$1015 & up — Exotic Cities Flight Deals. Find great fares on a selection of Emirates routes

Travel to Cairo, Bangkok, Jakarta, Mumbai. Valid through May 12, 2012

Save 73%! 4 Night Baja Mexico Cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines from $229

Sail through July 2014. Includes Accommodations, Transportation and On-board Meals

Save 60%! Starwood Stylish New Aloft hotels on Sale from $79 & up

Available through March for Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Houston Aloft hotels

$83 & up — Orlando: Suite near Disney w/Breakfast, Save More than 40% Off

Suites Near Disney + FREE Breakfast, FREE Wi-Fi and Park Shuttles. Travel through August 31, 2012

$98 – 4-Star Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa All Inclusive Beach Resort

Save 60% Of, All Meals and Drinks Included. Travel through December 22, 2012

$157 & up — Air Canada Flight deals to Canada from Las Vegas (each way)

Fly to Montreal/ Vancouver/ Quebec/ Toronto. Travel through March 7, 2012.

$59 — New Orleans: Savor a 4-Course Dinner for 2, Reg. $126

Includes Appetizer, Salads, Entrees, Dessert and Drinks at Mike’s on the Avenue. Through April 23, 2012.

$77-$110 — Boston South End Hotel w/Rebate, 65% Off

Enjoy a European style hotel + FREE Wi-Fi Access + $25 Instant Rebate. Valid through March 31, 2012.

Austin is a progressive metropolis that stands out amid the gung-ho conservatism that characterizes the rest of Texas. Despite being a bureaucratic capital city, Austin retains a funky flavor and boasts a diversity of recreational opportunities. And from its lively music scene to its abundance of outdoor pursuits, Austin overflows with activities that don’t require you to pay entrance fees or buy tickets. Check out these free things to do during your visit if you want to have fun in Austin without spending a dime.

1. Barton Creek Greenbelt

The Barton Creek Greenbelt is an outdoorsy paradise within the city limits of Austin that offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. 7.9 miles long and 809 acres, the Barton Creek Greenbelt features lush vegetation, swimming holes, hiking and biking trails, and limestone cliffs that are ideal for rock climbing.

2. Blues on the Green

Grab a blanket, some lawn chairs, and your family and head to Blues on the Green, a free concert series held in Zilker Parker from June to August. These evening concerts allow you to enjoy live musical performances from local favorites, including Marcia Ball and Los Lonely Boys.

3. Texas Capitol Building

Learn about the history of Texas while exploring awe-inspiring sights at the Texas Capitol Complex, which is home to the Texas State Capitol Building, landscaped lawns, and 17 historical monuments. Guided tours of the Capitol Building are absolutely free.

4. Free Museum Day

Austin is home to a diversity of fascinating museums and you can visit about 30 of them for free every September. Museums that participate in Free Museum Day include the Austin Children’s Museum, Austin Museum of Art, and the Texas Natural Science Center.

5. Zilker Botanical Garden

Located on 31 acres on the South Bank of the Colorado River, the Zilker Botanical Garden displays an array of habitats and exotic plant life. Attractions at the Zilker Botanical Garden include a butterfly garden, Japanese garden, and a prehistoric garden in an area where dinosaurs once roamed.

6. Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is a reservoir on the Colorado River that’s located in downtown Austin. This lake, formerly known as Town Lake, is a major recreational area that offers magnificent views of the Austin Skyline (perfect for pictures) and is home to hiking and biking trails and sports fields. Most types of motorized watercraft are prohibited on the lake, so the lake is popular for canoeing and kayaking.

7. Barton Springs Pool

Located within Zilker Park, the Barton Springs Pool is a three acre man-made pool fed from underground springs that is popular for swimming. The water has a year round average temperature of 68 degrees. Native Americans in the area considered the Barton Springs sacred and went there to heal their wounds.

8. Watch the Bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge

The Congress Avenue Bridge in downtown Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in the United States. Each evening, from mid-March to November, an estimated 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats emerge from under the bridge at sunset to forage for food. To find out where the best free spots are for viewing this spooky sight, visit the information kiosk located on the north bank of the river.

