MegaBus.com announced a new bus route today, providing Northeastern U.S. residents with the cheapest bus fare this side of the Mississippi. For as low as $1, travelers can commute directly from Providence, Rhode Island to New York City. To celebrate the launch of the new route, Megabus.com is offering  1,000 free seats during the first month of travel, beginning Wednesday, August 25. Customers must enter the promo code: LUVPROV when booking their trip.

Megabus.com, a subsidiary of Coach USA, launched in April 2006 and has served more than 6 million travelers. In addition to low fares, Megabus patrons can enjoy 56-seat single-deck buses, free Wi-Fi, power outlets and restrooms. Visit the Megabus website for more information about services, schedules and locations.

With the economy floundering and discretionary income shrinking, many Americans are giving up on the notion of taking their annual family vacation. Fortunately, if you’re a wine connoisseur, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to enjoy a vacation à la Sideways, complete with fine dining, winery hopping, and wine tasting. Argentina is an up-and-coming wine lover’s destination that feels like Napa Valley did 30 years ago. The dollar goes a long way in Argentina, so you can plan an action-packed vacation in Argentine wine country on a budget.

Tips for Planning a Trip to Mendoza, the Cradle of Argentina’s Wine Industry

Mendoza is a charming, historical town with the towering, snow-capped Andes as its backdrop. The run-off from the peaks of the Andes irrigates the arid landscape.

Mendoza is only a quick one and a half hour plane ride away from Buenos Aires. The province of Mendoza is ideal for growing wine because of its soil, altitude, and geography. Mendoza is said to produce the best Malbec in the world. Malbec grapes, which were brought to Argentina from France, thrive in Mendoza’s climate.

Whether you’re a budget traveler who’s accustomed to traveling on a shoestring or a well-fed wine aficionado with a taste for five-star lodgings, you’ll find accommodations to suit your needs and tastes in Mendoza. Some popular hostels for budget travelers include Break Point, Itaka House, and Damajuana Hostel. To stay in the lap of luxury during your Mendoza getaway, book a room at the Cavas Wine Lodge, Club Tapiz Hotel, or Park Hyatt Mendoza Hotel, Casino, and Spa.

To get around Mendoza, you can rent a car, use the city buses, or custom design your own wine tour with a company like Uncorking Argentina. When you design a custom wine tour, you can mesh winery touring with other activities of interest, like golf or hiking.

If you plan on visiting wineries independently, grab the “Camino de las Bodegas” map for 30 pesos at any wine store in Mendoza. Tours at Mendoza’s wineries typically last from one hour to one and a half hours, so you’ll probably manage to visit three to four wineries in one day. Although many wineries do not require you to reserve in advance, some do, so plan ahead by calling and reserving a spot. A wine tasting room where you can get a good introduction to Mendoza wine is the Vines of Mendoza tasting room, where you can savor the best wines from all over the region.

Mendoza boasts full-bodied red wines that go particularly well with fatty cuts of meat. Some gourmet restaurants in Mendoza that you don’t want to miss include the 743 Bistro, Almacen Del Sur, 1884 Francis Mallman, and the Grill Q Parrilla Argentina at the Park Hyatt.

Taste Torrontes Wines and Bike through Desert Landscapes in Cafayate

Cafayate is a rising star in the Argentine wine scene. Located southwest of Salta city in Salta province, northwestern Argentina, Cafayate is a favorite of adventure travelers and wine aficionados alike.

The route from Salta city to Cafayate is breathtaking, as it takes you through the Quebrada de Cafayate, which boasts desert scenery reminiscent of Utah or New Mexico. In the tranquil, picturesque town of Cafayate, you can enjoy leisurely afternoon strolls or rent a bike and cycle to various wineries in the area.

Cafayate is famed for its Torrontes grapes, which are white grapes that produce a spectacular Chardonnay. Torrontes grapes do particularly well in Cafayate because of its sunny climate, cool evening temperatures, and high altitude. White wines made with Torrontes grapes are known for their intense notes of tropical fruit and flowers.

