Recent discounts include a four-day trip from Washington, D.C. to Orlando for just $332 per person, airfare, hotel and taxes included.

* Schedule in "downtime." American travelers tend to pack so many activities into a short vacation they actually come home more tired than relaxed. Give yourself an entire afternoon to wander, or a full morning to sleep in. After all, this is a vacation!

For more money-saving travel tips and discount deals, visit www.hotwire.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content