9. University of Texas Campus

The University of Texas campus in Austin is home to the majestic Littlefield Fountain and the symbolic University of Texas Tower where the infamous 1966 shooting took place. During an afternoon stroll on this scenic campus, guests can enjoy museum hopping at no charge. At the Harry Ransom Center, you can view world-famous artifacts, such as an authentic copy of the Gutenberg Bible and the first photograph ever taken in the world. At the Texas Memorial Museum, you can learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the state and see real dinosaur tracks!

10. Mount Bonnell

Mount Bonnell is the highest point within Austin city limits, where you can get amazing views of downtown Austin and Lake Austin. Mount Bonnell is the perfect location for a romantic date or a picnic lunch.

In addition to its status as a financial and economic center, Texas’ second largest city is a major center of cultural attractions and production. If you plan your trip correctly, you can take advantage of all that Dallas has to offer without spending a dime!

1. Trammel and Margaret Collection of Asian Art

Adjacent to the Trammell Crow Center sits a free museum dedicated to the art of China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. Current exhibits include bamboo baskets, Chinese “snuff bottles,” and Qing dynasty jade.

2. Cedar Ridge Preserve

This 600-acre wilderness reserve features a mesquite prairie, nine miles of hiking trails, and nurseries for native plants. Get away from the city and explore some of Dallas’ pristine natural surroundings!

3. Meadows Museum

Southern Methodist University’s Meadows Museum features a wide array of Spanish art, including pieces by Picasso, Velázquez, Ribera, and Francisco de Goya. Current exhibitions include the personal collection of King Charles IV of Spain, including paintings, sculptures, books, coins, musical instruments. Admision is free Thursdays after five.

4. Fountain Place

Itself an architectural marvel, this stunning, 60-story building of reflective glass features a fountain show at its base. Come and admire both the building and its 172 dancing fountains!

5. Trammell Crow Garden

At the base of the Trammell Crow Center sits a beautiful sculpture garden featuring over 20 pieces by famous French sculptors. Pieces include Maillol’s “Nymph With Flowers,” Rodin’s “Genius of Eternal Rest,” and Bourdelle’s “Horse for Alvear Monument.”

6. JFK Memorial

Just blocks away from the site of Kennedy’s assassination rests this simple memorial. It consists of four concrete walls containing an engraving of the late President’s name.

7. African American Museum

This free museum honoring African-American history contains one of the largest collections of African-American folk art in the country. Current exhibits include Bayou sculpture from Louisiana.

8. Hall of State

This beautiful building holds a variety of exhibits relating to Texan history. The hall holds pieces including a fresco of “Old Man Texas,” bronze sculptures of the founders of the Lone Star Republic, and much more.

Houston, a regional capital in art, theatre, and commerce, is also a great vacation spot for budget travelers! With this list you can experience the culture and history of America’s fourth-largest city at no cost.

1. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

This museum features fine art from around the world. Current exhibits explore fields as disperse as metal art, cowboy culture, and Sufi mysticism. Admission is free on Thursdays.

2. San Jacinto Museum of History

At 570 feet, the San Jacinto Monument is the tallest war monument in the world, passing the Washington Monument by 15 feet. Gaze at this incredible edifice and walk inside its base, which contains the San Jacinto Museum of History. The museum covers Texan history from Mexican rule to the present.

3. Holocaust Museum Houston

This museum honors the millions of victims of the Holocaust and other genocides of the 20th century. Its permanent collection includes footage, photographs, artifacts, a WWII rail car, and a Danish rescue boat. In addition, the museum is a venue for Holocaust-related artwork and theatre, including the Laramie Project.

4. Cullen Sculpture Garden

Next to the Museum of Fine Arts stands a beautiful, five-acre sculpture garden designed by Isamu Noguchi. The garden’s permanent collection includes works by Henri Matisse and Frank Stella, as well as an assortment of sculptures by local Texan artists.

5. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

On the Western edge of Houston’s Memorial Park is a 155-acre urban nature sanctuary. Explore the Arboretum’s five miles of scenic trails, and check out the many events held in the park year-round.

6. Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

This beautiful, stainless steel museum houses the best regional, national, and international contemporary art. Current exhibitions explore the relationship between static and performance art, with the audience interacting with pieces in fascinating ways.

7. Menil Collection

The impressive collection assembled by John and Dominique de Menil is on display at this free museum. Their 16,000-piece collection includes pieces from the Byzantine Empire, African, and Oceania, as well as contemporary art from around the world.

