The global economic slump means trouble for the travel industry with predictions that 2009 will see the lowest occupancy of U.S. hotels since 1971.  But out of this mess comes a golden opportunity.  There are travel bargains to be had, people!  Provided, of course, you approach your 2009 travel plans with some smarts.  To help you, the January issue of Condé Nast Traveler lists "25 Surefire Strategies for Saving Money and Traveling Smarter in 2009."  Written by CNT's very own Wendy Perrin the report covers everything from how to avoid currency exchange fees to how to find introductory hotel rates. 

Curious? Here's an example:

Strategy #14:  Turn the glut of new hotel rooms to your advantage by looking for low introductory rates.
The hotel construction boom (planned three to five years ago, when the economy was better) has unleashed an abundance of inaugural deals.  Read the fine print, though: Last fall, one brand-new property in Miami Beach was charging $129 for the first night and $279 for each night thereafter.  For the lowest price at any high-end chain hotel, use its Web site (as opposed to a third-party site such as Expedia or Travelocity). Remember that many chain-hotel sites now sell low nonrefundable rates the same way airlines do: they often require a 14-or 21-day advance purchase.  For the lowest rate at an independent city hotel, try Quikbook.com

Snag a copy today and then be sure to log on to Wendy's blog, the PerrinPost, for daily travel deals.