Summer will be here before you know it, so now is the time to start sorting out the details of your vacation. Planning a fun-filled family getaway isn’t easy. Not only do you have to find a location that both you and your kids will find interesting, the trip has to be affordable, so it doesn’t put a big dent in your budget. Follow these money-saving tips to plan an unforgettable family vacation without burning a hole in your pocket.

Stay in a Vacation Rental

When traveling as a family, staying in a vacation rental is usually the best way to go. Contrary to popular belief, vacation rentals are not more expensive than hotel rooms; the rate per person is usually lower when you stay in a vacation rental. Plus, most rentals include a kitchen, allowing you to prepare your own meals. Preparing your own food can save you a considerable amount of money on travel. Travel industry research has shown that, on average, vacationers spend more money on food and beverages each day than they do on lodging.

As an added perk, vacation rentals are far more comfortable than hotel rooms because they are spacious and give everyone more privacy. You can save even more on your stay at a vacation rental by inviting your extended family members or friends to stay with you and splitting costs.

Research Free Activities

Before your trip, research the destinations you’re visiting and look for free activities. From free museum entrances to free concerts, cities offer tons of things to do at no cost – you just have to find them. If you’re heading to Tokyo, check out our post about free things to do in Tokyo. DC-bound folks can check out our free stuff to do in DC post. And if you’re vacationing in the twin cities, here are 10 free things you can do in Minneapolis.

Don’t Stray Too Far From Your Own Backyard

We’re certainly not suggesting that you camp out in your own backyard for your next vacation, but you can save a significant amount of money on airfare and transportation if you stay within 300 miles of your home. Some things you can do near your stomping grounds include staying at a nature lodge, hiking and camping at a national park, partying down at a family-friendly festival in the area, or taking the kids to a local amusement park. Take a look at a travel guide for your home state. You might be surprised by what you find.

Camp Out

If you and your family love the great outdoors, why not camp out for your next vacation? Not only is camping cheap, it gives you an unmatched opportunity to commune with nature and spend quality time with your family. Family-friendly campgrounds generally organize group activities for the kids, so the adults have some time to do their own thing. Check out the American Camp Association’s online directory to find a family campground near you.

Travel during the Off Season

For those with school-age children, traveling during the off season may not be a possibility because the off season doesn’t begin until the fall for many popular vacation destinations in the US. If you’re hoping to vacation in Mexico or the Caribbean, however, your kids’ summer break is a great time to go, as summer is the off season south of the border. Many resorts in the region offer “kids stay free” promotions during this time.

Book an All-Inclusive Vacation Package

Rather than paying for a hotel, rental car, airfare, food, and activities separately, consider booking an all-inclusive vacation package. You can land great deals on all-inclusive family vacation packages that include all the bells and whistles.

Visit Destinations off the Beaten Path

You can save a significant amount of money – up to 70% – by visiting destinations off the beaten path. In addition to cutting costs, you can avoid crowds and experience a one-of-a-kind vacation by venturing to a lesser known destination.

Flexibility is Key

When you do travel research, rather than selecting a destination and then looking for cheap flights and accommodations there, consider researching the best deals first and then choosing a departure date and itinerary based on the information you find. A little flexibility can go a long way when planning family trips on a budget.

Visiting the Galapagos Islands, the archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin to develop the theory of evolution, is a truly riveting experience. There are few other places on earth where you can get so close to a vast number of endemic species in their natural habitat. From exploring dramatic, unspoiled landscapes to learning about Charles Darwin’s fascinating discoveries, touring the Galapagos Islands is an adventure that would make any passionate traveler weak in the knees.

Planning a Galapagos vacation can be overwhelming because of the sheer variety of options available. From helping you decide between day trips and cruises to deciphering the categories of boats and uncovering those that offer the best deals, the following info will help you plan an enjoyable Galapagos vacation without breaking the bank.

Which Is Better – Day Trips or Cruises?

One of the factors that hold many travelers back from visiting Ecuador’s Enchanted Islands is cost. A cruise package can cost upwards of a several thousand dollars per person, depending on the class to which the boat belongs.

