Getting around South America by air can be expensive, prohibitively expensive really. A quick search on the internet turns up fares typically between $250-$500 for a one hour flight, one-way. With prices this steep it can dissuade a lot of budget-bound people from moving between countries and even within certain large countries. However, if you don’t mind sacrificing a bit of time it is possible to travel great distances for low prices with another method of transportation, bus transportation.

The old saying, ‘When in Rome…’ is generally a good rule of thumb to stick to when traveling, especially when you haven’t got a whole lot of money to throw around. The most common method of traveling large and small distances in Southern South America is by bus, and it’s become a major business down here. Throw out what stereotypes you may have, these buses aren’t old, re-comissioned school buses bumping along dusty roads; in most cases these buses top of the line double deckers and are more lux than first class on your favorite air carrier.

There are three levels of comfort that are available to the plane weary traveler. ‘Semi-Cama’, ‘Cama’, and ‘Cama Ejecutivo/Deluxe/Suite’ or some other variation that denotes superiority. The different names denote the different degrees to which the chairs recline. ‘Semi-Cama’ buses are equipped with chairs that recline 45 degrees back. ‘Cama’ buses have chairs that recline 45-90 degrees (depending on the company) and the ‘Cama Ejecutivo’ line typically comes with free booze and a better meal to put you to sleep faster. If you find it difficult to fall asleep in chairs then you’ll be glad you paid for an Ejecutivo ticket because bus trips can run up to 30 hours long depending on how far you’re going.

For a trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Bariloche, Argentina, which is a distance of 1,571 km (976 miles) the trip takes 20 hours. For this reason most long distance bus trips are done overnight, which is why it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable enough to pass out. Here’s a general outline of what you get for each class of bus.

Semi-Cama:

· 140 degree reclining seats

· Footrests

· Heating and A/C

· Music and video

Cama:

· 140 degree reclining seats

· Footrests

· Heating and A/C

· Hot meal service

· Breakfast the next morning

· Pillow and blanket

· MP3 and DVD system

· Wide seats

Cama-Superior:

· Leather seats

· 180 degree reclining seats

· Footrests

· Privacy curtains between seats

· Heating and A/C

· Drinks service

· Hot meal service

· Breakfast the next morning

· Pillow and blanket

· MP3 and DVD system

There are literally hundreds of bus companies to choose from and your first trip to the bus terminal can be a dizzying experience if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Sites like www.omnilineas.com run bus schedules and ticket prices for all the buses that run through Buenos Aires, Argentina. However, even if you’re not in the city it’s a great source for cultivating a sense of what’s out there in terms of companies, prices and options. If you’re looking for a starting point the biggest names in bus travel in Argentina seem to be Nueva Chevallier, AndesMar, Cata Internacional and Rutamar but don’t stop there because there are dozens of fleets that are site specific and offer lower prices than the more recognizable names.

Sunday kicked off NYC Restaurant week but if you aren’t planning to be in the New York area before July 31st that doesn’t mean you have to miss out!   Many other US cities offer their own restaurant weeks throughout the year and several are coming up soon.   You can enjoy fabulous meals at low prices in Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, St. Louis, San Diego, Phoenix and Tuscon  during thier restaurant weeks in the coming months.   So check out the dates and start making your travel plans, there are hotel deals  and airline deals  available for each of these cities!

Here’s your chance to visit the UK and stay at a lavish hotel for a fraction of what it would normally cost. But you have to act quickly to take advantage of these deals. Get up to 50% off the price of your hotel room today only.

Princess on Portland – 3* – Manchester fr £29.50

**50% OFF JULY AND AUGUST TODAY ONLY** The Princess on Portland hotel is in the heart of Manchester city centre, approx. a 10 minute walk from the main shopping district. Rooms in this hotel are very generous in size, and the decor creates a light and airy feel. Complimentary WiFi is provided throughout the hotel too. The lobby is especially inviting and the modern restaurant, which also serves a great breakfast, is very welcoming. This is a good standard 3 star hotel in a great location.3* The Charlecote Pheasant from £27.50

The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel – 3* – Stratford-upon-Avon

**50% OFF JULY AND AUGUST TODAY ONLY** The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel near Stratford-upon-Avon is a beautiful country house hotel set in the delightful village of Charlecote. Previously an estate farm that has been tastefully converted into the ideal country retreat. Bedrooms are full of character with features such as original fireplaces and stunning view of the grounds and gardens. Take advantage of free WiFi and enjoy a relaxing break in Shakespeare’s Country.

