Southwest is revving up tourist-luring discounts for Orlando, FL vacations. The new “Super Deal” program shaves $150 off a seven-night Southwest Vacations package that includes airfare and starts at $35 to $57 per person nightly, based on availability and city of origin, with four people sharing a room at the Sheraton Safari or the DoubleTree near Universal Orlando Resort. Plus, each passenger can check two bags for free.

In time for Valentine’s Day, a handful of upscale hotel brands including Fairmont and RockResorts are offering Twitter-only discounted rooms and packages at resorts in the Caribbean, California, Colorado, and Florida.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has a San Francisco hotel sale going, with eight hotels are participating. The Harbor Court Hotel and Hotel Triton start at $85 per night, and the Prescott, Cypress and Sir Francis Drake hotels start at $89 per night. The Serrano Hotel starts at $95.

USA Today reported today on loyalty bonuses from Marriott, Hilton and Loews, including Marriott’s “MegaBonus” promo beginning in Feb. 1st that lets members who register for the promo earn 2,500 bonus points with each paid stay, up to 25,000 bonus points.

Pauline Frommer suggests four great low-cost getaways on Good Day New York today to help you plan an affordable vacation. Her suggestions include finding the cheapest rates on Carnival cruises, Outdoor camping, and vacation packages to Cancun.

Paul Wade and Kathy Arnold in today’s Telegraph offer ten money-saving tips for travel in the USA, such as an 11-night package with Premier Holidays with visits to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Hawaii from £1,269 per person, including all flights and accommodation.

The Tamarijn Aruba Resort’s All-Inclusive deal offers fun, food, drinks, and a stunning location for a perfect island getaway from $899 for five nights, including airfare. Swim laps in the pool, borrow a resort bike to explore, or visit underwater worlds with a snorkel and fins. Floats and equipment for non-motorized watersports such as Sunfish sailing, canoeing, and snorkeling are part of the all-inclusive package.

And if you’d like to stay up-to-date with the latest breaking travel deals, you can follow us at @BesTravelDeals and subscribe to the blog’s RSS Feed.

Super Bowl Sunday is a fantastic, uncrowded day to hit the slopes, and if you’re looking for a great deal on skiing, this is the weekend to book your tickets. Liftopia has announced their third annual Super Bowl Lift Ticket Sale.

The Third Annual Liftopia Super Bowl Ski Ticket Sale has a fantastic group of 44 hot deals up to 63% off (in honor of Super Bowl 44) that will have you loading up and heading out for a fantastic day on top of a mountain!

Watch Super Bowl 44…after getting out on the snow.

via Paul Mannix, Flickr

Carnival is one of the most famous festivals in the Western Hemisphere.  It is known as Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) in francophone places.  Images of elaborate, revealing costumes, city-size parties and raucous parades have been drawing hard-partiers from around the world for years.  While the samba parade in Rio de Janeiro is the most iconic of the Carnival celebrations, it is far from being the only version worth attending.  Fat Tuesday fests occurring in Latin America, the Caribbean and even the US and Canada are equal to Rio’s event when it comes to fun and memorable experiences.  The party culminates on February 16th this year, but the good times start rolling well before that.

Here are the best destinations to enjoy the world’s biggest party.

Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival is the biggest of these celebrations.  That is enough of a reason for many travelers to head south of the Equator in early February.  However, a trip to Brazil is expensive (airfares from the US are currently hovering the $700-$800 range).  The city is notorious because of its crime problem and non-Portuguese speakers might find it intimidating to get around the crowded streets during the festivities.  That said, it is difficult to imagine that other Carnivals can match the atmosphere and sheer good times at the main samba parade and the many neighborhood-wide parade/street party events held throughout the city.

But Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival at least comes close.  The laid-back island vibe of this festival is a major positive for visiting revelers.  Party trucks, complete with towering speakers and mobile DJs are as common a sight as ornate floats.  There is plenty of dancing in the streets.  Bands, with percussion instruments vie for prizes.  Their ornate costumes are not the only ones on the street.  Locals and tourists don colorful, sometimes skimpy outfits as well.  The five day affair, beginning on   February 12th this year, is characterized by the unique culture of Trinidad, with African, Caribbean, French, Latin American, and South Asian influences evident.  The fact that Trinidad is an English-speaking island and the reasonable airfares from the US (from $400), are major positives for would-be American Carnival attendees.

via Vince Alongi, Flickr

In the US, New Orleans holds the biggest Carnival festival.  It is, of course, known as Mardi Gras.  The epicenter of the party takes place on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.  Revelers stand shoulder to shoulder in the streets and the bars and balconies are also filled to capacity.  Of course, there is more to Mardi Gras in the Big Easy than this small strip of pavement.  Groups known as Krewes put on parades throughout the city in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday.  The major parades take place in the Uptown and West Bank districts on Tuesday morning.  Yes, the all-out party in the French Quarter can be rowdy and over-crowded, but New Orleans is still the gold standard for Mardi Gras in the US.  It is, of course, cheaper to fly to New Orleans than to international destinations that celebrate Mardi Gras, but hotels, from five-stars to respectable bed-and-breakfasts, are difficult to come by unless you book well in advance.

Brazil’s Spanish-speaking neighbor, Uruguay has one of the longest-running Carnivals in the world.  Like other Carnivals the festivities start late in January with the parades and dancing in the streets culminating on Fat Tuesday.  But the capitol of the country, Montevideo, hosts celebrations and Carnival-related events until late March.  Despite the fact that most of its citizens are descended from European ancestors, many of the celebrations have a decidedly African vibe.

via A. da Silva, Flickr

Skimpy, colorful outfits, dancing in the streets, percussion-heavy music and parades are not confined to the end of January and beginning of February.  In the US Virgin Islands, Carnival takes place in late April (starting on the 27th, this year).  This is one of the more popular events in the Caribbean and has something for everyone.  There are separate parades for families and the general public, and an adult-centered parade that takes place on the final day of the festival.  Not only does the late date give would-be revelers some extra time to plan, but passports are not required to travel to and from the USVI, making it one of the more convenient Caribbean destinations for US-based travelers.

Toronto’s Caribana, a celebration of Caribbean culture held each August in Toronto, has a Carnival-like vibe and draws more than a million people each year.  Attractions include parades, fashion shows, musical performances and art shows.  Packages including hotel and event tickets start at just over $200.

Julia Scott at WalletPop is highlighting the great airfare deals to Hawaii, Vegas, NYC, and more that Virgin America, Southwest and United Airlines are offering. With United Airlines all destinations, including London, Paris, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean, are on sale.

Speaking of airfare deals, Air Tran is offering some pretty good deals right now. You’ll find airfare for as little as $44 one way, according to Terri Gruca of KVUE News.

Rent a car that’s miles away from the airport, and you could save a lot of money, according to Christopher Elliott. His article today explores how to avoid airports’ sky-high car rentals in today’s Seattle Times.

An 8 day fly and drive package to Tuscany in the NYTimes includes a seven-day car rental, six nights in a hotel and breakfast daily, starts at $949 a person with departure dates of March 31 and April 7.

Hilton Hotels is offering up to 33 percent off Friday through Sunday stays at more than 520 hotels and resorts worldwide for weekend stays through Dec. 26, must be booked by Jan. 31.

Truth.travel shows us how to get a free companion ticket to Barbados on American Airlines

20 perfect getaways for Valentine’s Day for our friends in or traveling to Europe

Get half-price tickets to Off-Broadway shows such as “STOMP,” “The Fantasticks,” “Avenue Q” and the new “Venus in Fur” in New York City. The “On the House” deal from NYC & Company, the city’s marketing and tourism organization, offers 2-for-1 tickets to more than 20 Off-Broadway shows for February performances.

$17 a night and up for a hotel room in Las Vegas, but these hotel rooms are going fast, so book NOW!

