Now You Can Book Up to a Week in Advance with Hotel Tonight

A friend of ours Facebooked us the other day with a BT Challenge: "How can I find a round-trip flight from NYC to San Francisco in October for less than $350?" We turned to seasoned travel expert John DiScala, better known in the blogosphere as Johnny Jet. He has good news for our friend—and for you: "It's not easy these days," he says. "But it's not impossible." Beyond a little old-fashioned perseverance, there are a few things you can do to tip the odds in your favor. And don't accept defeat, even if search results tell you there's nothing under $400. "Fares are always changing," Johnny says, "so just because it says it now doesn't mean it's going to say it an hour from now." Bid on Priceline.com. Priceline can be a great resource for a bargain—if you don't mind flying by the seat of your pants. The catch with the bidding site is: You'll get your exact dates, but you might not get a nonstop flight, and you won't know your flight times. "Six a.m. to 10 p.m." is a big window for when your trip will actually begin. Pick a low-cost carrier. There are deals to be had with discount airlines, but stay informed: Carriers like Spirit and Frontier have fares that look like great deals when they come up in search results, but after you add up the fees for carry-ons, checked luggage, and extra legroom, they're really not, Johnny says. "They charge up to $50 for a carry-on to put up in the cabin. And if you don't make a reservation for [the bag], they charge you $100. It's ridiculous," he says. "But if you're traveling with nothing and you don't mind your seat not reclining, then it's a good option." Think outside the JFK > SFO box. "Look at all of the available airports," Johnny says. "JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, even Westchester. Then when you come to California, look at SFO, Oakland, San Jose. I created a website called AlternateAirports.com that list the actual driving distances from airports in America, so when you search, you might have to drive 35 extra miles, but it would be worth it if you're saving a couple hundred dollars, especially if you have a family of four." Set up a fare alert. Several websites, such as Airfare Watchdog, Kayak, FareCompare, and Yapta, nudge you electronically when a they see a deal: "You can put in your cities, your dates, what you want to pay, and they'll email you if the fare goes below that price point," Johnny says. Subscribe to multiple newsletters and stalk the airlines on Twitter. Gathering as much information as possible by signing up for newsletters from sites like The Flight Deal, the airlines themselves, and other experts, including Johnny. Then, on Twitter, follow those same purveyors of fare alerts and newsletters, plus the airlines—they often tweet out flight deals. Apply for a credit card to take advantage of its sign-up perks. "It depends on the credit card, but you can use miles, or some credit cards are offering basically $400 free if you sign up for their credit card," Johnny says. "But some come with an $80 annual fee, or they have a high APR." If you pay your credit-card bills off every month as is, this could be a very good option, he says.

"Shoulder Season" is the time in between high and low seasons. Europe's high season, of course, is summer—the kids are out of school, you want to soak up, say, that Italian sun, but you've got to pay a premium for it. Winter, on the other hand, is Europe's low season—rain, fog, and possibly knee-high water in Venice. But in the fall, the crowds depart Europe for school and work, the weather cools to a comfy mid-50s in Dublin, mid- to upper-60s in Venice, low 70s in Barcelona, and at Budget Travel we love to watch those prices go down! I know what you're thinking: Isn't airfare to Europe always high? It doesn't have to be. I've got a secret about airfares and hotel rooms. Airlines are willing to sell their seats at a huge discount, practically giving them away—even to Europe—and hotels want their rooms filled even if they have to steeply trim their prices. But they don't exactly want you to know how low they're willing to go, so they package them along with meals, guided tours, and sometimes rental cars into package deals. In our Real Deals department, we work with the world's finest tour companies to bring you unbeatable deals to your dream destinations in Europe (and everywhere else). Here, from west to east, five European bargains we especially love: Dublin. Affordable, friendly, and second-to-none in big-city culture and natural beauty. Start your Ireland adventure in Dublin to see beautiful Trinity College, where you can ogle the illuminated manuscript known as the Book of Kells, drink in St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park (which has a zoo), and then Riverdance on over to the Guinness Storehouse, which is basically Disneyland for grownups, to drink in—literally—another side of Dublin. Historic Temple Bar is another great place to tip a pint. And since one in nine American is of Irish descent, including President Obama, some like to do a little genealogy research here to see where their family came from. Then get out into the countryside. It's a great place for driving, and you shouldn't miss Connemara, Galway, and other beautiful spots. Dublin boasts some of the most affordable hotels in Europe, and we like the Harrington Hotel, starting at $91. For a great package deal to