Thursday, March 5, 2009

As the big hotel chains glam up their loyalty programs to boost business, you'll find more ways than ever to stockpile points—and nab a free room. read more

• Hotels at a Price That's Right: Buenos Aires, Chicago, Rome, San Francisco
• Blog: Hotels.com Launches an Impressive Reward Program
• Blog: A New, Improved Marriott Rewards Program

Leave the plastic taxis and miniature Lady Libertys in Times Square—these mementos from city institutions have enough urban style to please even the locals, and they'll tide you over till your next visit. read more

• Readers' NYC Shopping Favorites
• Photos: Supermarket Souvenirs
• What $100 Buys in: Bangkok, Cartagena, Florence, Tunis

At least one travel company is having some fun with the recession: JetBlue recently ran full-page ads in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal for a "Welcome Bigwigs" promo trying to woo company executives who've seen their travel budgets disappear into thin air. JetBlue also has a more serious promotion for people worried about taking trips in the current economy. GET THE DETAILS

• Paris: Take a Chance on a Chanson Performance
• This Weekend: Meet the Mushers in Alaska's Iditarod
• Biking in Montreal: A New Program Makes It Simple and Cheap
• Linz, Austria, Opens Artsy Hotel Rooms Across the City

Dream Trips Even in these scary economic times, yes, you can afford a dream trip. Let us show you how… Photos: Pop Statues Musicians, actors, a comic-book hero, a little green frog, and other pop icons have all been honored… Blog: How Much Is an Airplane Bathroom Worth? Ryanair has proposed charging people £1 to get into the bathrooms on its airplanes. Share your reactions (50+ comments).

It's the 200th anniversary of biologist Charles Darwin's birth. With a certified guide, you can explore the largely untouched Galápagos Islands where he did research—look out for blue-footed boobies and other rare species. This guided five-night tour is $2,109, including a cruise, most meals, local transportation, and fees. why it's a deal

• More Deals: Adventure, Nature Appreciation, South America
• What $100 Buys in Quito, Ecuador
• Dream Trips: Scale a Volcano in Ecuador
• Blog: Seeing Places Before They Disappear

This quick getaway covers round-trip airfare, four nights' accommodations, breakfast daily, and fuel surcharges, from $599.
why it's a deal

• More Deals: France, Under $500, Leaving From NYC
• Blog: Affordable-Paris Coverage
• Trivia Quiz: Think You Know Paris?
• 20 Photos: Paris, My Cut

It's not too good to be true—this package for Thailand's largest island saves you hundreds of dollars and puts you up in a luxurious villa with a private garden and a view of the Andaman Sea. Rates start at $1,399 for a four-night stay, round-trip airfare, transfers, breakfast daily, and a 90-minute massage. why it's a deal

• More Deals: Asia, Beaches, Leaving From L.A.
• Best Places You've Never Heard Of: Ko Similan, Thailand
• Tour du Jour: Thailand's Floating Vineyard
• Cheapest Places on Earth: Hua Hin, Thailand

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