Next Weekend Away: Cheap Travel to San Francisco

If you’re reading this, you’re probably not kicking off your Friday night with our suggestion for this weekend away in New York. Last week’s readers aren't reading this at all, but instead, they're enjoying the free ice skating passes and cocktails we told them about. Jealous?

There’s still a chance for you to have a stellar weekend, too. (In fact, there’s a chance every Friday afternoon, when we publish these lovely little ideas.) This time, the weekend is an important one for sanity reasons – it’s the weekend after Thanksgiving. So when you’re done explaining to your Aunt Ruth why you cut your hair so short, or why you didn’t become a doctor like Grandpa did, you’ll be more than ready to hop on a flight to San Francisco and lose yourself in the gritty luster of this matchless city.

Weekend: Friday, Nov. 27 – Monday, Nov. 30

Destination: San Francisco

SAS' Biggest Sale Ever: Cheap Flights to Europe

Spring in Europe is one of those things that just has to be experienced. Whether you’re intent on scoping out new fashion on the streets of Paris, sharing a pint with a local in Dublin, or taking in every ounce of history in Geneva, you’ll want to check out SAS’ cheap flights from the US to many cities abroad.

From now until Dec. 7 when you book a flight on SAS, you’ll get one-way flights across the Atlantic starting at $235. Fares are based on round-trip purchases, and travel is valid between Jan. 11 – March 25, 2010. Taxes and fees are additional.

Life's Work: Touring Tortola

I've been on the island of Tortola for 36 hours and truth be told, I don't know why anyone would want to leave.

It all started with an invitation from the British Virgin Islands Board of Tourism to join 20 other travel writers and photographers in the BVIs for five days touring the islands, including a stop at Richard Branson's Necker Island for a sneak peak at the upcoming Kite Jam (taking place March 2010) and to learn a little more about the islands and the plans for new development.

A flight to San Juan and a cheap flight to Tortola and I was on the island before dusk. I met up with three other journalists on the press trip before boarding the Cape Air flight to Tortola. Good news: Cape Air is fast, courteous and affordable. Bad news: If you have a problem with an 8-seater Cessna, you're going to have a problem with this flight. Bonus: The flight is only 28 minutes, so it's doable, even for the most fearful flier.

A good night sleep at Maria's by the Sea in downtown Tortola and I woke up bright and early for a day of sailing. The tour started at Sunsail Fleets, where 144 charter boats and catamarans are docked every year. Our beauty came straight from South Africa and was complete with three bedrooms and a full working kitchen (not a bad way to start the day)!

Flights and Three Nights in Hawaii, from $279

If you’re in need to escape before the holidays (or you just want a killer tan to show off at Christmas) then spend the weekend in Hawaii without breaking the bank. Spend two nights soaking up the Hawaiian atmosphere, exploring gorgeous beaches, and absorbing a beautiful culture that can’t be found anywhere else in the States.

Stay three nights at the Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki and fly round-trip from Los Angeles or San Francisco for $279.

The catch? (It's not really a catch.) You must travel with a companion. The first guest gets charged $399, and the “companion” gets charged $161. When you combine the price equally, each person pays $279.

Flights and Three Nights in the Bahamas, from $229

When most people think of the perfect sunny getaway, visions of islands, turquoise waters and luxurious resorts come to mind. Get all of these things and affordable round-trip flights when you book a trip to the Bahamas through CheapCaribbean.com.

What’s so great about this deal? There are no holiday blackout dates. If you’re sick of a feuding family or just can’t do another holiday in the cold, take off to the Bahamas and celebrate in much more relaxed way. With this deal, the longer you stay, the more you save.

Prices start at $229 and include three nights in a hotel and round-trip flights. Travel now through Feb. 28, 2010.

Destination Spotlight. The Magic of Mexico in Mazatlán

Located on the Pacific Ocean just at the entrance to the Sea of Cortez, Mexico’s second largest coastal city might not be one of your first destinations when you think of traveling south of the border, but Mazatlán’s recent growth and revitalization make for a magnificent Mexico vacation. Its colorful old town, sunset stretch of golden sand beaches, celebrated nightlife, and Tropic of Cancer climate (same latitude as Hawaii) create a coastal paradise.

Situated in the state of Sinaloa, the name Mazatlán actually originates from the indigenous Nahuatl language meaning "place of the deer." Yet today with access to some of the most abundant sport and commercial fishing it makes its mark a seaport city often nicknamed the Pearl of Pacific.

Flights to Mazatlan (MZT) take most people head to resort areas of Nuevo Mazatlan or to the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada), but part of the charm of your trip must be spending a day touring the old part of the city.

Turkey: 13 Nights, Tours, and Meals, from $1,194

Turkey is a country where history and tradition rival legend, and where natural beaches mirror artistic architecture. It’s a place where Alexander the Great and the Ottoman Empire ruled the Mediterranean coast, and whose cities are vibrant with color, locals and cuisine.

Now when you book a trip to Turkey through Indus Travels by Dec. 1, you get 13 nights in this multi-faceted country, a guided sightseeing tour each day, and a number of meals.

See Istanbul, where Ottoman mosques set a gothic light on restaurants, bars, and galleries. Explore the gorgeous landscape of Cappadocia, see its Byzantine frescoes and take part in its village rhythm. In Kusadasi, relax on the beach and take in the stunning views. Welcome to Turkey.

Expedia’s Escapes to Sunny Spots: Flights and Four Nights from $172

Need an escape for the New Year? Get away with Expedia’s sale to sunny spots all over the United States, Caribbean, and Mexico. Say goodbye to the main land and “aloha” to four nights in Hawaii, or play hard in either Cancun or Vegas.

These destinations are full of sunny days and fun nights, so pick whichever suits you and get ready to kick off 2010 in style.

The deal includes round-trip flights and four nights in a hotel. Taxes and fees are included. Book online with Expedia by Dec. 1, and travel through Jan. 31, 2010.

Cheap Flights to Mexico: Travelocity's Mexicana Sale

Right now, winter is an exciting prospect. The holidays are right around the corner, snow is still a new and interesting novelty, and ski slopes and joyously opening all around the country. If you live in a cold climate, then it might get old, come January or Febuary. Plan a trip to Mexico with Mexicana Airlines through Travelocity today, and you won’t have to worry about beating winter blues for the long haul.

Visit Acapulco, where snorkeling, diving, fishing, sailing, and jet-skiing are just a few of alternatives to laying on pristine beaches. Feel right at home in Cancun, where there’s always a party and a five-star resort around the corner. If you’re in the mood for something more tranquil, book a flight to Cabo San Lucas, where you’ll enjoy the serenity of the seaside town, beautiful beaches, and championship golf courses.

The sale ends tonight, so think fast and book with Travelocity as soon as possible. When you’re laying on golden beaches and hearing the waves of sparkling turquoise waters, we doubt you’ll regret your fast decision. Travel is valid from Jan. 11 – March 25, 2010, and flights start at $136.

Travelocity Deal: Flights to Asia and Australia from $775 and $960

Asia and Australia are two faraway continent that offer rich culture, history and attractions. Both are memorable experiences, so choose the one that suits you and get packing. Visit Sydney to see how the Aussies hang Down Under, or book a flight to Manila for a fusion of Spanish and Chinese influence.

Travelocity makes it easy to book a trip to either continent, with its cheap Emirates flights to Asia and Australia, starting at $775 and $960 respectively.

A Saturday night stay is required, and you must book and depart by Nov. 30.