8. Tranquility Park

This two-block oasis commemorates the original, 1969 moon landing in the Sea of Tranquility. The park contains memorials to the Challenger and Columbia disasters.

9. Museum of Printing History

This unique museum is dedicated to the history, art, and science of printing. Current exhibits focus on printing in Bhutan, the technology of early photography, and minority publications through Houston’s history.

If you’d like to relax and unwind during your end-of-summer getaway, why not plan a rejuvenating trip to a destination spa?  The following 5 destination spas are offering unbeatable Labor Day travel deals.

1. Get $100 OFF the Total Price When You Book Any 11-Night Weight Loss Retreat Between September 1 and 3 at the New Life Hiking Spa in Vermont

The New Life Hiking Spa in Killington, Vermont is offering a $100 discount when you book any 11-night weight loss retreat between September 1 and October 3.  The all-inclusive nightly price includes accommodations, three meals a day, hiking and fitness programming, and more.  The rate for this 11-night package is $2419 after the discount.  Visit newlifehikingspa.com/ for more information.

2. Book a 3-Night Package in Premier Accommodations at the Lake Austin Spa Resort in Texas and Receive 20% OFF

If you book a 3-night package in premier accommodations at the Lake Austin Spa Resort by September 15^th, you’ll receive 20% off.  Call 1-800-847-5637 or visit www.lakeaustin.com/ to request a reservation.  The normal rate at this resort is $1925 for a double room and $2385 for a private room.

3. Save 25% Off Standard Rates at the Regency Health Resort and Spa in Hallandale, Florida

Regency Health Resort and Spa is an oceanfront resort that boasts azure waters and white, sandy beaches.  For only $149 per day, Labor Day Weekend guests will receive standard accommodations, private nutritional consultations, five vegetarian meals daily, exercise classes, and wellness lectures.  The first 50 people who call and make reservations will also receive 1 free coupon towards a spa service for a 4 night stay ($75 value) and 2 free coupons for a 7 night stay ($150 value).  Visit www.regencyhealthspa.com for more information.

4. Get 5 Nights for the Price of 4 Plus a $25 Credit Towards Spa Services at the Tcherassi Hotel and Spa in Cartagena, Colombia

This Labor Day Weekend, get 5 nights for the price of 4, a $25 spa credit, daily breakfast, welcome spearmint lemonade, and a Silvia Tcherassi flower welcome gift at the Tcherassi Hotel and Spa in the heart of Cartagena’s Old City.  Rates start at $360 per night.  Visit www.tcherassihotels.com for more information.

5. Receive a Special Discounted Rate, Complimentary Breakfast, and the 4^th Night FREE at the Hotel Kura Hulanda in Curacao

Guests who book three nights at the Hotel Kura Hulanda in Curacao for stays between September 3 and 6 receive a discounted rate (as low as $108 per person), the fourth night free, complimentary breakfast, and complimentary transportation between the Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa and Casino and the Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club.  The hotel will also provide a free shuttle to the 2010 North Sea Jazz Festival, which will take place on September 3-4.  Reservations must be made by September 2.  For more information, visit www.kurahulanda.com or call 1-877-264-3106.

Austin is known for its music venues.  The city’s more-than 200 clubs and concert halls are filled to capacity during Memorial Day weekend.  The music even spills out onto the streets at the Austin Wine and Music Festival, which coincides with the holiday weekend.  But music is only one of the attractions in the culturally-rich capitol of Texas.  The aptly-named Capitol of Texas Triathlon takes place on the weekend, as do other events, including a floating, anything-goes party on scenic Lake Travis.

The Capitol of Texas Triathlon has become an institution in recent years.  Though racing is a possibility, many people simply come to watch competitors swim, bike and run past some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.  Registered amateurs can  complete in all three sports, or compete in a single event as part of a relay team.  A kids race and sports expo, along with other events, take place on the days leading up to the triathlon itself.

Things get rather rowdy and bawdy in Devil’s Cove on Lake Travis.  Boats stocked with drinks and filled with swimsuit-wearing partiers join together as early as sun-up to create the world’s largest party barge.  Boats of all shapes and sizes join the flotilla, with people simply hopping from one boat to the next to socialize and drink.  This is one of the few non-family-oriented events in Austin during the holiday weekend, but it is a wildly-good time for of-age visitors who are looking for a party.  The drinking and dancing continue throughout the night at venues along the shores of Lake Travis.

