Recession travel? It sounds kind of like an oxymoron, and in a lot of ways, it is. Many of us just don't have the cash right now, and choosing to save rather than spend at times like these is almost always a good decision.

But summer vacation season is inching up fast, and sometimes you just need to get away for a while. Luckily, if you've managed to scrape some cash together for a family trip or you have mandatory travel on your agenda—like a family wedding—there are plenty of deals out there to help you out. 

"This economy is absolutely working toward people's advantage when it comes to deals. It's really a travel buyer's market out there, and if you're thinking about taking a vacation, now is one of the best times in recent history to get a good price," says Jeanenne Tornatore, travel expert at Orbitz.com. 

Here's how to stretch your travel dollars this year.