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In a hotly competitive travel market, families can economize with cheap airfares and leave staycations to those who won't do the research.

In this economy (frequently seen as ITE for those who text with kids and colleagues), everyone is looking for cheap airfares, especially families, who need to buy a multiple of any offer in order to vacation together. According to the experts at the site Airfarewatchdog.com, finding affordable airfare in 2009 can be a real challenge.

Many air carriers are moving toward a-la-carte pricing structures, asking travelers to pay for drinks, food, seat selection, extra bags and more. Families have to factor in added expenses such as off-site airport parking or group public transportation to their departure point, plus snacks and beverages for every family member. Parents can economize by assigning kids their own small carry-on suitcases. Bring healthy snacks from home and ask each family member to carry their own water bottle, which can be brought through the Security checkpoints empty then refilled at the gate. It's not only a big cost-saver, it's also the environmentally friendly thing to do.

Tips: Pre-Flight & Airport Waits

Kids get restless easily. During the long waits for security and boarding, it's almost impossible for them to resist the siren call of flashy gift shops throughout America's largest airport terminals. There are some no-cost things to do in airports, however, such as paying a visit to the children's play area which many terminals keep stocked with climbing equipment and video monitors. Check out FTF's Guide to Long Layovers for information about the most fun termals.

Visit Brookstone shops and other vendors who allow customers to sample tech toys and many other tools and travel gadgets on sale. Stop by InMotion Entertainment's DVD Rental kiosks or Altitunes stores, where travelers can download free movie trailers, hit songs and podcasts, such as Family Travel Forum's "How to Plan the Best Family Vacation."

Major international airports usually have a branch of the local tourist office where families can pick up brochures and maps to study up on the region they are visiting.

Adults can also help children learn the value of money. Frequent-traveling FTF staffers suggest being firm about a designated allowance for each child during vacation, so that any "must-have" souvenirs are paid for from their own allowance. On foreign trips, be sure to visit a Currency Exchange Booth so that everyone in the family can study up on how far their dollar (or whatever currency) you use, will go in the new destination.