A magnificent hotel in Cafayate is the Patios de Cafayate Hotel and Spa, which has been rated as one of the top 10 wine spas worldwide. A former colonial estate, Patios de Cafayate is on the same grounds as the El Esteco winery. Treatments at the hotel’s spa incorporate ingredients like wine, carob, quinoa, and cactus.

And no visitor to Cafayate should leave without tasting wine ice cream! Cafayate’s wine ice cream, a distinctly Argentine treat, comes in robust flavors, like Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

New York City might be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to subsist on hot dogs, cheese pizza slices, and pretzels for your entire stay. There are plenty of quality eateries in New York where you can get a scrumptious meal for less than $10 a piece.

If you’re traveling on a budget, you’re probably going to have very little left in your pocket after paying for a hotel, attractions, and transportation. But fear not. Take note of these 8 cheap eats before your next trip to New York and you’re sure to keep your daily dining costs in the double digits.

1. Chennai Garden – 129 East 27th St between Park and Lexington Aves – (212) 689-1999

Who can go wrong with an el cheapo South Indian buffet lunch complete with appetizers and fresh, baked bread? The Chennai Garden restaurant in Gramercy serves up a delightful kosher/vegetarian lunch buffet for only $6.99. That’s right. For the cost of a humongous latte, you can get lunch – and a darn good one, too.

2. Baoguette – 37 St. Marks PI between Second and Third Aves – (212) 380-1487

Baoguette, an increasingly popular joint that currently has two outposts in the city, serves classic Vietnamese dishes. Their sloppy bao, spicy beef pho, and banh mi are each a steal at less than $10.

3. Calexico Carne Asada – 122 Union St between Columbia and Hicks Sts, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn – (718) 488-8226

You’ll feel as if you’re sampling authentic street food at a scenic street stall in Mexico City as you savor the luscious pulled-pork tortas and carne asada tacos at Calexico. Calexico is a California-style taquería founded by the Vendley Brothers of none other than Calexico, California. Even if you’re anti-animal flesh, you’ll find plenty of dishes on the Calexico menu that will tickle your vegetarian fancy, such as tofu tacos and burritos.

4. Great NY Noodletown – 28 ½ Bowery (Bayard St), Chinatown – (212) 349-0923

Enjoy roast duck on rice, vegetables in oyster sauce, and other delectable Cantonese delights at this Chinatown favorite. The restaurant itself isn’t exactly a sight for overworked eyes, but the food is excellent and the locale’s open until the wee hours.

5. Corner Bistro – 331 West Fourth St (Jane St) – (212) 242-9502

One thing you’ll almost always see at the Corner Bistro in Greenwich Village is a long line… because a beef patty on buns has rarely ever been this good – and this cheap! There’s no better way to fill up after a long day touring the city than with a classic burger, crispy fries, and an ice cold brew at the Corner Bistro.

6. Arepa Arepa – 160 Havemayer St between South 2nd and 3rd Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn – (718) 388-5797

Get your fill of the savory, grilled Venezuelan corn cakes known as arepas at the redundantly-titled Arepa Arepa, a Brooklyn staple. Sink your teeth into hot, crispy arepas with a variety of unique fillings, including tilapia, shrimp, chorizo sausage, and mushrooms.

7. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza & Brewery – 328 E 14th St between 2nd Ave and 1st Ave, East Village – (212) 228-2004

For $4, you can get a ginormous slice of pizza made with fresh, quality ingredients at Artichoke Basille’s. The shining star of their menu is the – you guessed it – artichoke and spinach pizza, which is topped with tender artichokes, aromatic spinach, and healthy doses of cheese and creamy white sauce. Other scrumptious varieties of pizza available at Artichoke Basille’s include margarita, crab, and Sicilian.