Ireland, visit aerlingusvacationstore.com. Barcelona. Party central for kids and grownups-and all for the same reason! It's just a high-energy city that looks like a fairytale thanks to its imaginative architecture. Visit the Sagrada Familia Cathecdral designed by Gaudi and La Rambla, a major avenue where you'll get a taste of Barcelona's exuberant culture and shopping. Barcelona is also home to tapas, which basically means your dinner is made up of endless appetizers. What's not to love? Stay at the Chic & Basic Ramblas, which looks way cooler than its name and has rooms for $141. Or, for a great package deal to Barcelona, visit friendlyplanet.com. Venice. Yes, you CAN afford the city of canals! Visit the must-see Piazza San Marco and Basilica (a tourist trap that's totally worth the trip), take an iconic gondola ride, and then veer from the ancient to the modern at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection with its Picassos and Pollocks, but take it from me, don't miss the chance to just wander, and even get lost on the winding streets. You're never far from a familiar landmark to lead you back to your hotel. We love Al Ponte Mocenigo, with rooms starting at $115. For great package deals to Venice and other Italian cities, visit greatvaluevacations.com. Bucharest. Be the first to brag that you've been to Romania. This Eastern European country is definitely ready to be discovered by travelers. The city of Bucharest has a gorgeous Palace of Parliament and a National History Museum that is surprisingly full of Roman artifacts—and explains the importance of the Roman Empire to Romania's history. When you get out of the city and into the Carpathian Mountains, you will see some truly spooky sites, including Dracula's Castle. The connection to the fictional vampire is slim, but Romania is where myths such as vampires and werewolves first took hold. You can even book a Transylvania Tour! In Bucharest, we like the Radisson Blu Bucharest starting at $131. For a great package deal in Romania (not including airfare) visit intrepidtravel.com. Turkey. Istanbul is the world's no. 1 destination, according to research from TripAdvisor. The only city that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, is a great coming together of eastern and western cultures, food, and music. Visit the Aya Sofya (a cathedral turned into a mosque) and some of the world's best Greek and Roman ruins. But get out of town too, to see the incredible jagged mountains of Cappadocia. In Istanbul, stay at Ascot Hotel, with rooms from $118. For a great package deal to Turkey, visit smartours.com.

Welcome to shoulder season! Here are some of our favorite hotel sales happening this month. CARIBBEAN • FLASH SALE: You can save up to 50 percent on rates at the Grand Lucayan on Grand Bahama Island when you book a stay of three or more nights this Labor Day Weekend for travel Sept. 1 thru Dec. 20th. Not only will rates start at $89 a night, but you'll also score a $250 resort credit per stay to use towards perks like spa treatments, dining, and resort-style golf. Click here for more info and to book your trip by Sept. 1st. • IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts are extending their current special that allows kids to stay and eat free at their properties throughout Mexico and the Caribbean including Playa Mita, Cozumel, Paraíso Beach, and Paraíso Del Mar, among others. Book your all-inclusive stay now thru Oct. 31st for travel thru Dec. 23rd; blackout dates apply Nov. 22-29, 2014, during which regular children's rates will apply. HAWAII • If you're planning a trip to Hawaii this September, you can save on a stay at The Equus in Waikiki, offering rates from $149 a night from Sept. 6th thru 27th just in time for the Aloha Festival events happening all around Waikiki. Just call 808/949-0061 and mention Aloha Festival when you book. • Worth the splurge: Now thru Nov. 27th, you can stay in a newly renovated luxurious ocean-view room at the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's gorgeous North Shore for from $209 a night. Regular rates usually start around $269 a night, so don't miss the opportunity to stay at this magnificent hidden gem of a property. FLORIDA • Interested in visiting Orlando, Florida, to see the latest Harry Potter attractions at Universal Studios? Sticking around for the 2014 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival starting Sept. 19th? Planning your trip around Orlando's Magical Dining Month? Consider staying at the Wyndham Orlando International Drive, where you can save 25 percent on select stays from Sept. 1st thru Nov. 1st, with rates starting at just $69 a night. Use promo code DIS15 when booking this deal online. Or, book your stay at the Orlando World Center Marriott by Sept. 28th for travel thru Oct. 21st and enjoy room rates from $179 a night, plus a $50 resort credit per night when you use promo code ZX0 and refer to the Endless Summer deal. • Several hotels in Miami are running specials during the month of September: You can save 30 percent on rooms at The Freehand Miami with rates starting at $103 a night when you book by Sept. 30th. The Redbury Hotel is offering rooms from $260 a night, but has a Stay 2, Get 1 Free special now thru Sept. 30th, which breaks down to from $173 a night. Call 855/220-1776 or book online and mention promo code 3FREE. (Minimum three night stay required). The Impala Hotel has a similar 3rd