Durley Dean – 3* – Bournemouth fr £49.50

****50% OFF JULY AND AUGUST TODAY ONLY** or **Stay 2 nights night save** Recently refurbished to a high standard, The Durley Dean Hotel is situated in a residential area with easy access to the attractions and facilities in Bournemouth and only a short walk to the beach. All 117 rooms have been updated and rooms feature FREE wifi or hard wired internet connections along with duvets, LCD TV. The majority also feature laptop safes.

Harte & Garter Hotel and Spa – 4* – Windsor

****50% OFF JULY AND AUGUST TODAY ONLY or BUY ONE GET ONE FREE – TWO NIGHT’S FOR THE PRICE OF ONE** Sitting in the shadow of Windsor Castle, the Harte & Garter Hotel and Spa enjoys the finest location in town. Recently enjoying a £7.5 million sympathetic refurbishment enhancing many original features, this remarkable property offers you a combination of both modern facilities and classical style.

Special Offer: Exclusive 50% off July and August prices for 24 hours only. Sale ends at 9am on Friday 17th July 2009 (subject to availability on standard rates and can not be used in conjunction with other offers). Special Offer: Two nights for the price of one until the end of July. (subject to availability on standard rates and can not be used in conjunction with other offers).

Makeney Hall Hotel – 4* – Derby

**50% OFF JULY AND AUGUST TODAY ONLY** Set in six acres of grounds and having 46 bedrooms decorated to a high standard this hotel combines the finest traditions of warm hospitality with excellent food and service. The setting of the hotel is great for guests wishing to unwind and relax whilst taking in the stunning views over the Derbyshire countryside. pleasure. On the doorstep of the Peak District whilst being a few miles from the city of Derby.

Highfield House Hotel – 3* – Southampton

**50% OFF JULY AND AUGUST TODAY ONLY** Set in a leafy suburb of Southampton, the red brick exterior of Highfield House Hotel blends seamlessly with this residential area. The hotel was once owned by local businessman who perished on the RMS Titanic.

Special Offer: Exclusive 50% off July and August prices for 24 hours only. Sale ends at 9am on Friday 17th July 2009 (subject to availability on standard rates and can not be used in conjunction with other offers). A recent refurbishment guarantees that the hotel continues to offer you not only a safe and quiet location to focus but also a consistently comfortable environment with local flavour. Just over 2 miles from Southampton City Centre, and within walking distance of Southampton University.

Buckerell Lodge Hotel – 4* – Exeter

**50% OFF JULY AND AUGUST TODAY ONLY** Lying within its own extensive grounds and yet just 1 mile from the heart of Exeter, Buckerell Lodge Hotel provides the perfect combination of peace and seclusion with convenient city access. The location and amenities make it an ideal venue for a wide range of events, private dining and formal receptions. Its beautifully landscaped gardens and excellent culinary reputation also make it a popular place for wedding receptions.

Special Offer: Exclusive 50% off July and August prices for 24 hours only. Sale ends at 9am on Friday 17th July 2009 (subject to availability on standard rates and can not be used in conjunction with other offers).

The Yorkshire – 3* – Harrogate from £29.50

**50% OFF JULY AND AUGUST TODAY ONLY! BOOK, BOOK, BOOK!! ** Renowned as one of the best hotels in Harrogate, with its beautiful decor, ambience and location opposite Betty’s Cafe and Tearooms exceptional customer service. Dining is available in the popular Hg1 Bar and Brasserie, the brasserie serves a wide variety of fantastic dishes and drinks, all freshly prepared using the finest ingredients

The Maids Head Hotel – 4* – Norwich £29.50

**50% OFF JULY AND AUGUST TODAY ONLY** The Maids Head Hotel is in the heart of the city centre, located opposite the famous Norman Cathedral, making it the perfect place to stay if you’re visiting the historic city of Norwich and surrounding countryside. The hotel dates back to the 13th Century and was originally owned by the early Bishops in the day of William the Conqueror, it is also rumoured that in 1587 Elizabeth I slept here. Norwich Airport is just 5 miles away.