For more great travel deals, be sure to follow @BesTravelDeals on Twitter and subscribe to this blog’s RSS feed.

via kiwinz, Flickr

New Zealand has plenty going for itself as a tourist destination: it is known for its laid back culture, diverse and amazingly scenic landscapes, water sports, and numerous opportunities for outdoor adventure.

The problem is that its remote location, in the southern South Pacific, makes it difficult (and expensive) to reach, especially for travelers from North America and Europe.  National carrier Air New Zealand (usually referred with the acronym ANZ) is one of the better options when the time comes to start looking for flights from the US to the land of kiwis.  Temporarily lowered fares make right now the best time in years to plan your South Pacific getaway.

Book by February 1^st to lock in ANZ’s sub-$900 fares between San Francisco or Los Angeles and a number of  Kiwi cities including Auckland and Wellington.  The best of these deals: $798 for round trip service from SFO to Auckland.

The travel dates for the promotion are a little far removed from the purchase date.  The low rates are  only available for travel starting on August 6th.  Yes, that is more than six months from now, but August is arguably one of the better times of year to visit New Zealand.  The mild Southern Hemisphere winter comes to an end.  Temperatures are usually around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and there is plenty of sunshine in coastal areas.  It’s too cold to hit the beach, but perfect weather for many of the other outdoor activities that the country has to offer.  The promotion is also good for the first half of September, when temperatures rise slightly as Springtime sets in.

The Air New Zealand deal is not for spur of the moment travelers.  But if you’ve always wanted to head to New Zealand, this is one of the better opportunities to take the plunge and purchase your tickets.

Grand Canyon National Park river rafting travel deal: With a new “Be a Kid Again” promotion, offered for the first time this year, adults pay the child rate (normally charged for ages 16 and under) on select trips. Spend the day floating down the Colorado River, and by night, sleep riverside under the stars.

Seven Stars resort in Turks and Caicos are offering 40% off with its “Couples Escape“ travel deal. With this package, guests save $326, or a little bit more than 40%. If you don’t want all the bells and whistles and would prefer to simply purchase the room on its own, the Winter Special Getaway offer has rooms priced at $390 per night, pre-tax, through March 31.

Win a $2,500 B&B getaway from BedandBreakfast.com just in time for Valentine’s Day. Fill out the short form to be entered to win a gift card welcome at one of the luxurious Diamond Collection inns, or over 4,000 other B&Bs in the U.S. and Canada.

Get A Free Companion Ticket to Barbados on American Airlines: The promotion, which started on January 11, 2010, has recently been extended through February 12, 2010, and offers travelers one free, economy class companion ticket when two travelers fly together and book a minimum of four nights at a hotel in Barbados through AA Vacations from now through May 31, 2010.

Michigan resorts offer snowmobiles with room rental: book a $114 Sled Head package for two that includes lodging, breakfast, a $10 gas card and $20 food voucher; you then add on whichever snowmobile rental you like, starting at $135 per day.

Royal Carribbean Cruises up to 80% Off – plus free Room Upgrades! Sail into 2010 with exclusive deals on cruises to Mexico, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and beyond. Take advantage of ocean-deep discounts, including up to 80% off brochure prices and reduced deposits.

Valentine’s Weekend Panama City Beach Condos from $498: Shores of Panama delivers an unbeatable discount of $175 on its Valentine’s Day Shore Thing couples getaway for just $249/person.

The River House Backpackers in Cardiff offers dorms (4 or 6 beds, some female-only) from £16pp, twin rooms from £20pp, and has just won the award for the best hostel staff in the world for the second year running at the annual Hostelworld.com Hoscars in Dublin.

Caribbean cruise, 7 nights, aboard Holland America Line’s 1,916-passenger Westerdam; all meals, water, tea, coffee, and juice; a $50 shipboard credit; and port charges (totaling about $150), from $699 per person. This cruise offer breaks down to about $111 a night and includes accommodations, all meals, a $50 shipboard credit, port charges, and all taxes.

Be sure to subscribe to the RSS feed and follow @BesTravelDeals on twitter for the best travel deals and more!