In order to save money, some budget-minded travelers fly to the Galapagos Islands, stay in a hotel, and book day trips. Although this option will cost you less, you won’t see and experience nearly as much as you would on a cruise. The cruises take you to areas off of the beaten path, such as uninhabited islands that are far removed from the main ports.

If your hope is to do as much wildlife watching as possible during your Galapagos vacation, then taking a cruise is the best choice. If just the thought of having to stay on a boat for several days makes you seasick, however, then staying on land and booking day trips may be a viable alternative. Just bear in mind that seasickness can usually be controlled with over-the-counter motion sickness medication.

Why Tourist and Tourist Superior Boats Should Be Avoided

There is no official classification system for ships in the Galapagos, so the information you’ll find about boat categories will vary somewhat. Roughly, the boat categories in the Galapagos Islands are tourist, tourist superior, first class, deluxe, and luxury.

Boats in the tourist and tourist superior category should generally be avoided. Tourist and tourist superior boats lack creature comforts and tend to be very cramped. Naturally, on a Galapagos cruise, you will spend most of your time on board, and spending time on a crummy boat will make for a crummy vacation.

Tourist class boats are always on the older side, so it’s more likely that they’ll deal with mechanical problems, have rat infestations, or in the worst case scenario, be prone to sinking. Furthermore, the quality of the naturalist guides is far lower on tourist and tourist superior boats. Most of them do not speak English very well and have little scientific knowledge. Having a knowledgeable, bilingual naturalist guide on your Galapagos boat can make all the difference in your Galapagos experience.

First class boats have larger cabins and generally include air conditioning. You can also choose between different bed types, such as bunk, twin, and double beds. First class boats are usually the best choice for budget travelers.

Some travelers may even be able to stomach a tourist superior boat, but just think – you’re going to be stuck on the boat for six to ten days, so you’ll probably want to choose a boat that’s relatively comfortable and safe. You’ll also be eating the food served on the boat for several days, so it’s worthwhile to find a boat that serves decent meals.

Why You Should Book the Best Cruise You Can Afford

As with anything else, you get what you pay for on a Galapagos cruise. Book a cruise with the best cruise you can afford so your Galapagos dream vacation doesn’t become an utter nightmare.

Luxury boats are the cream of the crop when it comes to Galapagos cruises. Luxury boats offer the most amenities and have spacious cabins and excellent cuisine. The bilingual natural guides on board luxury boats tend to be the most knowledgeable.

The price for a cruise can range anywhere from $120 per night, per person to $1000 per night, per person. These prices do not include the tips for the crew and guide.

Are Large Boats Better Than Small Boats?

You can choose from large cruise ships, small yachts, and anything in between when booking a cruise to the Galapagos. Ultimately, the choice between large boats and small boats boils down to personal preference.
Large cruise ships typically offer more amenities than the smaller boats, and they also have more activities planned. Because they are high powered, the larger ships are able to go to areas that are farther off the beaten path, such as the west side of Isabela Island.

On the other hand, small boats are more cramped and it’s easier to get seasick on them because they are more sensitive to the conditions of the ocean. The advantages of riding a smaller boat, however, are that they are more intimate, you can get to know your fellow passengers better, and the schedule is more flexible. In contrast, the schedules on larger boats are more rigid.

The Best Time to Visit the Galapagos Islands

The peak travel season in the Galapagos runs from mid-June to early September and mid-December to mid-January. Avoid the peak travel season if you want to take advantage of last minute travel deals and other attractive bargains.

The Galapagos Islands have an abundance of wildlife and mild weather year round, so they can be visited at any time of the year. Just bear in mind that December through May is the rainy season. In addition, from June to November, the water and weather are colder because of the Humboldt Current. Scuba divers consider this period to be the best season for diving because of the wide variety of marine life that can be seen underwater.

September is a great time for budget travelers to take a Galapagos cruise because many of the boats offer discounts, such as a cruise package for two people for the price of one. Just keep in mind that the seas are at their roughest in September.

Have you ever been to the Galapagos Islands? If you have any tips that could help your fellow travelers plan a fun and affordable Galapagos vacation, please share them in the comments!

via Jannisri

Airport lounges are seemingly out of reach for economy class flyers.  These road warriors usually opt for the least worn out chair at their connecting flight’s gate or perhaps a table at the nearest food court.  Without a corporate expense account or trust fund, they think, there is little hope of sitting in a plush chair in a quiet lounge surfing the internet and munching on complimentary snacks.

