From Sunday’s Washington Post:Book a flight on British Airways and travel by Jan. 29 and receive free companion air with your next flight to any of the carrier’s 300-plus destinations. To use the bonus ticket on future travel, you must book by July 30, depart through Dec. 15 and complete travel by Dec. 31.

Phil Reimer of the Canwest News Service has published his analysis of cruise deals. According to his article, prices are on the rise but there are still some deals to be had. Compared to last year, February prices are up in the Caribbean although some of the shorter cruises are still good deals with prices near $70 a day with some costing as low as $50 per day.

In today’s USA Today, there’s a review of one African Adventure Cruise that promises savings of over $2,000 the regular price. This is a 21-night African adventure reduced up to 20 percent with an early booking discount, plus an additional 25 percent off. Priced from $4,156 (originally $6,350), this cruise also includes a 2-night hotel stay in London after the voyage, and a 3-night Kenyan safari prior to setting sail.

L.A. Times is highlighting a 6 Days + Airfare “London Escape” starting at $865 from Virgin Vacations, and you can customize your own vacation, easily adding airport transfers, sightseeing, activities and more, if you like, during the booking process.

New York Habitat is offering specials on hundreds of vacation rental apartments in Paris, with discount accommodations ranging from EUR 500 per week and up.

For more, subscribe to our RSS feed and be sure to follow @BesTravelDeals for the latest deals!

The Santa Barbara Car Free special is running now. Get 20% off the best available adult train fare on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquin and associated buses going to and from the following Santa Barbara County stations: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Surf, Solvang, Santa Maria and Buellton. You must reserve at least three days in advance of travel to qualify for this discount.

Global Fare Sale on bmi from $161 (O/W)! U.K.-based bmi is slashing rates on airfare by as much as 50 percent! This impressive sale encompasses dozens of destinations worldwide including Europe from $161 each way, Africa from $374, Asia from $478, and more.

A New Package to Orlando Costs Only $449 for 5 nights at a three-star Disney-area resort. In addition to receiving round-trip air on this remarkable package to Orlando, you’ll be receiving continental breakfast each morning. You’ll be given an Orlando-area coupon booklet for dining and attraction discounts. And to top things off, you’ll receive a compact car for five days with unlimited mileage (but not including car rental tax, fuel, and optional insurance). Price is per-person based on two persons traveling together.

That’s not the only Orlando hotel deal out there though, how about $67-$100 a night at the Radisson Orlando Celebration Resort! With luxuries such as custom furniture imported from Italy and granite and marble bathrooms adding a special touch to the resort, this is truly a great place to unwind. The unparalleled pool facilities boast a huge free-formed pool with cascading waterfalls, two whirlpools, a children’s wading pool, heated mid-sized pool and a 40-foot waterslide that winds around a rocky hill. In addition, you will be close to all the sites that make Orlando, FL a vacation retreat.

$76-$109 a night for New Orleans’ Bourbon Orleans Hotel, which features a rich history and French styling reminiscent of the early 1800s. As it is just steps away from the famed St. Louis Cathedral, it means you’re never far from the best the city has to offer-from upscale shopping on Royal Street, to the performers of Jackson Square, to all of the restaurants, galleries and nightlife in between.

$42 a night for a 4-Star Hotel Near The Strip, in Las Vegas, where South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa has slashed rates to 40% off. This special is valid for travel Sunday-Thursday through April.

Jicaro Island Ecolodge is a brand-new ecolodge in the Granada Isletas bringing ecotourism to Nicaragua. As an opening special, the property is offering a third night free for stays through April 2010. A three-night stay is usually $1,311 (double occupancy, including tax); with this deal it’s just $874, averaging $291/night and all meals are included as well in the package price.