The Austin Wine and Music Festival takes place in the hip Domain neighborhood during Memorial Day weekend.  This celebration of area wine, micro-brews, artists and musical acts has become popular because it combines all the things that Austin is famous for into a single event.  Drinking the wine (and beer) and listening to music will set you back $35 per day. An $80, three day pass can be purchased on the event web site.  Aside from the tunes and booze, there are seminars about wine, beer, cigars and food. For a place to crash after this great event, check out a great list of Austin Hotel Deals.

And of course, there are the concerts.  On any given weekend night, there are several good choices for music aficionados.  Memorial Day weekend is no exception.  The Charlie Daniels Band will fiddle their way through a set at the Nutty Brown Cafe on Saturday the 29th.  Tickets to see the famed musician are not cheap, at $35 a pop, and will be sold out early.  An assortment of DJs, jazz bands and roots rockers will be taking stages across the city on Sunday, with the Barenaked Ladies and Serena Ryder being the most notable names on the schedule.  A complete list of the weekend’s sonic happenings  can be found on the Austin Live Music web site.

There is plenty going on in Austin throughout the year, especially if you are a fan of music and the arts.  During Memorial Day weekend, it will be easy to take part in the activities and pastimes that make Austin famous.  But there will also be a variety of other choices, from raucous boat parties to sophisticated wine tasting events.

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!

$83 and up during today’s 24-Hour Sale on Hyatt Resorts. Rooms at these mostly 4-Diamond/4-Star properties start at $83/night and are in top destinations like Hawaii, Florida, Texas, California, and the Caribbean. This offer is for travel through May 31, 2010, but all bookings must be made 11:59 p.m. tonight (local time).

Speaking of Hawaii, there are a number of other great deals that are dramatically reducing the cost of an island vacation. Here’s just a few:

$224-$240 a night for a 4-Diamond Oceanfront Resort & Spa (Reg. $300). This AAA 4-Diamond resort is located on 12 oceanfront acres on famous Ka’anapali Beach. Enjoy golf privileges at the Ka’anapali Golf Course, which has hosted the PGA Seniors Pro-Am.

$209 a night for an upscale Maui Beachfront Resort (Reg. $350). The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa features multiple dining options, a freshwater swimming lagoon with a children’s pool, famous Hawaiian entertainment and a sunset cliff-diving ceremony.

$146 per night for an upscale Hawaii Resort into March (Reg. $300). Stay on Hawaii’s Big Island overlooking scenic Keauhou Bay at the upscale Sheraton Keauhou Resort and Spa with a 50% off all second nights offer.

$119 a night at the Waikiki Sheraton, including weekends. Stay a block from Waikiki Beach at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani for $119 per night through March. Similar hotels in the area are regularly $200 per night.

$289 per night for a luxurious Kauai Resort (Reg. $565). Rooms include a transparent-to-opaque “magic window” which allows guests to enjoy the views, while also offering privacy. Marble bathrooms feature an oversized tub and double vanity.

Holland America rolls out cruise sale for 2010 voyages today. Some cabins will be marked down as much as 45%. As part of the sale, Holland America also is reducing the amount of deposit customers must place when first making a booking for a cruise; lowering prices for third and fourth passengers in a cabin; and offering 25% savings on select hotels for pre- or post-cruise stays.

99-Hour Sale: $99 Rooms at Bermuda’s Fairmont Southampton Resort! $99 for 99 hours sale from today through December 20, 2009. A three-night minimum stay is required, and the $99 rate applies to the lowest-category Moderate rooms, with other room categories also being offered at higher, though still significantly discounted prices.

USC Trojans Emerald Bowl hotel and ticket package in San Francisco, California. There are tickets available and eight hotels in downtown San Francisco that have teamed up to offer Emerald Bowl hotel & ticket packages.

$109-$119 a night for this last minute sale at Phoenix Hotel (Reg. $249) through Dec. 31, including New Year’s Eve. Regular rates in peak season for this hotel are $249. This hotel is located next to the Phoenix Civic Plaza featuring dining and shopping. These dates coincide with many Phoenix Suns home games, including against the LA Lakers and Boston Celtics.