But there are several ways to access these lounges without springing for a first-class ticket.  In fact, with credit cards, club memberships and a variety of pay-in lounges throughout the world, it is now easier than ever to spend your layover in a lounge.

Here are some ideas for getting both economy class airfares and a first-class layover experience.

Priority Pass

Priority Pass is a service that offers access to 600 lounges worldwide for an annual membership fee.  Most major airports around the world have at least one lounge that is part of the Priority Pass network.

The company has several membership levels.  For $99 annually, members earn the right to access the lounges in the Priority Pass network for $27 per visit.  For $399, members receive free unlimited access to any of the 600 clubs.  There is also a $249 level where members get 10 free visits per year and additional visits at the $27 per entry rate.  Though $399 is a bit pricey, frequent flyers can take advantage of the access regularly and the membership fee is still less than the cost of most first-class upgrades.  The value of the lower membership levels is debatable, especially since the number of public pay-in lounges (see below) is growing.

MJTR, Flickr

Credit Cards

Premium credit cards can also offer lounge access.  The most famous of these (because of its aggressive advertising campaign) is the American Express Platinum card.  The annual fee of $450 is steep, but it qualifies card-holders for a variety of perks, one of which is entry to clubs operated by American Airlines, Delta and Continental.  The catch: you have to fly one of these airlines in order to enter their lounge.  However, if you usually fly one of these carriers and also plan to use the card to earn airline miles and take advantage of AmEx’s outstanding customer service, this is a reasonable option.

The Visa Black card has similar miles-earning potential and perks.  The $499 annual fee includes a Priority Pass membership.  However, after the first two visits, the admission fee is $27, making it less potent than Platinum when it comes to lounge access.

Plaza Premium Lounge

Pay-in Lounges

For casual travelers who don’t think the above-mentioned options are reasonable, the proliferation of public pay-in lounges is a welcome trend .  Sure, they might not carry the elitist vibe of airline clubs, but they offer many of the same amenities, and, in some cases, more luxury than traditional clubs.  The idea is already successful in East and South Asia, where Plaza Premium lounges can be found in most major airports.  Prices start at about $25 for a two hour stay complete with wi-fi, snacks, a comfortable and quiet atmosphere, and, the kicker, access to private showers.  Plaza Premium also has locations in Toronto and Vancouver, but none in the US as of this writing.

US-based pay-in options include The Lounge at JFK ($40 entry fee, unless you are a Priority Pass member) and Relax Lounge at LAX ($10 for a one hour stay and $25 for three hours.

Capsule Hotels

A company called Yotel recently opened locations in England and the Netherlands.  Their novel approach to airport hospitality is half-inspired by Japanese capsule hotels and a half by first class airline cabins.  The small Yotel rooms include a bed, television and shower and plenty of modern chic.  Rooms can be booked by the hour or for the entire night.  Though no locations are open in the US, Yotel is currently in talks with several airports and industry insiders claim that it will fill a valid niche in between airport hotels and lounges and arguably will offer better value than both.

Annual Airline Club Membership

Airline club membership is quite expensive (Delta from $400, American from $400, for flyers with little or no frequent flyer status).  These legacy airlines also offer one time entry into their clubs for a $50 fee.  If you normally rely on one airline, the annual pass can be a good deal, because you can use airline miles to purchase yearly membership and flyers who gain higher levels of frequent flyer status often receive significant discounts on these yearly passes.  In addition, renewal fees are usually less expensive than the fee for the initial year of membership.

Spas

Space, quiet and the opportunity for some serious relaxation are reasons you would try to gain entry to an airport lounge.  However, lounges are not the only airport venues that offer a chance to relax.  Xpress Spa is a chain of full service spas located in airports around the US.  What could be more relaxing than a massage or facial in the quiet, designer surroundings of a spa?  Locations are in many major airports in the US, including JFK, SFO, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson, Boston Logan, and Orlando International.  A brief, seated massage is in the same price range as a stay in an airport lounge.

Of course, if all else fails, there is always the option of finding a restaurant with booths on your concourse, ordering an appetizer and zoning out with your iPod.