Colorado River White-Water Rafting Trip from $965, which is $285 off the standard rack rate for Wilderness River Adventures’ Be a Kid Again package for select dates from April 16 through August 20. In addition to the 88-mile trek down the mighty Colorado River, the deal includes all meals (primarily home-style and barbeque), drinks, and all the essential camping equipment (sleeping bags, a foam pad, ground tarp, tent, etc.). Adrenaline junkies will also have ample opportunities to explore hidden cascading waterfalls and crevices during their trip.

Mardi Gras season began Wednesday with the Feast of Epiphany and continues through Mardi Gras itself, or Fat Tuesday (Feb. 16). Celebrations of the festive season, previously occurring mainly in and near New Orleans, have spread widely in Louisiana, Texas and other states. We’ll cover more Mardi Gras deals as members vote them up over the coming weeks.

New and luxury hotels are opening in London, Tokyo and other major destinations this year and 2010 promises to be a huge year for these new hotels. The New York Times has a handy guide to all of them, and you’ll want to visit each one!  Speaking of new hotels, be sure to add any new deals you may come across, and if you aren’t yet a member, it’s easy to sign up and start voting on the best travel deals!

£54.70 & up a night in La Palma, Spain. The hotel Sol La Palma offers quality service with a warm welcome in elegant surroundings. Equipped with modern facilities, this property is an ideal base for both business and leisure travellers.

Legoland California water park set to open in June 2010 at Legoland California on 5.5 acres inside the Carlsbad kiddie park. Located in the northern part of the park between the Lego Factory Tour and the Adventurers’ Club, the water park will require a separate $10 charge tacked on to the regular admission price.

Last Minute Vacation Packages include $369 for 4 Nights at Bahamas All-Inclusive Resort, and that includes Airfare from NYC. Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino is located on Nassau’s famous Cable Beach. It comes complete with gourmet restaurants and a 35,000 square-foot Vegas-style casino. Close to town for shopping and nightlife and is a good choice for singles, couples and families, at a price that’s hard to beat.

Myrtle Beach Golf Package with airfare from $499. DirectAir is currently offering a remarkable golf package in Myrtle Beach, S.C., from $499. The March Golf Madness deal is valid Thursday to Sunday from March 1 through March 31, and includes a 3-night stay at the Legends Resort with daily breakfast, two afternoon rounds of golf with carts, and all-day use of the practice facility with unlimited balls.

$449 for 5 Nights at Dominican Republic All-Inclusive resort, with airfare from Miami included. The buildings are low rise Mediterranean style, amid Caribbean style thatched roofs and cobblestone walkways, comfortably blending with the surrounding mountain ranges and the sparkling silvery hues of the ocean. This resort is all you want in a vacation, from sunning and snorkeling to tennis or jogging. Fantastic food, unlimited drinks, an exciting disco and bars, and best of all, the friendliest service in the world.

$572 & up for a London vacation. If you’re looking for something to do, check out these exciting London sightseeing tours. You could choose a visit to Stonehenge, take an open top bus tour of downtown London, daytrip to Paris, and more. Or embark on the Gems of Britain escorted tour which departs from London and takes you throughout England and Scotland.

$89 a night for Riverfront Chicago Boutique Hotel. The property is uniquely located along the Chicago River, just minutes from the famed Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park and the Theatre District. Bonus: The hotel is including $20 food and beverage credit with this deal for use at the hotel’s Cafe 71 or for room service.

$690 & up for Los Cabos All-Inclusive 4-Star Getaways with airfare included. Say hello to savings of up to $150 with an air and hotel vacation to the new Barceló Los Cabos Palace Deluxe, where you’ll enjoy Barceló’s exclusive All-Inclusive Plus program, available only through Continental Airlines Vacations.

£86.45 & up a night for a Palma De Mallorca 4 Star accommodations at the Hotel Tryp Bellver, part of the Sol Meliá chain. This four-star hotel is splendidly set on the Paseo Maritimo promenade of Palma de Majorca, with panoramic views of the marina, the bay and the cathedral. This hotel has an ideal location for leisure clients as well as the business travellers, set in one of the most important commercial and business districts of Majorca in an area well-known for its beauty and entertainment.