8. Vanessa’s Dumplings – 118 Eldridge St between Grand St & Broome St, Lower East Side – (212) 625-8008

Whether you want to start your meal with 4 delicious dumplings for $1 or a Peking duck sandwich for a mere $2.25, a $10 bill will take you very far at Vanessa’s Dumplings. It’s a no-brainer that this dumpling joint is always packed; it’s cheap and thoroughly agreeable to the taste buds.

To admire monumental fireworks, participate in fun-filled activities, and indulge in the excitement that only a big city can offer, take advantage of these 7 city hotel deals this Fourth of July weekend.

1. Save Almost 30% on Deluxe Accommodations at the Park Hyatt, Washington DC

With its fascinating historical sites and famed fireworks display, Washington DC is an ideal destination for enjoying a lively Fourth of July weekend. The Park Hyatt is offering “An American Holiday” package, which includes a complimentary upgrade to a Premier Park Deluxe Room, breakfast table for two, daily 50% credit towards valet parking, and a seasonal red, white, and blue amenity. Rates start at $249 plus tax, saving you almost 30%. Visit www.parkhyattwashington.com or call 1-800-778-7477 to make a reservation.

2. Save 20% on a Two-Night Stay and 30% on a Three-Night Stay at Hotel Felix in Chicago

Hotel Felix is a budget-friendly and eco-friendly boutique hotel in Chicago that recently earned the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Lodging-Silver certification. If you want to save 20% to 30%, book a two to three-night stay through July 4th. You can place your reservation by visiting www.hotelfelixchicago.com or calling toll-free at 800-848-4040.

3. July 4th Family Fun Package Starting at $89 at the Hampton Inn in Seattle

Guests arriving on the 4th can book a July 4th Family Fun Package at the Hampton Inn in Seattle for a rate of between $89 and $129. This package includes accommodations for up to four guests, a complimentary shuttle to Fort Dent Park for the day, a hot continental breakfast, and an extended checkout of 3pm. Call 800-774-1500 and request the plan code PFK to place your reservation.

4. Stay 3 Nights and Save 25% Each Night at the Langham, Boston from July 1-6

If you’re participating in Boston’s Fourth of July festivities from July 1-6, don’t miss this offer. When you stay a minimum of 3 nights at the Langham in Boston during the Fourth of July celebrations, you receive 25% off each night. The Langham is an ideal jumping off point for your stay in Boston, as it’s only steps away from some of Boston’s greatest attractions, including the Freedom Trail and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Nightly rates start at $191. For more information about this deal, visit http://boston.langhamhotels.com.

5. Enjoy an Outdoor 4th of July Feast and a Two-Night Stay at the Wentworth Mansion in Charleston, South Carolina

The Wentworth Mansion, the only AAA Five Diamond hotel in Charleston, is hosting an outdoor 4th of July feast called the Sizzling Southern Celebration at 7pm on their lawn. Classic southern fare will be served at the event, and dinner will be accompanied by live music. After the celebration, guests will watch the fireworks and drink champagne at the Wentworth Mansion’s cupola. This package includes a two-night stay and costs $975 per couple. To place a reservation, call 843-853-7828.

6. Stay Two Nights and Get the Third Free at the Rittenhouse 1715 Hotel in Philadelphia

The Rittenhouse 1715 Hotel is a boutique hotel in the historic city of Philadelphia. If you stay at the Rittenhouse this 4th of July weekend, you can take advantage of their “Buy 2, Stay 3” deal on all rooms. Nightly rates start at $269 and include complimentary wine reception and breakfast each day. Visit www.rittenhouse1715 for more information about this time-sensitive offer.

7. Save up to 25% at the Mandarin Oriental in San Francisco

The sky-high Mandarin Oriental in San Francisco boasts legendary service, stunning views, and elegant guest rooms. On 4th of July weekend, rates at the Mandarin Oriental will start at just $295 for a Superior King room, representing a savings of 15% to 25%. Mandarin Oriental’s Silks Restaurant earned a top spot in the Zagat Survey 2008 and has a Mobil Four Star rating. The hotel itself has won numerous awards, including the Conde Nast Traveler 2009 Gold List and Travel + Leisure 2009 World’s Best Hotels. For reservations or additional information, please call (415) 276-9888 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/sanfrancisco.