The idea of spending time in Tokyo usually doesn’t cross the minds of budget travelers because of Tokyo’s reputation for being the most expensive city in the world. After paying for a hotel and food for the duration of your stay, the funds you have left for recreation and sightseeing may be minimal. Fortunately, there are several free activities to enjoy in Japan’s notoriously pricey capital. The following list of free things to do in Tokyo proves that enjoying the mega metropolis doesn’t have to result in going broke.

1. Yoyogi Park on Sundays

Yoyogi Park, which is located near Harajuku station, is a gathering place for musicians, artists, and freaks on Sundays. From watching Japanese rockabilly dancers practice their moves to hearing up-and-coming rock-and-roll bands perform on the street with the hope of acquiring new fans, Yoyogi is the hang out for twenty and thirty-somethings in Tokyo. Whether you want to walk around and gawk at all the performers or relax on the grass and play Frisbee with your friends, Yoyogi Park offers the perfect escape from Tokyo’s sometimes maddening rat race.

2. Tsukiji Fish Market

Watch as huge tuna are auctioned off for thousands of dollars and meander through rows of stalls selling everything from sea urchin to caviar at Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji fish market. If you want to catch the action at Tsukiji’s tuna auction, be prepared to arrive at the market at 5am. Unfortunately, after being caught hugging, licking, and even riding tuna for the sake of a good photo op, tourists are now banned from observing Tsukiji’s tuna auctions at the busiest time of the year (which ran from December 10, 2009 to January 23, 2010 in 2009-2010). The Tokyo Metropolitan government has hired security guards and enforced a no flash photography policy in order to prevent the disruption of the daily tuna auctions.

3. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

There’s no need to pay money at the Tokyo Tower or Roppongi Hills to get a panoramic view of Tokyo from up above. Just visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku and head to the 45th floor for a free 360° view of Tokyo, Yokohama, and Mt. Fuji. The vista’s equally stunning, and there is a café and gift shop on the same floor.

4. The Sumo Wrestling Museum and the Kanto Earthquake Memorial Museum

Located alongside the Kokugikan Sumo Wrestling Stadium is Tokyo’s Sumo Wrestling Museum, a museum showcasing memorabilia and photos of some of Japan’s greatest sumo wrestlers. The museum’s artifacts give a historical overview of this national sport, and there is no charge for entrance on non-tournament days. Close by on the Tokyo Memorial Temple grounds is the Kanto Earthquake Memorial Museum, which chronicles the devastation of Tokyo’s 1923 earthquake, a temblor that destroyed 70 percent of the city. The adjacent temple serves as a memorial to the victims of the earthquake as well as those who died at war.

5. Sony Building

If you’re into futuristic gadgets, don’t miss a visit to Ginza’s Sony Building, where you’ll find a five-story showroom exhibiting the latest gadgets from Sony. Open every day from 10am to 8pm, the Sony Building’s showroom is free and offers visitors a glimpse into the future.

6. The Imperial Palace

Set in the middle of Tokyo, the majestic Imperial Palace is where the Emperor and Empress of Japan reside. The Outer Garden, East Garden, and Kita-no-maru-koen Park are open to the general public and free of charge. In the East Garden, there’s a museum that showcases Emperor Showa’s art collection, and entrance is free. The three mile walk around the Imperial Palace’s moat is particularly beautiful in the spring, when the cherry blossoms bloom. Lush, verdant, and peaceful, the palace grounds offer a welcome respite from the noise and bustle of the city.

7. Depachika

If you ever get hungry during your free tour of Tokyo, explore the basements of large Japanese department stores, known as depachika. The basements of department stores, like Matsuzayaka in Ginza and the Nakamise Shopping Arcade in Asakusa, typically offer shoppers free gourmet food samples. If you’re embarrassed about sampling foods without actually buying anything, use your depachika excursion as an opportunity to shop for souvenirs. Depachika are a great place to buy gifts for your foodie friends.

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.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is extending their winter rates through January 28, 2010.  Not only are Fairmont hotels on sale for up to 25% off, but you also receive double miles on Aeroplan or United Mileage Plus!