Save Over $1,000 on Africa Adventure Cruise, a 17-night odyssey marked down over $1,000. The cruise visits enchanted ports around Africa and the Red Sea starting from $1,750 – including airfare!

12 Day Inaugural Transatlantic Cruise from $1999.00 w/ 2 Nts in Paris and 2 Nts in London. Cruise package includes two nights at the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel in Paris, tickets for the Eurostar train to London; two nights at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (to open in early 2010) in London, plus seven nights of cruising.

Free Business Class Ticket on British Airways w/ Visa Companion Ticket Offer. Receive a ticket for a companion when you purchase a qualifying round-trip full-fare ticket.

San Francisco, CA (SFO) To Miami, FL (MIA) From $134 RT. Saturday night minimum stay required, 30 maximum stay, 14 days advance purchase requirement, available on Mondays through Thursday and Saturday.

£170 & up for a Magnificent Country House Tylney Hall Hotel – 4 Stars. Tylney Hall is the perfect location to relax. Luxurious accommodation is complimented by fine food and extensive health and beauty facilities. These include an indoor and outdoor heated pool, beauty suite offering both classic and contemporary treatments, saunas, solarium, fitness studio, tennis, croquet and snooker.

$119 per night for San Francisco 4-Diamond Hotel (Reg. $279). 15-minute walk from Union Square, the MoMA, Chinatown and the Embarcadero, the hotel also offers an indoor pool, whirlpool, spa and fitness center.

$625 & up for Cancun: 3 Nights at a 4 Star Resort with Airfare included. This Cancun deal does include round-trip airfare, 3 nights, Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach & hotel transfers. BONUS save 40%. Plus save 25% on food, beverages & spa.

$289 & up for 3 Nights at Las Vegas Planet Hollywood with Airfare in February. This Las Vegas deal does include round-trip airfare, 3 nights, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and hotel transfers, plus a bonus complimentary bottle of liquor.

$149 per night at Award Winning 5-Diamond Seattle Hotel (Reg. $400). A perennial award winner, it was ranked Seattle’s #1 Hotel by Travel and Leisure magazine and is the only AAA 5-Diamond property in the Pacific Northwest. Rooms go for $400 per night in high season, but now guests can stay through March for just $149 per night, including weekends.

$649 for 3 night stay at Riviera Maya, Mexico’s Top-Rated Resort, and price INCLUDES round-trip airfare, 3 nights, The Fairmont Mayakoba & hotel transfers. Kids 17 & under stay free.

11-day Exotic Borneo & Bangkok tour. Book by Jan. 8 to get this deal for $1,599 including international round-trip airfare from LA, intra-Asia flights, all ground transportation, hotel accommodations, daily breakfast and five lunches, sightseeing tours and fuel surcharges.

$183-$215 a night at the Millennium Broadway New York. Here calm mellows cosmopolitan. Ease balances edge. And the glow of Broadway beckons after a day of hard work or leisurely sightseeing. Millennium Broadway sets the stage for your most successful meetings and social events, not to mention the simple pleasures of a romantic getaway weekend, and with this deal you get %20 OFF the regular rates.

Norwegian Epic maiden voyage “Seven Night Inaugural Transatlantic Cruise” package includes two nights at the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel in Paris, plus daily breakfast buffet and a half-day sightseeing tour, tickets for the Eurostar train to London, two nights at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (to open in early 2010) in London, plus daily breakfast and a half-day sightseeing tour and seven nights of cruising, including most meals, most entertainment and some beverages.

Radisson LA Westside deal lets you save 30% on 3 Night stay. The hotel features 368 spacious and contemporary guestrooms including 3 suites, spa like amenities and all the comforts you would expect in our full service hotel. The hotel also offers accessible room types and is a pet friendly hotel.