Special Offer: Exclusive 50% off July and August prices for 24 hours only. Sale ends at 9am on Friday 17th July 2009 (subject to availability on standard rates and can not be used in conjunction with other offers).

The Richmond Gate Hotel – 4* – Richmond £59.50

**50% OFF JULY AND AUGUST TODAY ONLY** The four star Richmond Gate Hotel is an elegant 18th Century building situated at the top of Richmond Hill. The Hotel offers 68 beautifully appointed en suite bedrooms. The majority of the rooms have recently been refurbished and include air conditioning. Guests can enjoy extensive complimentary leisure facilities including a 20m indoor swimming pool, fitness gallery, aerobic studio, sauna and steam room.

Oban Caledonian Hotel – 4* – Oban £50

The Oban Caledonian Hotel is situated in the town centre overlooking Oban Bay, opposite the rail and ferry terminals and close to all facilities. It is a traditional Highland hotel, which was built around 1880. The hotel has 59 refurbished bedrooms and is renowned for its hospitality. Please note that this is an entirely non-smoking hotel.

The Ballachulish Hotel – 3* – Fort William £72.50

A former baronial home, the stunning Ballachulish Hotel is set on the shores of Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven and situated amid breathtaking scenery at the foot of dramatic Glencoe in the West Highlands, the three-star Ballachulish Hotel provides a warm welcome all year round.

Brownsover Hall Hotel – 3* – Rugby £28.50

**50% OFF JULY AND AUGUST TODAY ONLY** The Brownsover Hall Hotel is a Grade 2 listed Victorian, Gothic mansion nestling in 7 acres of woodland and garden. This magnificent building has a dramatic interior with sweeping staircase and crackling log fires. With rich colours and plenty of character and charm the hotel has a distinct unique charm.

Etrop Grange – 4* – Manchester Airport £30

**50% OFF JULY AND AUGUST TODAY ONLY** The stunning Etrop Grange Hotel at Manchester Airport really does have the individuality and character missing from so many other hotels! The hotel is approx. 2 minutes from both the airport and M56, as well as being convenient for the M6/M62 and offers free car parking for the duration of your stay and complimentary airport chauffeured transfers. The hotel boasts free use of Wi-Fi in all areas.

Harpenden House Hotel – 4* – Harpenden £32.50

**50% OFF JULY AND AUGUST TODAY ONLY** Harpenden House Hotel is a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian town house with a rich history. At the beginning of the 19th Century it was used as a ‘School for young ladies’ and subsequently it has been a private house and a convent for the Dominican Sisters. A hotel since 1970 many of the original period features remain, including a large 18th Century fireplace.

The Isles of Glencoe Hotel – 3* – Fort William £67.50

Relaxed and convivial, the modern Isle of Glencoe Hotel nestles on the side of a peninsula reaching into Loch Leven. This is a magical location at the foot of historic Glen Coe, providing an unrivalled centre for exploring the Highlands of Scotland.

Richmond Hill Hotel – 4* – Richmond £39.50

**50% OFF JULY AND AUGUST TODAY ONLY** This is an elegant Georgian mansion with views across the Thames Valley and is only a short walk from Richmond’s bustling town centre. It’s great for access to Heathrow Airport, motorways and London’s West End.

The Barns Hotel – 4* – Bedford £32.50

**50% OFF JULY AND AUGUST TODAY ONLY** The Barns Hotel is situated in a beautiful riverside location, within three and a half acres of landscaped gardens, yet it is just 10 miles from the M1 and 8 miles from A1. The tranquil setting offers views of the great River Ouse and the local country park and wonderful grounds in which to stroll and relax. For more strenuous activities, guests have access to the local Oasis Fitness and Leisure Club.

Hall Garth Golf and Country Club – 3* – Darlington £29.50

**50% OFF JULY AND AUGUST TODAY ONLY! BOOK, BOOK, BOOK!! ** Hall Garth Hotel & Country Club in picturesque County Durham is set in a 15th Century manor, originally part of the Bishop of Durham’s estate. From the ultimate in contemporary style and comfort in the Stables wing bedrooms to the truly special in the uniquely designed and decadent Hall Garth suites many four-poster beds and all the latest in room facilities including free WiFi will ensure the perfect night away.