There are many amazing vacation spots to choose from including The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, boasting a 32-acre lot that includes a sugar-white sandy lagoon and aquamarine waters, and an outdoor spa with your choice of oceanfront massage cabanas or a waterfall massage.

If colder weather is more your style, try The Fairmont Chataeu, Whistler on for size.  Nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, The Fairmont Chataeu defines luxury.  With ski-in, ski-out convenience, an on-site golf course, and exceptional dining, this resort is truly an excellent choice for a vacation or a special trip to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic winter games.

If you’re interested in traveling to the UK, Aer Lingus has announced transatlantic airfares to Ireland as low as $239 each way from NY or from $269 from Boston or Chicago for economy class for travel to Shannon or Dublin, from April 10 to June 15. Sale prices are slated to end on January 21 according to IrishCentral.com’s travel expert, Patricia Preston. She writes that Continental and Delta also have specials running for airfare to Dublin, and CIE Tours International has extended its discount on tours around Ireland as well.

$469 and up for an Iceland Getaway with Airfare, Hotel & breakfast. Enjoy shopping for quality Icelandic products, delicious gourmet Icelandic cuisine (including Icelandic game), invigorating outdoor adventure, highland wilderness beauty, soothing spas and more. The Reykjavík City Library hosts a walking tour in downtown Reykjavík where Icelandic literature, from the Saga period to newly published books, is introduced. This is a fun introduction to Icelandic literature and the downtown area at an easy pace that suits everyone. Deal includes accommodation at the friendly Fosshotel Lind or Fosshotel Baron, both situated in the historic city center.

Truth.Travel is covering the last-minute Hyatt hotel sale of 30% off rates at 180 Hyatt Place and Hyatt Summerfield Suites hotels. Travelers must book no later than this coming Saturday (January 23, 2010) for stays from February 7 through April 5, 2010. Hyatt Place, a contemporary-style chain aimed at business travelers, while Hyatt Summerfield Suites are extended-stay hotels that come with a full kitchen and 24-hour in-house grocery markets (making them especially convenient for families). Both brands offer free breakfasts and free WiFi, and this deal is good at nearly every location.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, MSC Cruises is offering Caribbean cruise deals on bookings through January. The “Wave Season” offer is available on new bookings through Jan. 31 starting at $419. The sailings, from Fort Lauderdale, go to the Eastern and Western Caribbean and Bermuda.

Southwest Airlines’ Swing Into Savings sale is last-minute fares that start at just $49 for flights from over 40 U.S. cities, and cap at only $99 on cross-country routes like Chicago to San Francisco, according to Elina Vaysbeyn. Booking expires January 21 for spring travel between April 7 and May 25. Fares are one-way, and round-trip purchase is not required.

Tom Johansmeyer of Gadling is highlighting Five Valentine’s Day deals in New England in his post today, and features romantic vacation adventures in Chatham, Massachusetts, North Conway, New Hampshire, and Kennebunkport, Maine among others. Tom writes, “There are plenty of deals at your disposal through the New England Inns and Resorts Association, and a tough travel market is leading many properties to put together some amazing deals.”

And finally, NASA offers Out-of-this-World Space Shuttle Deals. Originally, NASA was asking for $42 million per shuttle, but now they’ll take $28.8 (or best available offer). The Smithsonian has already called dibs on Discovery, but Endeavor and Atlantis are still available, as is “The Enterprise,” which never took an actual trip into outer space. While this is probably out of most everyone’s price range, it’s not very often we get to point out a travel-related deal that’s $14 million off the regular price!

For more up-to-the-minute travel deals, be sure to subscribe to our RSS feed and follow us on Twitter at @bestraveldeals.

via Flickr: Andres Rueda

Earning frequent flyer miles is one of the perks of traveling regularly.  However, the effort spent to get those miles, through an airline’s loyalty program or by using a credit card with a miles rewards program, is often disproportionate to the reward.  Average airline credit cards give you one mile (sometimes known as a point) per dollar.  You’d have to spend $25,000 in order to earn a free domestic flight.  That is beyond what the casual consumer is wiling to put on their charge card at any one time.

But not all miles-earning credit cards are equal.  Some award multiple miles per dollar, but are restrictive about when the miles can be used.  Others have high annual fees, but offer a higher miles-per-dollar-spent ratio and other perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance.