Sherman’s Travel is reporting that the Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort is promoting a 5-night beach getaway with Travel by Spa Week from just $700 – a great price considering nightly rates alone can be as high as $170. Another great package deal they’re highlighting is the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach. From now through January 5, this green resort is offering guests an outstanding Silver Bells, White Sands package with rates starting at $269/night.

Three great Chicago hotel deals, including the upscale Blake Hotel at 30% off, with rooms from $88 to $112 per night, and $76 per night with Chicago’s The Avenue Hotel Holiday Sale, and the Avenue is just steps away from Michigan Avenue’s “Magnificent Mile” offering the ultimate in world-class shopping, dining, arts and entertainment. The third hotel deal is a last-minute Christmas travel deal thru 12/14-12/28 for $90-$104 per night at the Dana Hotel and Spa in Chicago. Features personalized service with modern technology and luxurious furnishings to create luxury boutique hotel services unlike other Chicago boutique hotels.

Renaissance Mayflower Hotel is within walking distance to the National Mall and just one block from the Farragut North Metro Station. This hotel, which opened in 1925, has hosted every Presidential Inaugural Ball from Coolidge through Reagan, and is now offering $139 per night weekend stays at this historic, Washington DC 4-Diamond hotel.

Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado is featuring a $134 ski package with 2 Night stay, including weekends, through Dec. 17. Copper Mountain Resort is steps away from 2,450 acres of prime ski and snowboard terrain featuring 125 ski trails, but this deal expires very soon!

Another last minute deal is the $85 per night rate at an Orange County 4-Diamond Hotel. This offer is valid any day of the week from Dec. 18 through Jan. 7. Once this special ends, rates are expected to double.

Today’s best hotel deals for skiers is easily the $59 Rooms at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe in Stateline, Nevada during Peak Ski Season. It’s only two blocks from the gondola base at Heavenly Ski Resort, whose 4,800 acres of terrain receive an average snowfall of 360 inches per year. The recent blizzard dumped three feet of powder on Heavenly in the past week. For weeknights at the 532-room resort—which has seven restaurants, a heated, indoor pool, and a full-service spa—rates start at just $59 per night. These special prices are good for travel from January 3, 2010, through April 30, 2010.

The 3 Day Sale from Air New Zealand ends today. Save 20% on any fare from any city in the USA to anywhere Air New Zealand flies in New Zealand or Australia this Holiday Season.

Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa offers 2009/2010 Ski Package, which includes 2 adult lift tickets for Snow Valley Ski Resort, 2 $25 certificates to the Spa of the Pines, discounts on dining and more.

Speaking of skiing, Tom Robbins highlights the best ski deals in Europe, Canada, and the US in his article in today’s The Guardian. Check out what he lists as The Best December Ski Deals.

Toronto hotels offers deals up to 30% off when you stay for 3 nights or more and travel from now through Jan. 15th, 2010.

Romance in Aruba, from $2,100 for 5 Nights, featuring custom-designed Colonial West Indian furnishings including four-poster beds, marble bathrooms and spacious balconies and patios.

A Winter Caribbean Vacation for 40% Less at the Radisson Aruba Resort. Stay five nights and get a $150 beverage credit at the resort; stays of six nights or more get a $200 credit.

Support Canada in Vancouver in 2010 with Vacation Packages from C$689. Watch Canada go for glory next year! Stay in Vancouver where the action is, or, if you’re looking to save a bit, check Canadian hotel deals for the latest low prices in other areas.

Top five Christmas travel deals from USA Today. Highlights include London, Las Vegas, and Madrid.

$79 & up for 4-Star Downtown Los Angeles Hotels. Affordable areas near LAX with convenient freeway routes to key sights.

$149 & up for a luxury San Diego Hotel. The US Grant is located in historic downtown Gaslamp Quarter, and is near many top beaches, shopping, and dining.