Holland America has put on sale a seven-day Alaska cruise, according to the Washington Post. Rate is from $499 per person double, down from $949. Taxes of $108 are additional. The cruise departs from Seward (Anchorage) May 16. Also in the article, Universal Orlando Resort has extended its Military Salute program, which offers active and retired military personnel a free seven-day base ticket to both of its Florida theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The pass, which is also valid at select Universal CityWalk clubs and venues, is good through March 26.

According to Sophie Butler, hotel rates in European cities are down 12 per cent compared with this time last year. Barcelona, Lisbon and Dublin are among the cities that have had the biggest drop in hotel prices (up to an 18 per cent fall compared with last January), with average double room rates at about £70 per night. Amsterdam and Madrid are about 12 per cent lower and Paris hotels are five per cent down. Learn more in her article in today’s Telegraph.

Also of interest, European ski destinations are offering dramatic savings on ski packages. According to Peter Hardy in the Daily Mail, you can find amazing discounts in Austria, Slovenia, Italy, and of course Switzerland. An example, stay in Kranjska Gora in Slovenia at the Hotel Lek, a comfortable four-star in a good position for easy access to the slopes: One week half-board from February 20 with Gatwick, Stansted and regional flights to Salzburg was £525, now £345.

In the USA, you can find a room at $82-$112 per night for a Washington, D.C. hotel stay. The Churchill Hotel offers travelers a haven of old-world refinement amidst the modern-day bustle of the nation’s capital. From the inviting ambiance of its finely appointed lobby to the gracious appointment of its over-sized guest rooms to the personal attentiveness of its professionally trained staff every aspect of the hotel has been carefully arranged to meet the requirements of the most discriminating guests.

Hilary Nangle at the Boston Globe on discount vacations in Bermuda reveals that by visiting between November and March, when temperatures are usually in the 60s, Bermuda is uncrowded and affordable. Be sure to visit Best Travel Deals to vote on the best Bermuda hotel deals.

Every day, New York Habitat offers a special South of France vacation rental apartment on Twitter. Follow New York Habitat on Twitter to see the latest discount. All Twitter discounts are valid for 7 days from the time of their posting on Twitter. One of their most recent offerings was a Studio in French Riviera.

Haven’t planned a Valentines Day Vacation yet? Annabelle Thorpe details her top 20 hideaways that are still available on Valentine’s Day, with picks from cute cottages to luxury hotels, in her Sunday article in The Observer. Bubrovnik, Istanbul, and Prague top her list, and includes some truly great package deals in places like Austria, Yorkshire, and rural Dorset.

Break for spring on Oahu, with Aston hotels from $91. The budget-friendly Aston Hotels & Resorts is offering a number of attractive springtime specials at its Oahu sites. Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel, just across the road from Waikiki Beach, is the least expensive of this group. Or enter to win a hotel stay: Shape Magazine is offering a Hawaii vacation sweepstakes for a two-night stay at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Enter to win here.

Presidents’ Day weekend is one of America’s most historic, but most overlooked holidays. There aren’t many celebrations marking the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington that will take place outside of social studies classrooms. However, the long weekend offers the perfect opportunity to take a trip to one of the many historic sites around the US. Which ones? Here are the top ten historic sites in the United States and the special events they will offer during the lead up to Presidents’ Day.

#1. Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore is easily the most recognizable monument in the US. You can sing happy birthday to the impressively large head of both Lincoln and Washington and take some snapshots of yourself in front of these famous busts. And, of course, Rushmore is located in South Dakota’s Black Hills, which feature many other tourist attractions such as the casinos of Deadwood and the souvenir shops of Rapid City. Considering it is not the low-season for tourists in the Black Hills, you won’t have to elbow your way to the front of the Rushmore viewing area to get that postcard-like picture that you plan to frame.