You’ll probably never have a better opportunity to visit the UK and stay at a lavish hotel in the heart of London than right now. Flights are cheap. And if you act quickly, you can find yourself in the lap of luxury for up to 50% off, but you have to act quickly, these deals are good for today only.

4* Radisson SAS Portland Square from £64

You have to book within 24hours. This hotel is 50% off normal rates from August 9^th through 31^st. Great location in the heart of central London, just a minute away from the shops of Oxford Street or the Speaker’s Corner of Hyde Park. This hotel offers excellent facilities to satisfy needs of both leisure and business travelers, with fully equipped fitness centre, restaurant, 24 hours room service, concierge services and complimentary high-speed wireless internet connection.

Crowne Plaza London Docklands – 4* – London from £52

You have to book now. This hotel is 50% normal rates from now until September. The Crown Plaza is a contemporary 4 star hotel offering luxury accommodation in London’s thriving Docklands area. The hotel is situated just a few minutes walk from the ExCel Exhibition Centre and close to Canary Wharf, London City Airport and the O2. The new Docklands Bar and Grill serves traditional British and European dishes as well as some delicious new creations — all at great value.

Bermuda’s pink beaches and deep blue oceans will look even better this year for travelers looking to save money. The island is celebrating its 400th anniversary. To make sure visitors are part of the celebration, the British Colony is offering a fantastic deal on some of its most luxurious hotels.

Stay four nights or more at 15 participating resorts and get a $400 credit at checkout. The deal is valid through August 21st. You must book by August 15th. Rates start at around $470 a night and include a free breakfast each day.

The resorts include 9 Beaches, Cambridge Beaches, CoCo Reef Bermuda, Elbow Beach Bermuda, Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Fairmont Southampton, Grape Bay Hotel, Grotto Bay Beach Resort and many more.

Bermuda was discovered 400 years ago when an English fleet under the command of Admiral George Somers was headed to Virginia and veered off course during a storm. They sighted Bermuda and every year the anniversary of the sighting is celebrated as a national holiday.

Need help choosing a hotel? Check out these Bermuda hotel deals.

Tired of traveling alone?  If you don’t have a travel companion, Air New Zealand can help you find one.  They are offering a Matchmaking Flight Package  for $580- that’s $200 off- in conjuntion with the Great Matchmaking Ball in Auckland.   On October 19th you will join other flight passengers for a pre-departure party at LAX.  The flight promises to be “buzzing with like minded folk, along with fun and games and a mystery celebrity host”.   If you’re single and you’ve always wanted to visit New Zealand check out this deal!

Do you already volunteer with organizations in your community or have you been meaning to get more involved in a cause you care about but never seem to find the time?  Over 50 hotels across the country are providing a great incentive to reward those already volunteering their time and those that need a little extra push to get started by giving away a free night to guests who can prove they volunteered at least 8 hours of community service between July 1 and December 20th.   In order to qualify you must provide a letter from a 501c3 such as Habitat for Humanity or Meals on Wheels verifying your service.

Get out there and start volunteering!

Travel and Leisure just released their 2009 World’s Best Lists including their list of the Top 10 Domestic Airlines.   They list Virgin America as #1, Jet Blue as #2, and Southwest as #5.  Results are based on reader votes.  Having flown Southwest often and having only great experiences, I was surprised to see it listed only at #5.  I was not surprised to see Jet Blue at #2- again only having great experiences with them.  What do you think? Do you agree with their results? What’s your personal top 10 list?

If you like ice cream, and who doesn’t? You’ll love this one from Starbucks. The coffee house is offering a coupon for a free pint of Starbucks ice cream. You need a Facebook account to do it. Don’t worry Facebook is free too. There’s no catch. Click here to get your coupon. The link will ask you to share a free pint with a friend. But Starbucks says there’s no shame in sharing it with yourself. You’re limited to one pint per household. So pick your friend (or yourself) strategically. There are 20,000 coupons up for grabs. The giveaway will last through July 19th, 2009. Enjoy!!!

OpenSkies, the airline that caters specifically to business class travelers is offering super low fares.  You can get a business class seat from New York to Amsterdam for $565 or a business bed seat for $1039.  You can also fly business class from New York to Paris for $628 or in a business bed seat for $1139.  You must book by July 31st and you must book as part of a round trip ticket.