Thirsting for more than the usual backyard cookout this Fourth of July weekend? Check out these 8 Fourth of July weekend beach hotel deals to celebrate our nation’s independence in the sun, sand, and surf this year.

1. 2-for-1 Discount on Turneffe Atoll Adventure Tours in Belize

Take a weeklong Caribbean tour based at the Turneffe Flats Resort to enjoy activities like snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, dolphin watching, kayaking, and hiking around Turneffe Atoll and Lighthouse Atoll. With this 2-for-1 discount, you’ll save $1028 off the regular price for two people. This offer is only valid for departures between June and August 2010. Click here for more information.

2. Nightly rates Starting at $97 at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, Florida

On Fourth of July Weekend, guests at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa can participate in a karaoke contest and a plethora of other activities, including volleyball tournaments, waterslides, live music performances, fireworks cruises, and dive-in movies. Rates start at $97 all summer and Florida residents get a special 15 percent discount. Click here for details.

3. “Red, White, & Boom” Packages Starting at $510 at the TradeWinds Island Resorts in St. Pete Beach, Florida

From July 2-7, 2010, celebrate our nation’s birthday in style at the Island Grand and Sandpiper Suites. Included in the “Red, White, & Boom” package are accommodations for three nights, a buffet for two on Sunday, July 4th, and all of the benefits included in the resort amenity fee. If you decide to extend your stay, you’ll get up to 50% off on July 5-7. For reservations and information, call toll-free (866) JUST LET GO (587-8538) or visit www.JustLetGo.com.

4. Book the Scuba Diving Package at the Small Hope Bay Lodge on Andros Island, Bahamas and Receive 5% Off

A small, family-run resort, Small Hope Bay Lodge is cozy and inviting. In commemoration of its 50th anniversary, Small Hope is offering a 5% discount when you book their 7 day/8day scuba diving package by June 30, 2010. The package includes three scuba diving sessions per day, a night dive, and all amenities. If you ask for the Nassau Airfare Special when you book your package, you’ll also receive free round trip airfare between Nassau and Andros. Click here for further details.

5. Save up to $300 on a Four-Night Stay at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel

After its $50 million renovation, the Loews Miami Beach Hotel is ready to show off its stunning new look. Through September 30th, guests at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel receive a fourth night free and a $100 food & beverage credit. Summer rates start at $199 per night, so this deal translates to savings of up to $300 on a four-night stay. Click here for more information about this package.

6. Get a $50 per night resort credit and Luxury Accommodations for only $159 per night at the Costa d’Este Resort in Vero Beach, Florida

Owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, the Costa d’Este Resort in Vero Beach, Florida is one of the top 10 celebrity-owned resorts in the world. Take advantage of the “Sea and Be Scene” package this 4th of July weekend to get luxury accommodations starting at $159 per night, a resort credit of $50 per night, and a $100 voucher good for future stays of two nights or more. The resort credit can be used at the cabana bar, spa, or Oriente, the resort’s Cuban-fusion restaurant. To place a reservation, call 877-562-9919.

7. Kids Stay Free at the All-Inclusive Velas Resorts in Mexico

From June 1st to August 31st, two children 12 and under can stay and eat free when occupying the same room as their parents at the Velas Resorts in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, while children 16 and under can stay and eat free at the Riviera Maya resort. Nightly rates start at $190 at the Velas Vallarta Suite Resort in Puerto Vallarta, $394 at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya, and $425 at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Amenities include suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals, a fitness center, a kids’ club, evening entertainment, gratuities, activities for adults and children, and much more. For more information or to make a reservation, please call Velas Resorts at 1-888-323-4294 or visit www.velasresorts.com.