$75 & up for 4-Star Washington D.C. Hotels near Capitol Hill. The country’s political epicenter is home to many national monuments easily accessible from where you choose to stay.

$200 Instant Savings on 5+ Night Curacao Vacation Packages. Travel to Aruba, Bonaire, & Curacao now through April 1, 2010, including holidays. Book now though, this Sale ends next Wednesday, Dec. 9th.

Reduced Fares to China and Japan, roundtrip starting at $736 & up to many destinations. See such attractions as Shenyang Imperial Palace in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, or check out the Hong Kong Highlights in today’s NYTimes for the end of December.

Ten of the best Christmas markets: Susan Greenwood picks her top 10 festive fairs at home and away for The Guardian UK

Looking for Europe Hotel Deals? Here’s a luxurious hotel with prime location – 5 star in Dublin, from £111.71 to £142.99 just steps away from the Cultural Quarter, Temple Bar, and the famous shops of Grafton Street.

There’s also a 4 star hotel in Leeds, England from £58.65 per room. Or there’s a stylish 4 star hotel with fantastic leisure facilities in Heathrow Airport from just £39 a night.

Another great deal: Tophams Hotel, a 4 star Hotel in London, just re-opened after an extensive £6 million refit as a 48 bedroom luxury hotel situated in the heart of Belgravia, one of the most exclusive residential areas in London. Stay in Tophams from £144.79 to £281.25 per room, only a few minutes walk from Victoria Station.

Cruise fans already know the Oasis of the Seas set sail from South Florida.  USA Today has a live blogger onboard posting from the ship.

Speaking of cruise news, the Disney Dream is due to start sailing January 2011, and will feature ‘virtual portholes’ in its inside staterooms, showing the seas in real-time and occasional animated visits from Disney characters.

Last Minute Las Vegas Hotel Deals: $39-$69 per night for rooms in the Brand-New Biloxi Casino Hotel (Midweek Only).   Guest rooms range in size from 325 to 375 square feet and include a 27-inch plasma television and luxurious bath products from Gilchrest & Soames.

4-Night Mexico Spa Package from $616 location features 48 spa treatment rooms, three restaurants, lighted tennis courts, an 18-hole championship golf course, fitness center, as well as many walking/hiking trails.

Ski resorts roll out the discounts, featuring fewer blackout dates and better value-added incentives, such as getting a third night free on a two-night booking.

Saving the best for last, Fly Round-Trip to the Bahamas from $210! There’s only three stipulations, your tickets must be purchased by December 15, 2009, outbound travel is valid beginning November 20, 2009, and all travel must be complete by January 31, 2010.

Finding time to travel as a family is always difficult, especially when you are juggling school vacation schedules and everyones individual obligations.  While the Christmas holiday break seems like a good time because everyone is off and usually work schedules all quiet down, it’s hard to imagine being away and giving up some traditions.   The Athenaeum Hotel in London offers some travel options that solve this dilemna.  They offer all the comforts of home and will help you arrange some of those holiday traditions.

During the Christmas holiday season the Athenaeum Hotel is offering attractive guaranteed US dollar rates on all room categories that includes some great value added extras.  Rates run $799 plus tax for a townhouse apartment (which can accommodate a family of four).  Prices on other room categories include $450 plus tax for a deluxe room, $520 plus tax for a Parkview room; and $950 plus tax for a Parkview Suite. 

In addition to these great rates they also throw in some great extras- complimentary English breakfast each morning, Wi-Fi as well as Nespresso coffee; and complimentary soft drinks and snacks from the mini-bar.  Also, kids under twelve eat for free.  Guests staying three nights will enjoy a complimentary one-way car transfer from any London airport.  Stay five nights and receive a complimentary round-trip car transfer from any London airport.