#2. Valley Forge

Valley Forge National Historical Park is located on the spot where the Continental Army spent a lean winter during the early part of the Revolutionary War. There are events to help commemorate this historic time and also the birthday of America’s first president. You can visit a living history presentation by “Martha Washington and George Washington” in the park’s Welcome Center on February 15th while listening to period music by the “Colonial Revelers.” ValleyForgePictures.com offers a virtual preview of the site.

#3. Springfield, IL

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, IL, commemorates the life of Abraham Lincoln. His Presidential Library, which houses 47,000 artifacts, is impressive in and of itself. There will be an added attraction on Sunday, February 12th, when Author Richard Fox will be presenting his book ‘Losing Lincoln.’ Other President’s Day events are scheduled throughout the Springfield area.

#4. Charlestown, Il

See what life was like when Abraham Lincoln was growing up. The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site features the 1840s farm of Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln, Honest Abe’s parents. There are theatrical re-enactments that give the site an interactive feel. On January 27, 2010, 10:00 am-4:00 pm the cabin will be the site of a special re-enactment of Lincoln’s farewell tour, which he embarked on before heading to the White House after being elected president. Visitors can get involved by greeting the “president-elect” during the festivities.

#5. Philadelphia

Before Washington D.C., Philadelphia was the political center of the US. Historic sites in the City of Brotherly Love include the Betsy Ross house, the Independence National Historical Park (Visitor Center), the nearby Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed).

#6. Gettysburg

When you think of Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg National Military Park is one of the places indelibly tied to his legacy. It was on these grounds that he gave his famous Gettysburg Address, one of the most important speeches in US history. The Soldier’s National Monument was the first memorial to be placed in Gettysburg and was part of the original plan for the cemetary. More than 10 million students nationwide will participate in Gettysburg National Military Park’s educational broadcast, “Big Deal at Gettysburg: The Value of Historical Places” on Feb. 12, 2010.

#7. New York City

George Washington is turning 267 years old and on Feb. 23, 2009, from 10 AM – 4 PM the National Park Service and the National Archives and Record Administration are throwing a special celebration for the first President’s birthday. Visit the Historical Society from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily to follow in Washington’s footsteps with the self-guided walking tour of “Washington’s New York.” Other special features include George Washington’s Inaugural Chair and the George Washington Inaugural Bible.

#9. Hildene near Woodstock, VT

Hildene is one of the lesser known sites related to Abraham Lincoln. Robert Todd Lincoln, the only child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood, became chairman of the Pullman Company, the largest manufacturing corporation at the turn of the 20th century. He built his Georgian Revival mansion “Hildene” in 1905. On Saturday, February 7, Hildene hosts its annual birthday party for President Lincoln at 10:00 am in the Beckwith Room. A parade up to the Lincoln Family Home and a chance to see Abe’s hat displayed in “The Personal Abraham Lincoln” exhibit will be part of the fun. Despite its relative obscurity, this is arguably one of the best places to get a view into the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln and his family.

#10. Mount Vernon and Washington, D.C.

Historic Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, celebrates his 278th birthday with a “Surprise Birthday Party.” The event will be held daily from February 13 through February 15. A living history performance shows how Washington might have celebrated his birthday while living on Mount Vernon.

Meanwhile, in nearby Washington, D.C. (home of both the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument), celebrations around the area highlight not only George Washington and Abraham Lincoln but other Presidents as well as the history of the US Government. Special events, including walking tours around the city, will be provided free on Sundays throughout February. If you stop in at the White House Visitor Center on President’s Day, on Monday, February 15, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m you can enjoy free programs led by the National Park Service including games, crafts and theatrical performances.

Let other members know what “historic” deals are available in your area this Presidents’ Day by adding them in the comments below or letting us know on twitter.

This is by no means a complete list of all the events around the globe in support of Haiti. Here’s an additional list of events, and we’ll be highlighting other events here on the blog as well as we come across them.

Portland, ME:

Support relief in Haiti – Big Channel 13 telethon to benefit Konbit Sante

Washington, DC:

Solidarity with Haiti: LCLAA members and friends tonight, from 6-9PM

“Our World, Our People” Haiti relief benefit concert Friday, January 22nd at The Warehouse Loft from 8-11pm

Atlanta, GA:

Smith’s Olde Bar to Host Haiti Benefit on February 1st with Van Heiniken, Nelson Nolen Experiment & More!

