Skyrocketing airfares, anti-American sentiment, mass corporate layoffs and the pressures of providing for a family are just a few of the considerations keeping many would-be globetrotters home.

But Dale and Michelle Bartlett of Hyrum say there is no reason to postpone the trip of a lifetime. In fact, the Bartletts say there are innumerable reasons to pack your bags and go now.

Their oldest daughter, Brianne Hardy, 24, of Salt Lake City, has traversed the United States, visited Europe 14 times and seen Central America twice. By the end of this month, she will have added Prague and Vienna stamps to her passport. Hardy said the miles have broadened her views and increased her options, including professionally. Hardy got the job she wanted teaching French-immersion elementary students immediately after college graduation.

"I have great respect and appreciation for other cultures," she said. "It has made me who I am."

Adding a unique set of skills to an average income and a strong will to travel, the Bartletts have seen the world — with at least four children in tow — often in elaborate style. They don't have a magic carpet, but their photos and stories reflect countless enchanting experiences. They've dined with relatives of the Medici family in Italy, slept in chalets and castles in France, sailed the Caribbean and explored the ancient Mayan ruins of the Belize jungle — all on a shoestring.

Getaway guru Larry Gelwix of Columbia Travel, a self-proclaimed "travelholic" who practices a philosophy of traveling inexpensively, recommends combining hotel, car, airfare and other offers for value. A good travel agent can also glean savings for clients who are willing to change planes en route, he said.

"We all want a good deal, but don't necessarily shop for a good price. Shop for value," Gelwix said. "Ask, 'What am I getting for what I'm paying?' "

The Bartletts share all of the secrets of the niche they've developed — "unlocking the travel code" — in seminars nationally, as well as in their co-authored book, Have Kids – Will Travel.

Flying • Capitalizing on frequent-flier programs and the credit cards that offer the best value, the Bartletts enjoy "nearly free" airfare. "Don't spend more than 1 cent per mile," Dale said, cautioning users about the interest rates and annual fees card companies charge. Plan ahead and book as early as 330 days in advance, when the frequent-flier seats first become available. The flexible traveler can also book travel at the beginning or end of the business week and then offer to be bumped on an overbooked flight in exchange for a free ticket.

Accommodations • The Bartletts, who also use frequent-flier points to pay for hotels, recommend reading patron feedback at tripadviser.com as well as using Google Earth to get a street view of any hotel before booking. There are many options beyond hotels, and this is the area where travelers can save thousands of dollars, according to the Bartletts. The best way to immerse yourself in the region or country is through a home exchange or hospitality exchange, Dale said. Listings around the world can be explored for free at www.homespunhospitality.com.

Places to visit • Churches, parks and public buildings such as college campuses are free to visit and can be awe-inspiring. Tourist information centers provide information about discount passes at popular venues. While the Bartletts admit to sleeping in their rental van once to avoid paying too much for a hotel, they will pay for justifiable extras. "Don't scrimp on the important sites. It's going to cost you, but you have to go to the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Coliseum in Rome," Dale said. "There are certain things you must pay for."

Humanitarian efforts • The Bartletts say they have had many experiences money can't buy, including the benefits of providing humanitarian relief, a segment they schedule on every itinerary. The Bartlett children weren't happy when they had to leave Disneyland early one afternoon to go work at a homeless shelter, Dale said, but the memories of that experience are cherished.

"We don't realize how good we have it until we have the opportunity to go and serve," Michelle said.

abrunson@sltrib.com —

More online

For more information about inexpensive travel, go to www.HaveKids-WillTravel.com.