To help you keep your holiday traditions going while away they also offer a host of seasonal treats devised by the property’s special elves also know as the Kid’s Concierge Team, a first by any deluxe hotel in London  A festively decorated basket of DVDs will be delivered upon arrival, full of your favorite Christmas films; all children will be welcomed with age- and gender-appropriate toy boxes to use for the duration of their stay; for older children, Xboxes, Playstations and iPod docking stations will be available for use, so that they can keep up with their favorite video games and tunes.  And, cozy bathrobes and slippers along with cookies and milk will be provided for kid’s who want to wait up for Santa. 
The Kid’s Concierge Team will also work with you to create itinerary for you and your family to ensure you get the very most out of their stay in London.    They will help you plan activities such as ice skating at one of London’s seasonal ice rinks, taking in the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, sightseeing or even a trip to the theater. 
           For an additional cost, the hotel also offers a traditional festive lunch served on Christmas Day in The Restaurant at The Athenaeum.

Everyone says the problem with London is the cost; the pound is strong and city life is expensive. However, for those in the know there are deals to be had at every corner, all you have to do is look in the right place and then you’ll find that the city opens up to you like you never expected.

First of all, you can’t come to London without tickets to the theatre. The West End is bigger than Broadway and tickets for big name shows are often sold out before they are even available to the public. Last year alone over 13 million people went to the theatre so at times the competition for seats can be fierce. To spare yourself the headache check lastminute.com is offering seats at the most popular shows for 15-35 pounds (compared to 75-115 pounds). If you need a little direction on what’s good right now here’s some advice: children are begging their parents to get them tickets to see Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, and the parents are all too happy to oblige. Critics have been hailing this production of Peter Pan as one of the best, with a circular center stage and actors flying high over the audience, it’s hard to believe that you’re actually sitting in one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. If you’d rather sit in a traditional theatre then check out Oliver. The Charles Dickens classic makes for a truly authentic English experience and it doesn’t hurt that Rowan Atkins (known famously as Mr. Bean and an English institution in and of himself) headlines the show as a Fagan that you love to hate. Lastly, it seems that everyone and their mother has gone to see Sister Act and has loved it. It’s the second coming of Mama Mia! in that everyone who sees it can’t stop lauding it as a ‘get up in your seat and dance’ musical, which definitely makes for a good night out.

Once you’ve gotten the most important reservations made you’re ready to sort out your accommodations. With the world wide economy not faring so well, British tourism has taken a large hit so many hotels, from one to five stars, are offering massive cuts in their rates in order to get people in their rooms, the only trick is knowing where to look for them. Again, Best Travel Deals knows where you can find the best deals in this famously expensive city. Lastminute.com is offering  50% off deals on popular and luxurious hotels in the most central and exciting parts of town. The Cavendish on Jermyn Street, next door to the original luxury goods store Fortnum and Masons, and The Grosvenor, a stone’s throw away from Buckingham Palace are all featured on the site at extremely impressive rates.  You’ll also find that many hotels are offering 2-for-3 deals, stay for two nights and get the third free.

And don’t forget, London isn’t all that Great Britain has to offer. This is the land of cream teas, rocky pebble beaches, the Great Countryside, Burberry, Jaguar and the Royal Family. From top to bottom there is more natural beauty than one can shake a stick at. Spend a couple of days on the coast and marvel at the Isle of Wight (the steep rock cliffs that look as if they’ve been painted a gleaming white), or rent a car and drive over to Bath where the landed gentry have been summering for centuries. Or yet, my favorite, take a guided walk through any of the thousands of National Trust estates dotted all over the country for a small donation. These grand houses used to belong to royalty and aristocracy but have since been turned over to the state due to dwindling family fortunes; walking through them is like walking through a history of unsustainable wealth, luxury and excess.

London and England in general have so much to offer the foreign traveler. Up until now it may have seemed beyond your budget but troubling economic times means that there are always great opportunities and deals to take advantage of. Check out some of our London airfare deals and you’ll see that getting there isn’t half the battle anymore; it’s deciding what to do with your time once you’re there.

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.