Which card is the most useful?  It depends on the kind of travel that a person plans to do and on their spending habits.  With that in mind, here are some of the best credit cards for earning airline miles in 2010.

Basic Credit Cards with No Annual Fees

Miles by Discover Card matches the industry standard of 1 mile for every $1 spent.  But the extra perks offered by Discover, especially during the first year of use, make it a worthwhile choice for casual miles-collectors.  By making a purchase at least once during the month, users qualify to receive an additional 1,000 miles.  That’s a total of 12,000 additional miles during the first year (you are about half-way to a free round-trip flight).  Like many other Discover Cards, qualified cardholders get a 0% APR for the first six months that their account is open.

Blue Sky from American Express is another basic credit card with no annual fee.  New Blue Sky cardholders will enjoy six months of 0% interest.  The AmEx points system works slightly differently than Discover’s, with the first 7,500 points qualifying card-holders for $100 in credit with an airline, hotel, resort, or car rental agency.  Features like ATM access, a global customer service hotline and hotel room guarantees give the Blue Sky an impressive list of extras, especially considering that it is a no-fee card.

Premium Frequent Flyer Cards – These cards have high annual fees but also high dollars-to-miles ratios and extra perks like airport club access.

The American Express Platinum Charge Card is the most heavily promoted card in this market.  Its $450 annual fee seems quite steep, but for card-holders who actually take advantage of all the perks and miles earning potential, it can still be considered a good deal.  The card has a standard $1 for 1 point ratio, but that climbs to 4 points-per-dollar when shopping with American Express “Bonus Points Mall” affiliates.  Industry-leading extras include access to select premium class airport lounges around the world (for the cardholder plus up to two guests).  This access is even available to cardholders who are flying economy class.  American Express also offers concierge service to Platinum members who need help with travel plans or reservations at hotels and restaurants.

The American Express Gold Card ($125 per year fee is waived for the first year) tones down the extras compared the Platinum option, but still offers double points for certain online purchases, a global customer service hotline and worldwide ATM access.

Visa’s exclusive Black Card is their answer AmEx’s high-end cards.  Black has a $495 annual fee and essentially offers the same perks as its platinum counterpart: lounge access (via Priority Pass) and great miles-earning potential.  The Black also offers travel accident insurance coverage up to $250,000, $1,500 for trip cancellation insurance and lost baggage insurance up to $300.

Miles Cards for Specific Airlines – These cards can be the most useful option, especially if you are already a member of a specific airline’s loyalty program.

Delta SkyMiles Credit Card by American Express comes in two varieties.  The Platinum SkyMiles card costs $150 per year, while its Gold counterpart is $95 (with the first year’s fee waived).  Users earn an impressive 20,000 miles with their first purchase using either card (that’s $200 off the price of a flight on Delta or on one of the allied airlines that accept Delta frequent flyer miles).  Card-holders also receive an annual certificate good towards a companion ticket on any flight they book using their SkyMiles card.  The Gold Card awards a $99 discount, while the Platinum bestows one free companion ticket.

The JetBlue American Express Card has the lowest fee of any airline miles credit card at only $40 per year.  Card holders earn the standard 1 point-per-dollar, but that is bumped up to 8 points per dollar when making purchases using the card on jetblue.com.  Also, the card allows members to take advantage of JetBlue’s low prices by trading in miles once they reach the 10,000 mile mark.  Most other cards require users to have at least 25,000 miles before redeeming.

The Virgin Atlantic Black Card stands out by offering 1.5 miles for every dollar spent, as opposed to the usual 1-to-1 ratio offered by other cards.  In addition, flyers are awarded 20,000 bonus points with their first purchase and 3 points per dollar spent on Virgin Atlantic flights, services or merchandise.

The Citi AAdvantage Card is a reasonable option for people who fly the large legacy carrier frequently.  Citi awards cardholders who spend $750 in their first four months of membership with 25,000 free miles (enough for a round-trip ticket).  Miles are always good on flights to anywhere that AA flies.  The annual membership fee is $85 per year, which is slightly lower than similar cards offered by other legacy carriers.

The Chase Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Card is priced even lower than the AAdvanatge, with an annual fee of $59.  Chase offers double miles (2 miles per dollar) for all Southwest purchases.