8. Save 15% at the Kalinago Beach Resort in St. George’s, Grenada

The Kalinago Beach Resort in St. George’s, Grenada is offering a 15% discount off of rack rates between June 20th and July 15th. Located on the white sands of Mourne Rouge Beach, the Kalinago Beach Resort boasts luxurious accommodations, panoramic views, and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit www.kalinagobeachresort.com or call 473-444-KALI (5254) for more information about this offer.

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Give dad the gift of relaxation this Father’s Day weekend at one of these stunning yet affordable beach resorts.

1. Kids Stay Free at All Occidental Hotels & Resorts this Father’s Day Weekend

Single dads or dads who want to travel solo to spend some quality time with their kids won’t want to miss this deal, wherein two children age 12 and under can stay free when traveling with one paying adult. This translates to a savings of $60 per child, per night. This offer is valid through December 17th at all Occidental Grand and Allegro properties.

And through August, the nightly rates at these all-inclusive resorts start from $53 per person in Aruba, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico, saving you up to 53%. The nightly rates include unlimited meals, snacks, and free-flowing drinks as well as activities like scuba classes, snorkeling, windsurfing, and more. For more information on this unbeatable beach vacation deal, visit http://www.occidentalhotels.com/occidental/Specials_kidsfree.asp

2. Get a $50 Daily Resort Credit, a 25% Discount on Golf, and a Free Father’s Day Brunch at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort

Bookable through July 30th for travel through August 19th, the Love Your Parents Package includes complimentary admission for dads to the Father’s Day buffet brunch at Bimini Market and a $50 daily resort credit to be used towards dining and in-room amenities. Complimentary family-friendly activities that are offered at the resort including snorkeling, kayaking, storytelling, dive-in movies, and cultural performances.

Package prices start at $198 per room, per night, and guests who book a minimum of four nights by June 4th are also eligible for free companion airfare with the Companion Flies Free offer. Flights must be purchased at the time of booking through domestic tour operators or online travel agencies to qualify. Dads who are golf enthusiasts can golf for $75 per round (a 25% discount) at the neighboring Cable Beach Golf Club. The Sheraton Nassau also boasts an Adventure Club, which organizes counselor-led activities in the daytime and evening for the little ones while parents spend kids-free time together. For more information about the Love Your Parents Package or to place a reservation, call (877) 782-0149 or visit http://www.sheratonnassau.com.

3. Save 40% on a Father’s Day Golf Package at Las Brisas Hotels & Resorts in Mexico

Why not celebrate Father’s Day with a golf vacation in paradise? From now until July 16th, a two night/three day golf package at Las Brisas Hotels & Resorts starts at only $500 (40% off of its original cost). The golf package includes a welcome cocktail, accommodations in a deluxe room, breakfast for two, a bottle of wine anytime you dine at one of the resort’s restaurants, a complimentary green and a 50% discount for a second golfer, and a 50% discount on a second room if you decide to travel with friends or family.

Up to two children can stay free when sharing a room with their parents. This offer is valid for travel between June 1st and July 16th. To book this Father’s Day package, visit www.brisas.com.mx and use the promo code FATHER.

Whether you want to kick back and admire the beauty of the great outdoors, window shop on 5th Avenue, or perfect your swing at a scenic golf course this Father’s Day weekend, check out these 7 terrific travel deals based in the US.

1. Get a $25 Active Duty Military Discount on Any Room at Our Hearts Inn B&B, Colorado Springs

Fathers who are active duty military members will receive a $25 discount on any room at Our Hearts Inn B&B in Colorado Springs this Father’s Day weekend. Fathers who are retired military will receive a $20 discount on any room at the B&B. Regular nightly rates at Our Hearts Inn range from $95 to $140. Visit www.inn-colorado-springs.com and mention the discount while making your reservation to take advantage of this offer.