Night Free package with rates starting at $131 a night. The SoBeYou Bed and Breakfast is also having a sale, with rooms starting at $116 a night including complimentary full breakfast and mimosas. Sonesta Coconut Grove Miami has rates starting at $152 a night now thru Sept. 30th, including full American breakfast for two and complimentary valet parking. • Rates at The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg start at $189 a night now thru Oct. 31st when you book by Sept. 28th and use promo code ZXO. COLORADO • Save on a stay at The Village at Breckenridge and Mountain Thunder Lodge by visiting after Labor Day weekend when rooms are about 30 percent lower. Come to see the fall colors in this beautiful part of Colorado and stay close to all the action on Main Street with rates starting at $120 a night for a four-night stay. • Visit Keystone this fall for post-Labor Day rates as low as $128 a night when you stay three nights (including taxes and resort fees). You'll also get access to complimentary golf, yoga classes, a free hour of tennis court rental per person, and vouchers for free draft beer or house wine per person. VARIOUS CITIES AROUND THE U.S. • Don't miss the Endless Summer sale at several Marriott Resorts around the country. Book your stay by Sept. 28th for travel thru Oct. 31st and use promo code ZXO to score rooms starting at $139 a night—you'll also get a $50 or $100 nightly resort credit depending on where you stay. Participating hotels include Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa; Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa; Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center; Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa; Hutchinson Island Marriott Resort & Marina; JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes; Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort; Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa; Orlando World Center Marriott Resort, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa; Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa; Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa; The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club; Turnberry Island Miami; Coronado Island Marriott Resort; Gaylorg National Resort & Convention Center; Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center; Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center; Kauai Marriott Resort; Lodge at Sonoma, A Renaissance Resort & Spa; JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa; JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa; JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa; JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Resort & Spa; JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa; JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE; JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa; JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa; Renaissance Esmeralda Indian Wells Resort & Spa; Vail Marriott Mountain Resort; Waikiki Beach Marriott & Spa; and Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. • Dog lovers, rejoice! The Blue Palms Resort, located close to Mariner's Pier and Raging Waters Water Park in Wildwood, New Jersey, is offering pet-friendly accommodations from Sept. 5-9 with the Wildwood Unleashed package, with rates starting at $81 a night. A perfect way to wrap up the summer at Morey's Piers & Waterfront Water Parks with the entire family. A two-night minimum stay is required. Please call 609/522-0606 to book your stay. Guests staying at other Morey Hotels & Resorts properties like the Pan American Hotel, Port Royal Hotel, Starlux Boutique Hotel, and Blue Palms Resort can save up to 70 percent on water park and ride passes thanks to the Play & Stay package now thru Sept. 14th. • Visiting San Diego in September? Rates at the Lakehouse Hotel & Resort start at $129 on weekdays and $169 on weekends now thru Sept. 30th. Kids also eat free in the Grill, one child per adult, and receive a special milk and cookie welcome. • Visitors to the Mission Point Resort in Mackinac Island, Michigan, can enjoy rates starting at $145 a night during one of the most beautiful times of the year to see Lake Huron. • Rates at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Grand Geneva, Wisconsin, start at $199 a night now thru Sept. 29th. Guests also score a $50 resort credit to use at the property, located 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee. • Worth the Splurge: You can save 25 percent on rates at the Waldorf Astoria Park City in Park City, Utah, when you book your stay now thru Sept. 15th, with rooms starting at $229 a night. • St. Louis Cardinals fans, rejoice! The Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch has a special package just for you. For from $249 a night, you'll get accommodations, two tickets to a Cardinals home game at Busch Stadium, a voucher for a Louisville Slugger bat, and a $25 food and beverage credit per day at Brewhouse or Red Kitchen & Bar. (The package starts at $339 for four tickets). Click here for more info and to book this package. • Travelers ages 59 and up can save up to 15 percent on rates at Red Roof Inn properties around the country this fall with the Red Roof September Senior Discount. Refer to promo code 607564 when booking in September to receive this special discount. Red Roof Inn also gives seniors a 10 percent discount on stays year-round.