It is imperative that cardholders read the fine print of both the frequent flyer program of their favorite airline and their miles-earning credit cards.  Also, the miles are not really a money-saver if you carry a balance from month to month on a card that does not offer a 0% introductory APR.  The money paid to interest will far exceed the money saved by earning frequent flyer miles since cards general have at least a 9% APR, with most around 13%-19%.  However, for frequent flyers who are disciplined enough and also belong to a specific airline’s frequent flyer (or loyalty) program, an airline credit card can lead to significant savings.

Just as fun as Ebay, $1 Mystery Hotel Auction from Luxury Link’s Mystery Auctions create amazing deals for the lucky auction winners. Two mystery properties are featured each week, and each auction begins with a $1 Starting Bid and a $1 bid increment.

Deals on BestTravelDeals.net from Luxury Link hotel deals has been consistently delivering top destinations and unbeatable prices. Now they’ve created a lot of buzz with this unbelievable promotion.

While they will only reveal the name of the property to the auction winner, hints to the location of this luxury property are being dropped frequently in their forums. Currently the two mystery auctions are for hotels in Italy and the Caribbean, where you can explore coral reefs, sail in perfect waters and take part in the flavor of each island’s own unique paradise.

They both end soon, just over three days from the time of this posting, and the Caribbean trip promises welcome cocktails, breakfasts, and $300 resort credit… while the Italy mystery auction includes welcome amenities, dinner, and even spa treatments!

It’s time to start planning for spring break, and these Spring Break Ski Deals are just in time: Get the Third or Fourth Night Free with great sales at Keystone Resort in Colorado. This resort is lifting the blackout dates precisely during its busiest ski months to offer a Spring Break On Us promotion of a third night free (for certain weeks you’ll get the fourth night free). Or $581 & up for 4-Night Ski Packages Across North America, with airfare. Build a Ski vacation that’s all about you. Your flight. Your hotel. Lots of options!

There’s a number of other airfare and hotel deals going on now too. $639 & up for a 4-Night Montreal Westin Package with Airfare at the Le Westin Montreal, ideally located in a world famous tourism and historic district of Montreal. This state of the art newly built hotel features a full service spa, a complete health club, a fine dinning restaurant inspired by International cuisine and a lobby lounge which promises a welcoming and yet, relaxing environment.

$339 & up for 4-Night Mexico Packages, including airfare. There are a number of desinations available, such as Cancun and Riviera Maya from $339 per person, Cozumel from $390 per person, Puerto Vallarta from $406 per person, Los Cabos from $493 per person, and other deals for travel to Acapulco, Guanajuato, Guadalajara, Ixtapa, Mazatlan, Puebla, and Riviera Nayarit!

$253 & up for 4-Night Phoenix, AZ Packages, with airfare. Book a low-priced escape today and revel in a golf-and-spa sanctuary, a round-the-clock casino hotspot, a heart-pumping outdoor adventure, or a lavish luxury resort for less.

$227 & up for Vegas 4-Night Vacations with airfare. Choose from a fabulous array of some of Las Vegas’ most popular resorts, including Caesars Palace, Paris, Rio, Harrah’s, Flamingo, Bally’s, and Imperial Palace. Experience the dazzle, glitz, and high energy of the Las Vegas Strip, where you can relax in the finest accommodations.

$1134 & up for 6-Night Bali Packages with airfare. Offers vary by hotel, are subject to availability, and may be discontinued without notice. Additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply.

$48 rooms at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. This is a great deal because it includes the Paradise Tower, which just opened in August. Plus, if you sign up for Hard Rock e-mail newsletters, you can receive e-mail promotions for even greater savings, to the tune of 40% off.

$89 a night for Hilton Beach Resort & Spa, that’s 50% OFF this Sandestin, Florida hotel with in-room movies and video games. Rooms feature a dressing area with 2 vanities and an on-site Full Service Spa.

Practical Traveler columnist Michelle Higgins 10 Ways to Cut Your Travel Costs This Year. Her ideas include looking into rentals rather than hotels, tracking prices after purchase, and starting a twitter account to follow twitter accounts that tweet last-minute best travel deals, like us @BesTravelDeals.