2. Dads Ride Free on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

When accompanied by a family member, dads ride free on the Cumbres & Toltec scenic railroad on the Colorado-New Mexico border this Father’s Day weekend (June 18-20). This offer includes the train ride and lunch. The railroad has terminals in Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. Call 1-888-CUMBRES or click here for more details.

3. Free Admission on June 20th, 2010 to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City, Colorado

Dads get free admission to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City, Colorado on June 20th, 2010. Walking or driving across the Royal Gorge Bridge, America’s highest suspension bridge, is nothing short of an awe-inspiring experience.

4. Enjoy a Father and Son Campout at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs on June 19th

Want to enjoy some father and son bonding time? On June 19th, the Cheyenne Zoo in Colorado Springs is organizing a father and son “campout” from 6pm to 8am, which includes a hearty dinner and tour of the zoo . The campout costs $60.50 per pair and $25.25 per additional child. Click here or call (719) 633-9125 for more information.

5. Play Golf and Stay in Lakeview Accommodations at the Shore Lodge in McCall, Idaho on Father’s Day weekend for $399

If dad enjoys golf and the outdoors, why not treat him to an unforgettable weekend getaway at the historic Shore Lodge in McCall, Idaho? The “It’s All about Dad” Father’s Day package at the Shore Lodge is available from June 18-20 and includes lake view accommodations for two nights, a round of golf at the Whitetail Club, and complimentary brunch for dad on Father’s Day. The package costs $399 and does not include taxes or resort fees. One dad per package is allowed. For more information about this package, click here.

6. Spend a Luxurious Father’s Day Weekend at the Ritz-Carlton in Pentagon City for $499

This Father’s Day weekend, you can enjoy a relaxing getaway at the Ritz-Carlton in Pentagon City for only $499. This offer is valid through December 30, 2010. The package includes one night’s accommodation for two in one of the hotel’s luxurious guest rooms, a bottle of champagne, dinner at the fyve Restaurant Lounge, a keepsake, and complimentary parking. Tax and gratuities are included in the package, but alcoholic drinks are not.

Each couple that books this weekend package will automatically be entered into a drawing which will take place on December 31, 2010 for a vacation at the Ritz-Carlton in Sanya, China. For more information about this Ritz-Carlton Father’s Day vacation special, click here.

7. Save 20% at the Andaz Wall Street Hotel in the Heart of New York City

For stays of three nights or longer at the Andaz Wall Street hotel over Father’s Day weekend, you’ll receive a 20% discount off of room rates, two signature cocktails at Bar Seven Five, two 15-minute spa treatments at the SPA, and an exclusive tour of the trading floor at the New York Stock Exchange on Friday, June 18. This offer is valid from June 17-21, and rates begin at $200 per night.

The Andaz Wall Street hotel, which opened in January 2010, is located in the Financial District and serves as the ideal jumping off point for visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. For more information about this Father’s Day weekend deal, click here.

Does your dad have a taste for adventure? Book one of these vacation packages if you’d like to enjoy the beauty and exhilaration of the great outdoors this Father’s Day weekend.

1. Save up to $330 on Costa Rica vacation packages at Los Sueños Resort

Stayincostarica.com is offering two great travel deals this Father’s Day for luxury condominiums on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The Fishing and Golf Package costs $650 per person (a savings of $330 per person) and includes a 3 night stay at a luxury 2 bedroom 2 bath condo at Los Sueños Resort, a full day of offshore fishing in a 32’ Maverick that includes lunch, drinks, and beers for 4 people, a round of golf for 4 people at the La Iguana golf course, and transportation to and from the airport. The Fishing and Jungle Adventure Package costs $575 per person (a savings of $310) and includes a 3 night stay at a luxury 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo, a full day of offshore fishing in a 32’ Maverick that includes lunch, drinks and beers for 4 people, a zipline tour through the rainforest for 4 people, and transportation to and from the airport. Click here for more information about these vacation packages.