The mist slowly dissolved and trees and vines became visible. Other shapes, not from nature, also materialized through the morning drizzle. It was my first glimpse of Guayabo, Costa Rica's ancient lost city. The patina of antiquity on these rock walls and roadways made them look like they have always been here in the highland jungle. Guayabo's earliest structures date from 3,000 years ago. The peak of the city was between 800 and 1300 AD when up to 5,000 people lived here. By the time the first Spanish arrived in 1502, the site had long been abandoned and overgrown. The remains seen today are stone cobbled roadways, foundations, aqueducts, fountains, and drainage systems, and the waterworks still function after 3,000 years. One fountain reminded me of the Inca royal baths near Cuzco. Below Guayabo's bathtub-sized pool is a larger reservoir, replenished from the smaller pool. Cattle watered here 50 years ago in the same place where kings and queens once bathed in the regal splendor of cleansing ceremonies. Little is known about the way of life because the archeological context is lost, with most of the more intricate objects looted or re-purposed by local people over the past century and a half. Until 1973, when it was declared a national monument, the Guayabo site was used as a cattle pasture. Petroglyphs carved into the larger stones depict animals, including an alligator and a jaguar. One controversial example is a spiral design that has been theorized as a map of the community. Other curvilinear forms carved into rock might have been a form of writing. The extent of Guayabo was only realized after NASA images taken from space were analyzed. Based on these photographs, archeologists are certain that the excavated portion that is on display is the true center of the community. Several similar cities, along with connecting cobbled roads, were recently found with the help of NASA space imagery. Only a small part of Guayabo has been cleared from the jungle. A still smaller portion has been fully excavated. Among the objects unearthed are small jade and gold ornaments, as well as larger stone statues depicting jaguars, crocodiles, and other powerful predators. Anthropologists think these had religious, shamanistic, as well as political significance. In 1882 Anastasio Alfario, director of Costa Rica's National Museum began digging at the site shortly after it was discovered by farmers who colonized the area. In 1968, Professor Carlos Aguilar and the University of Costa Rica began excavations in a plan that is still being followed. Today excavation and interpretation are being carried out by the University of Costa Rica with the National System of Conservation Areas. Researchers from American and British universities are also involved. Guayabo is located at 1,150 meters above sea level where the atmosphere is a little cooler, but the Caribbean watershed is a very damp place and nothing made of wood or fabric lasts too long if left exposed. The structures that have been restored include stone foundations in a circular pattern that were the base for huge conical residential buildings, like teepees of wood. To get to Guayabo, you must first travel to Turrialba, a city with a population of about 30,000. A mid-morning bus leaves Turrialba's main station and you can catch the return bus at 3:30 p.m. The route is very scenic. If you're driving, take Highway 1 from San Jose, through Cartago and Turrialba, continuing through town and across the bridge. It is 84 kilometers from the capital. Admission is six dollars and guided tours are available twice daily. There is also a nature trail where you might get a glimpse of toucans, woodpeckers, thrushes, and other birds, as well as coatis, armadillos, sloths, lizards, snakes, and butterflies. You can camp near the ruins, though services are limited to just restrooms and picnic tables. Archeological tourism is on the rise in Costa Rica. The Park and Museum of the Stone Spheres opened in April 2014, and other new sites are also being considered for excavation and interpretation. Born in The Hague, Andrew Kolasinski arrived in Canada as a small child riding in the luggage rack of a DC-7. Since then he has felt at home anywhere. As the publisher and editor of Island Angler, Andrew spends half the year fishing for salmon and trout, and in the off-season he travels the world looking for a story. He wrote this article for South American Vacations, specialists in Costa Rica tours and travel all over Latin America.