Thursday, January 15, 2009

Forget everything you thought you knew about hostels. These six new spots come with designer touches, private and shared rooms, restaurants, and some of the coolest furniture on the planet. Rates start at just $40. Our slide show offers a peek inside. read more

• Plus: Hostels on the Horizon
• Awesome Art Hotels
• Hotels at a Price That's Right: Bangkok, Buenos Aires, Chicago, London, NYC, Rome, San Francisco

This may be a record year for cruising, despite (or because of?) of the economic downturn. In a surprise announcement, the Cruise Lines Industry Association predicts that 13.5 million people will cruise North America this year, an increase of 2.3 percent over 2008. Get the details and browse our Real Deals for cruises. read post

• Paris: How to Find an Affordable Place to Stay
• Avis and Budget Adding Satellite TV to Rental Cars
• Tourism Slogan as Psychological Warfare
• This Weekend: An Icy Alaskan Swim Is a Cabin-Fever Reliever
• Orbitz's 7-Day Sale: Save 20 Percent Instantly

It was our editors who pulled together 2008's list of Coolest Small Towns, but for next year's list, they're asking for your help in coming up with candidates. Do you live in a friendly, vibrant town that's on the rise but has fewer than 10,000 residents? Or have you visited one? Nominate your favorite candidates here. nominate now

A Maryland couple heads to Greece—Athens, Paros, Santorini, and Mykonos—for a vacation that makes time for both sightseeing adventures and some R&R. read more

• Update: How Was Their Trip?
• Secret Hotels of the Greek Isles

Explore the capital, San José, and the wildlife-rich national parks and reserves that make up a quarter of this Central American country. Plus, unwind on the beaches of Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast. The nine-night package is $835. why it's a deal

• Which Costa Rica Is Right for You?
• Trip Coach: Empty Nesters in Costa Rica
• On the Chocolate Trail in Belize
• What $100 Buys in Tegucigalpa, Honduras

These affordable Manhattan hotel stays include perks like ice-skating, museum tickets, personal shopping experiences, and gourmet hot chocolate, from $149 a night. why they're a deal

• Blog: New York's Winter 2009 Restaurant Week
• Quiz: Think You Know New York City?
• 20 Photos: New York City, My Cut
• My Brooklyn Is Better Than Yours

Airfare and four nights in the thriving capital city set high among snowcapped peaks and volcanoes, with a tour of cathedrals, landmarks, and an equatorial monument marking the center of the world, from $669. why it's a deal

• What $100 Buys in Quito
• A Couple's Spontaneous Trip to Ecuador
• Dream Trips: Galápagos Islands

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