2. An 8 Day, Kids-Stay-Free Safari in Kenya Starting at $5,999 for a Family of 4

Taking a safari to Kenya has never been this easy on the pocketbook. Through July 31, 2010, Kensington Tours is offering a Kids Stay Free promotion at all 3 of its safari parks. Up to 2 children, 17 years old or younger, stay free when sharing accommodations with 2 adults. Prices start at $5,999 and include a private guide and vehicle. Click here for more information about this family-friendly vacation deal.

3. Complimentary Third Night with Every 2 Paid Nights at Four Seasons Resort, Jackson Hole

Get a complimentary third night with every 2 paid nights at one of the luxury private residences at the Four Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole. The Four Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole is only minutes away from Teton National Park and a scenic, one hour drive away from Yellowstone National Park. And Father’s Day Weekend is an excellent time to visit Jackson Hole because the weather is pleasant and there are no thick crowds as in the summer. The Base Camp concierge at the resort arranges custom, guided national park tours for guests that include activities like hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. Click here to learn more about the Four Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole.

4. Fathers Stay Free at the 1785 Inn & Restaurant in North Conway, New Hampshire

Fathers accompanied by at least one other person can stay free at the 1785 Inn & Restaurant in the White Mountains of New Hampshire this Father’s Day weekend. The 1785 Inn & Restaurant is a colonial-style B&B that boasts a scenic vista of the surrounding mountains and world-class dining. The inn’s restaurant is renowned for its quality and service, and its wine list has been called “one of the finest in the world” by Wine Spectator magazine. Outdoor activities you can enjoy in the North Conway area include hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and spelunking. Click here or call 603-356-9025 for more information about this Father’s Day special.

5. Get an Air and Land Inclusive Package to Sydney and Cairns for $1299

Through June 30th, get an air and land inclusive package to Sydney and Cairns, Australia from $1299 per person. The package includes round-trip airfare on Qantas from Los Angeles to Sydney and Cairns, 3 nights’ accommodation in Sydney, 3 nights’ accommodation in Cairns, and applicable fuel surcharges. During the trip, you’ll visit the Three Sisters rock formation in the Blue Mountains, observe kangaroos in the wild, taste delicious wines in Hunter Valley, explore Daintree Rainforest, and snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef. For more information about this and other vacation packages to Australia and New Zealand, visit the Down Under Answers specials page.

From 10am today, there will be a Countdown Sale at Lastminute.com that will last for 24 hours. This sale will take place every Thursday at 10am and will mostly consist of Europe travel deals.

Discounts on a superb selection of 3*, 4*, and 5* hotels, vacation packages, spa treatments, and day tours will be available. You must book within the 24 hour window in order to qualify for these limited time-only discounts.

Although this sale will last for a complete 24 hours, many of the deals are considerably good, so they’re likely to sell out fast. Don’t hesitate to book immediately if you see an offer that interests you!

Click here to see the Countdown Sale in action.

Buenos Aires is on any savvy traveler’s radar, but Salta is a hidden in gem in northwestern Argentina that you may or may not have heard of already. An up-and-coming travel destination and one of Argentina’s largest provinces, Salta boasts diverse terrain and a thriving wine country. Salta City, the capital of Salta province, is a charming, sophisticated city that boasts colonial architecture, outstanding museums, myriad parks, and European-style street side cafés.

Salta’s very safe in comparison to other South American cities and it is affordable to boot. You can eat a giant, juicy steak for well under $10, and there are accommodations available to suit just practically any budget. After exploring the cobbled streets of Salta la Linda (Salta the Beautiful), you’ll quickly recognize why the city has earned such a flattering nickname.

When to Go

The city of Salta is situated in a warm valley. Salta’s weather is temperate throughout the year because of its altitude (1200m). Try to avoid visiting Salta during July and August, however, because it gets very crowded with international tourists as well as Argentinians on winter vacation.

Other times of the year that you should avoid visiting Salta include January and February (summer vacation), Semanta Santa (Holy Week), and Christmas. The shoulder seasons of October to November and April to May are the best times to visit Salta because the weather is pleasant and there are virtually no crowds.