$79 & up for Starwood Hotels throughout the Midwest. Save up to 50% off the peak season rate as Starwood hotels are offering great holiday and winter season prices to entice travelers to plan a getaway.

$79 a night at a San Diego Hotel with parking. These 35% OFF sale prices are available through Jan. 13 and the weekends of Jan. 22-23, 29-30. Once this promotion ends, rates jump up to $119 and higher.

Fly to Australia from $399! Qantas Vacations just reduced fares to Australia to as low as $399 one-way for flights May 1 through June 8. Plus, for only $100 more, travelers can add flights to three extra cities in Australia.

Kauai Marriott Resort has a special offer of $189 for an ocean view room for travel through December 24, 2009, and if you prefer to travel to travel between January 3 – 31, 2010, you’ll pay just $20 more.

Planning your holiday events? Today’s holiday shopping, light displays and events guide by Mary Ramos for the Dallas Morning News features more than 60 of the liveliest Christmas and Chanukah events in Texas and neighboring states.

There’s a wonderful 5-night Jackson Hole and Yellowstone Activities package this winter at the Togwotee Mountain Lodge starting at $1281 single, or $2220 for double occupancy. The lodge’s excellent location and large rental fleet of snowmobiles helps guests take advantage of the area’s back-country trails.

BED-and-breakfasts are starting to ‘man up’ — Michelle Higgins reports on sports-friendly B and B’s and highlights some great deals for BOTH spouses.

The Shopaholics Train (a.k.a. the Atlantic City Express Service – ACES) will ferry shoppers from New Jersey to New York on November 27th. A complete timetable is available on the ACES web site.

48-hour Sale, 40% OFF: Hotel Kabuki San Francisco is a premier Japanese-style hotel in San Francisco with a western touch. Hotel Kabuki is located in Japantown, and for the next 48 hours rooms are only $84 per night!

Caribbean Vacation Spa Package at the Renaissance Aruba from $398.

Get 30% Off in Your Stay at Leows Hotels and Resorts, valid for travel between 11/20/09 – 01/31/10.

And there’s a great last minute Hotel sale for the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, $139 and up per night. The hotel is on the Intracoastal Waterway and offers a complimentary beach shuttle.

Everything is bigger in Texas, especially the holiday deals. In Galveston,  the Hotel Galvez (a Wyndham Historic Hotel) has some enticing deals for the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays.

Hotel Galvez holiday lights

Hotel Galvez’s Thanksgiving package includes overnight accommodations and a Thanksgiving Day Brunch with complimentary mimosas, wine or champagne.  It also includes two tickets to the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights. Friday, November 27^th kicks off the holiday season in Galveston. At Hotel Galvez, the festivities include gingerbread replicas of the historic hotel and Christmas carols, among other live entertainment.  There’s also the holiday events that are held annually at the nearby Saegerfest Park in downtown Galveston. These festivities kick-off on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Hotel Galvez pool area

If you’ve got Christmas on your mind, Hotel Galvez has the Getaway for the Holidays Package for the entire month of December.  You can unwind before the holidays and do a little holiday shopping – the package includes discounts to local merchants and complimentary shuttle services: No rental car needed! Travel on a weekday to avoid the crowds and you’ll get a deeply discounted price. After a day of shopping, unwind with special holiday-themed treatments at the Hotel Galvez Spa. There’s also the typical wellness treatments such as massage, facial and body treatments.

While you’re in Galveston, take in some of the history. As a wannabe architecture buff, Bishop’s Palace caught my eye. Built in the late 1800s, the so-called “Victorian castle” is now a museum managed by the Galveston Historical Foundation. For $10 you can see the luxury materials and furnishings, beautifully carved ornaments, stained-glass windows, and sculptures – the mansion even a fireplace lined with pure silver!

Bishop's Palace / CC stevesheriw

If you’re more interested in natural wonders than architectural ones, the Galveston Island State Park offers over 2,000 acres of beach front property and is believed to be over 5,000 years old. The entrance fees are fair (about $5 for the day) and there’s also camping available if you’re interested in roughing it for a few days. No matter what activities youre interested, Galveston is a great destination for a low-key stay.

Galveston Island State Park / C Indiana Stan