New Orleans, LA:

I AM AYITI: hip-hop benefit for Haiti at Howlin Wolf in NOLA Friday, January 22nd at 8pm.

New Orleans Dance Benefit for Haiti at 3143 Calhoun Street (Crescent Lotus) starting Friday, January 22nd at 6:30pm

Portland, OR:

This weekend East Burn hosts 3 day Haitian benefit: Music, Prizes, Drink Specials

Great Barrington, MA:

James Taylor to hold Haiti benefit show Friday, January 22

Chicago, IL:

10 things to do this weekend to benefit Haiti

Boston, MA:

Come out to Roxy in Boston tonight to benefit relief efforts in Haiti!

Nashville, TN:

Whole Foods hosts benefit for Visitation Hospital Foundation’s work in Haiti. The “Haiti Have Heart—Save a Heart Taste of Haiti” at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5

Coatesville, Pa:

Haiti DISASTER Benefit

Los Angeles, CA:

Haiti Relief Benefit in LA tonight
Brian Larsen’s Benefit For Haiti Show on January 30th at the Room 5 Lounge

San Francisco, CA:

Drink for a good cause tonight! Bin 38 is hosting a benefit happy hour for Haiti.
Bay Area benefit concerts to aid Haiti earthquake victims.

Chicago, IL:

Every Drop Counts: Benefit Concert For Haiti Relief – January 31st

Nassau, Bahamas:

Unity Benefit Concert in Aid of Haiti: – Friday, January 29th

Portland, OR:

“SONGS FOR HAITI” Thursday, January 21

New York City, NY:

Helping Hands for Haiti Fundraiser Event NYC on January 21, 2010, with all proceeds benefiting Doctors Without Borders

Return of Gionfriddo’s Blackburn Prize-winning play U.S. Drag to Benefit Haiti Relief.

There are a number of upcoming Haiti benefit concerts in NYC:

At City Winery:

January 20 (Tonight) – Patti Smith, The Swell Season, John Wesley Harding, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Yo La Tengo, Young People’s Chorus of New York City, Joshua Bell, surprise guest

January 21 (Thursday) – Brian Stokes Mitchell, Lewis Black, Willie Nile, Vernon Reid & Corey Glover of Living Colour, Rich Pagano & The Sugarcane Cups, Marshall Crenshaw

January 22nd (Friday) – Jay-Z and U2, Plus Springsteen and 100-Plus Stars join MTV’s Haiti Benefit on multiple channels and in several locations around the world, including New York City.

January 24 (Sunday) – Rosanne Cash, Madeleine Peyroux, Nada Surf, Tabou Combo and Betty

January 25 (Monday) – The Bongos, Amber Rubarth, Ian Axel, Vienna Teng, Wes Hutchinson, Ari Hest, Will Knox, Joey Ryan, Rosi Golan, Nate Campany, Martin Rivas, Dov Rosenblatt, Alex Berger, Greg Holden, The Paper Raincoat, Jay Nash, Howie Statland

At The Bell House:

January 27 (Wednesday) – Jimmy Fallon, The Walkmen, Ted Leo, Eugene Mirman, The Wrens, Michael Showalter, Sondre Lerche, Todd Barry, A.C. Newman, Nicole Atkins, Here We Go Magic, Wahoo Skiffle Crazies

At Bruar Falls:

January 27 (Wednesday) – Breakfast In Fur, No Eye Contact, El Medio, Drew Citron (Music vs. Hunger benefit)

If you can’t attend an event, consider donating with Music For Relief: Linkin Park, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Gabriel, Alanis Morissette, Slash, The All-American Rejects, Hoobastank, Kenna, Enrique Iglesias and Lupe Fiasco are all featured on a compilation of unreleased music, and all proceeds go to aid the earthquake victims.