Thursday, March 19, 2009

Back in January, we pooled our knowledge and shared some hunches to put together a list of the 10 cities and countries most worth visiting this year. Have you seen our list? Use it to plan your next escape, and let us know in the comments which places you think are on the rise. read more

Deals to These Destinations:

• Oahu, Air/3 Nights, From $391
• D.C. Hotel Packages, From $165
• Vancouver, B.C., Hotel Deals, From $102
• Panama, Air/5 Nights, From $599
• Iceland and Greenland, 6 Nights, $1149
• Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, Hotel, From $174

Just when you thought you had the TSA's rules all figured out, here comes a new procedure. Soon you'll have to provide your birth date and gender whenever you buy an airplane ticket. Plus, the TSA is bringing back "gate checks," the practice of pulling aside passengers for searches while they wait at gates for their boarding calls—after they've already cleared the terminal checkpoint.
read post

• Crazy Tourist Complaints: Have You Heard Any?
• Philly's Alexander Inn for $1 a Night
• This Weekend: Charleston Opens 150 Lovely Homes
• Travelocity Joins Expedia in Dropping Airfare-Booking Fees
• Video: The Rappin' Southwest Flight Attendant

I'm heading to Paris on assignment. In between investigating great, affordable hotel options and trying out the free Velib' bike system, I'm looking to you to help me find some of the city's gems. First up, food: Who makes the best macarons? Where should I go for a fantastic baguette sandwich? I'm also looking for small, quirky movie theaters. I'll check out as many of your recommendations as I can and report back.
post your picks

• Previously: Questions for an Editor Going to Rome?

Readers' Best Ireland Photos You came through with gorgeous photos of the emerald countryside, craggy coastlines, majestic castles, and cities like Dublin and Cork… Drink Like a Local in 6 Beer Cities Pubs worth the trip in places that seriously know their brews… Flying Under the Radar Upstart airlines are descending on American cities, just as the big boys are pulling out.

In a few weeks we'll be publishing an expanded version of our online guide "America's Favorite Restaurants." Here's one last chance to let us know the homey places you love—the classics (as well as the newcomers) that are packed with local flavor and amazing eats. tell us yours

• You can also upload photos of your favorite restaurants (and dishes) via myBudgetTravel. Be sure to write captions and tag the photos "America's favorite restaurants" (with quotation marks).

A 14-night guided tour packed with one-of-a-kind experiences: a desert safari by Jeep, two nights aboard a felucca, a bike ride around Siwa's temples, and visits to the Valley of the Kings, Cairo's pyramids, and Alexandria's library. Rates start at $1,650.
why it's a deal

• More Deals: Africa, Adventure
• Best Places You've Never Heard Of: Siwa, Egypt
• Why Haven't You Heard of…Dahshur?
• Blog: How to Do Adventure Travel on a Budget

Backcountry hiking and kayaking with guides, two nights in two-person tents (one at a base camp, the other in backcountry), all meals, and entrance fees for $595. Look out for bears and bald eagles! why it's a deal

• More Deals: National Parks, U.S. & Canada, Under $500
• Packing: Backpackers Do It With Less
• Road Trip: Washington's Olympic Peninsula
• Online Trip Coach: National Parks Advice

Sun Moon Lake, temples, pagodas, flashy skyscrapers, and local markets await on this large island off the coast of China. Seven nights' accommodations, round-trip airport transfers, breakfast daily, transportation within Taiwan (bus, train, TransAsia flight), and sightseeing tours are included for $949. why it's a deal

• More Deals: Asia, Islands, Architecture
• Slide Show: Coolest Attractions of the Future
• China Menu Decoder
• Dream Trips 2009: Conquer a Forbidden City

Budget Travel Magazine: Subscribe or Give a Gift Not a print subscriber? The world's most useful travel magazine costs just $12 for 10 issues—or $20 for 20 issues! Take a look inside. Subscribe Now! Give a Gift Subscriber Services

ADVERTISEMENT