Spring is the perfect time to explore some of America’s greatest National Treasures- our national parks. More than 100 national parks, including Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, Acadia and many others are waiving admission fees on select days throughout 2011. Don’t miss National Park Week, running April 16-24, when parks from coast to coast will be offering free entry all week long! Can’t make it out to a national park this Spring? Plan a visit for the first day of summer (June 21), Public Lands Day (June 24) or during Veterans Day Weekend (November 11-13), and enjoy free admission.

There’s never been a better time to get a passport, especially if you’re what Rick Steves calls a “travel virgin.” As America’s leading authority on European travel, Steves thinks everyone deserves the life-changing opportunity to travel overseas. Book your 2011 Rick Steves Tour to Europe with your 2011-issued first-time U.S. passport, and his company will deduct the $135 passport cost. That’s right, they’ll pay for your passport! This deal is valid for first-time passport owners only. A 2011 purchase receipt is required.

And once you have your brand new passport, be sure to check out our fabulous Europe hotel deals!

A word of advice for our Labor Day Weekend travelers. Hurricane Earl is becoming the most powerful storm projected to hit the East Coast since Hurricane Bob in 1991. Those with plans of traveling between now and Saturday to North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine should act accordingly. If you’ve made flight accommodations, be sure to check with your airline for any delays or cancellations. Travel safely, everyone!

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.

San Francisco, is a diverse, sophisticated city, so it’s no surprise that there are events of many flavors taking place this Memorial Day weekend to celebrate the unofficial start of summer.

Whether you want to honor our nation’s deceased veterans at a historical ceremony or you want to dance the weekend away, make sure to check out this list of top 10 things to do in San Francisco this Memorial Day weekend.

1. Presidio Ceremony

The Presidio Ceremony is a Memorial Day tradition in San Francisco. The ceremony kicks off on Monday, May 31st at 10:30am with a parade at Montgomery and Sheridan streets. The event draws more than 2000 people, making it one of the largest Memorial Day events in the country.

The ceremony officially begins at 11am at Presidio’s National Cemetery. After the ceremony is completed, park rangers and volunteers take people on free tours of the cemetery. More than 35,000 veterans and their dependents are buried at this cemetery.

2. San Francisco Carnaval

The largest multi-cultural celebration in California, the San Francisco Carnaval boasts live music, artistry, food, and dance from cultures around Latin America and the Caribbean. If you want to party in style this Memorial Day weekend while learning more about the colorful heritage and cultural traditions from this region of the world, don’t miss the San Francisco Carnaval. It’s free of charge and will take place on Saturday, May 29, from 10am to 6pm on Harrison Street.

3. Lost Boat Memorial at the USS Pampanito

The USS Pampanito is a WWII submarine located in Fisherman’s Wharf. The Lost Boat Memorial takes place at the USS Pampanito at 5pm on Monday, May 31st. This famed ceremony honors the lost sailors of the United States Navy Submarine Service. It is free of charge and is followed with an echo taps performance.

4. Free Opera at Dolores Park

At Dolores Park, which is located on 18th and Dolores Streets in San Francisco, you can enjoy a free, live opera performance on Sunday, May 30 at 2pm. So, gather your friends and family together, grab a bottle of wine, and pack some cheese, crackers, and olives to enjoy a relaxing picnic while listening to great music in a beautiful setting.

5. Civil War Battles and Encampment

If you’re willing to take a road trip on Memorial Day weekend, visit the Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton to witness the reenactments of Civil War battles and view replicas of encampments belonging to Union and Confederate soldiers. The event only costs $5 a person and it’s a fun, educational way to commemorate the history of our nation.

For a cheap place to stay while you’re enjoying Memorial Day weekend, find a San Francisco Hotel Deal.

If you’ve been neglecting a trip to Europe because of the steep prices, you’ll be pleased to see the results of a travel industry report recently published by online travel agency, Trivago.

According to UK-based Trivago, the average cost of a standard double hotel room in Europe from February to March of 2010 is seven percent less than it was in March 2009. And as if it couldn’t get any better, prices for hotel rooms in 34 of the top 50 European cities have dropped.

Bear in mind that, despite these exquisite stats, prices are actually rising in Central and Southern Europe and falling in Northern Europe. In many major European tourist capitals, like Rome, Barcelona, and Amsterdam, lodging prices have gone up just in the last month. Although the opposite is true in Northern European cities like Stockholm and Copenhagen, their prices are currently still higher than the European average.

European Cities to Avoid

If you’re looking for an excellent bargain on a hotel room in Europe, you’ll probably want to avoid London, Paris, Stockholm, Oslo, and Geneva, which are the most expensive cities in Europe when it comes to lodging. In Geneva, the average cost of a hotel room is $235 per night while in London, Paris, Stockholm, and Oslo, the average nightly rate is around $175.

Budget-Friendly European Metropolises

The lowest average prices for a double hotel room can be found in Granada, Krakow, and Budapest. These cities offer an average nightly rate from $85 to $91. Other low-cost European cities that you may want to consider for your Euro-trip include Vienna, Bucharest, Lisbon, Prague, and Istanbul.

Remember… It’s Always Possible to Go Lower

Just remember that these prices are averages. You can always find hotels that charge well below the average nightly rates if you do a little research and stay in places off the beaten path rather than major capitals. Nevertheless, the average prices are always worth a look because they give you a good glimpse into the overall cost of accommodations in major European cities.

How to Save on Airfare to Europe

Airfare is another story. Unfortunately, cheap airfare to Europe isn’t exactly abundant in 2010. The cost of flights departing from North America to Europe this spring and summer are very high, particularly for non-stop, direct flights and business class flights. You can save on Europe airfare by traveling outside of the peak season and opting for flights that have layovers.

You may even want to wait till a last minute sale comes along to get the best bargains. However, waiting till the last minute can also be a risk because that deal you’re waiting for may never come along, which means that you’ll pay even more for your ticket in the end.

Fortunately, discount airlines make it easy to fly within Europe affordably, making up for the hefty prices of transatlantic flights. There are plenty of discount airlines to go around in Europe, but remember to travel light because many of them charge extra for checked luggage.

Are you planning a trip to Europe this spring or summer? Have you come across any great deals on hotels and airfare? Please submit a comment below to share your thoughts and experiences with us!

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.

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!

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.

The Austrian Tourist Office is holding a contest called “Its Got to Be Austria Facebook Sweepstakes” where the winner chosen (and their guest) will receive a 7-day themed vacation package of their choice valued at $4500.

To enter the sweepstakes readers need only to become a fan of “Austria Official Travel Info” on Facebook.

The winner and a guest will receive a seven day themed vacation package of their choice valued at $4,500. The sweepstakes invites fans to explore all that Austria has to offer by choosing from vacations oriented toward “Food and Wine,” “Art, Architecture and Design,” “Nature, Outdoors and the Alps,” or “Classical Music and History.”

Facebook fans can receive an additional sweepstakes entry by tweeting about Austria on Twitter using the hashtag: #itsgottobeaustria. The contest runs now through January 15.

More information and official rules can be found at ItsgottobeAustria.com or via Facebook. Contest is open to residents of the U.S., 18 and over.