Here are 10 more tips for traveling to Salta, Argentina that will help you maximize your enjoyment of this enchanting city.

1. Taste the traditional foods of northwest Argentina

Much of northwestern Argentina’s traditional fare reflects its indigenous roots. Regional culinary specialties you can’t miss include locro, a hearty stew made with lentils, lamb meat, and spices, humitas, steamed corn cakes with cheese in a corn leaf wrapping, and empandas salteñas, small, baked turnovers containing meat or cheese.

2. Take the cable car to the top of Cerro San Bernardo

To enjoy panoramic views of Salta and the lush, green mountains that surround the city, take the teleferico, or cable car, to the top of Cerro San Bernardo. Once you reach the top, you can sip on coffee or tea at the café while enjoying the stunning views.

3. Watch a folkloric performance in Balcarce

Balcarce is Salta’s nightlife district, where you can watch the traditional folkloric performances that make Salta famous. La Vieja Estación is one of the top folkloric performance venues in the Balcarce district. Another famous and authentic folkloric performance venue in Salta is La Casona del Molino, where the performers go from table to table rather than perform on stage.

4. Ride the Tren a las Nubes, the third highest railway in the world

The Tren a las Nubes, or Train to the Clouds, is a train service that runs from April to November. The train travels from Salta to La Polvorilla, which is located 13,845 feet above sea level. The round trip journey takes 15 hours and allows visitors to admire the region’s stunning mountain landscapes and occasionally stop to explore quaint Andean villages.

5. See Inca mummies at the High Mountain Archaeological Museum (MAAM)

This controversial museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Salta. It displays the mummy of an Incan child from a sacred burial site that a National Geographic team excavated in 1999. Child sacrifice was a common practice in pre-Columbian cultures. Although three bodies were found at the site, only one mummy is displayed at a time at the museum. Several indigenous groups tried to prevent the children’s remains from going on display, but failed in their attempts.

6. Buy souvenirs at the Mercado Artesanal (Artisan Market)

Housed in a beautiful colonial building, the Artisan Market of Salta sells some of the best local arts, crafts, and traditional sweets at low prices. Artisan goods you can find at the market include alfajores (sweet cookie sandwich with a caramel filling), ponchos, blankets, purses, jewelry, and gourds for drinking yerba mate tea.

7. Sink your teeth into a tender, juicy steak for a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere

Beef is a staple in the Argentine diet and no omnivore’s trip to Salta is complete without savoring a large, tender steak. Anywhere else in the world, the kind of steak you can get in Salta would easily cost you up to 10 times more. Restaurants in Salta where you can count on getting a high quality steak include El Solar del Convento, Viejo Jack, and La Monumental.

8. Spend a Sunday afternoon in the 9 de Julio Square

The 9 de Julio Square is Salta’s main square where many a resident spends his Sunday afternoon. Enjoy sipping an espresso on one of the street side cafes, take a stroll in the park, relax on a bench and people watch, or buy a bag of dry corn from one of the park’s vendors to feed the pigeons. The 9 de Julio Square is an ideal spot for relishing the leisurely pace of life in Salta.

9. View holy relics at the ornate Salta Cathedral in the 9 de Julio Square

Salta attracts many religious tourists because of the abundance of Catholic churches and festivals there. Home to Salta’s most important holy relics, the pink Salta Cathedral was constructed in 1858, after the first cathedral was destroyed in an earthquake. Two of the statues used in Salta’s annual procession (Cristo del Milagro), which is held to protect the city from earthquakes, are housed in this church.

10. Hike, bike, and admire the flora and fauna of the cloud forest in neighboring San Lorenzo

In Salta, the wild is only a 10 minute taxi ride away in San Lorenzo, a charming village nestled in the cloud forest that is ideal for hiking and biking. There are several affordable lodges and cabins for rent in the area, where you can go to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.