Destination Spotlight: Muy Romantico, Mexico - Puerto Vallarta

There is certain sense of romance one experiences when crossing the border. To explore colorful culture, taste savory cuisine, and soak in the sun are all reasons to visit Mexico. But the romance comes from the people’s way of life and its ‘manana mantra.’  Whether you find it at the fiestas or on a secluded vista, Mexico vacations can be spicier than salsa verde.

It was a famous and fiery romance that transformed the sleepy pacific fishing village of Puerto Vallarta to a desired international destination. A passionate chapter of the Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor love affair ignited the town during the filming the movie "The Night of the Iguana,” in 1963. Afterwards, their decision to live in Mexico kept the coastal treasure on the map. 

When your flight to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) lands, you'll be in a newer, modern version of the city --  a stark contrast from the 1960s village portrayed in the movie. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the ability to get lost in the town’s romantic charm.

Situated along a 28-mile curve, the picturesque bay provides plenty beautiful beaches for all to enjoy. The town center continues to keep its colonial-era charisma while the oceanfront Malecon Promenade serves as an outdoor art gallery of sculptures. There the iconic Seahorse sculpture battles the baroque crown of ‘Our Lady of Guadalupe’ as the top photographed landmark.

A Tale of Two Cities: San Francisco and San Diego

On a recent trip to California, I realized two things: I could live in San Francisco, and I can laugh through travel mishaps. I planned a week-long girlfriend getaway – three days in San Francisco, followed by three days in San Diego. When I boarded my flight to San Francisco from Boston I had preconceived notions of both cities: San Fran was supposedly a West Coast replica of Boston, and that San Diego would be paradise. Seven days later upon my return, I had my own, newly developed ideas.

First stop: San Francisco. Our San Francisco hotel of choice was the Hotel Diva in Union Square on Geary Street. The area felt trendy and gritty, scattered with cafes, wine shops and clothing stores. We spent the next three days observing San Francisco's even more informal dress code, quietly artistic boutiques, relaxed (but gourmet) dining establishments, and multi-faceted nightlife. Shopping in Hayes Valley felt like discovering a hidden gem – all was quiet and peaceful, completely lacking pretension, but selling some of the most unique jewelry and clothing I've ever seen. We walked the Golden Gate Bridge (it takes longer than you think!) and visited Fisherman’s Wharf, where we played with the sea lions and we had lunch at Neptune’s Palace, overlooking the Pacific, and Alcatraz prison in the distance.

On our last day in San Francisco, we put on our best “peace, man” attitudes and walked around Haight-Ashbury. Affordable vintage stores, record shops, and an earthy vibe laden in tie-dye and Birkenstocks made this neighborhood a perfect segue to Castro, another one of the city’s bold neighborhoods. Known as San Francisco’s openly gay community, Castro dons itself in rainbow flags and has an air of acceptance and fun. We sat down at an awesome organic coffee shop and headed back. That night, we had dinner at Gitane, which had a plush, modern décor and a small menu, but an extensive wine list.

Book a Cheap Flight to Scottsdale for a Spa Getaway

At Cheapflights, we love a good beach vacation, but every once in awhile, we yearn for some pampering. We were excited to find this spa getaway to Scottsdale from American Airlines Vacations.

Choose from 4- and 5-star Scottsdale resorts ranging in price from $65/night to $138/night. Some resorts, such as the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass and Scottsdale Cottonwoods, are also offering extra perks like a third night free and free breakfast.

Expedia Asks Travelers to 'Pick Your Paradise'

Expedia’s latest promotion is asking travelers to “Pick Your Paradise.” You won’t get an argument from us.

The site is offering up to 50 percent off popular tropical beaches, plus $100 off when you book a 4-night air/hotel package.

Some of the destinations on the list include Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Cancun and many well-known hotels, like Oasis, Riu and the Westin are included in this promotion. Hotel rates start at $56/night and 4-night packages start at $362/person.

If the whole “paradise” thing isn’t enough to lure you in, consider this: Some hotels are even offering resort credits of up to $200 and free nights.

All-Inclusive Antigua Resort from $78/Night

If pineapples are a sign of hospitality, the Grand Pineapple Beach Resort in Antigua is being really hospitable.

The all-inclusive resort is offering rooms from just $78 per person, per night, through Dec. 20, 2009. If you're bringing the kids along, pay just $13 more per child.

This deal is all-inclusive, which means all meals, drinks, tips, taxes and use of non-motorized water equipment (kayaks, snorkeling gear, sailboats, etc.) are included.

Paris Vacation Package: Round-trip Airfare and Hotel from $399

Some say Paris in the springtime is the best time to visit; I say the fall is when Paris really sparkles. The crisp air and the cool nights make Paris easy to explore.

From atop the Eiffel Tower to inside one of Paris's quaint restaurants, there's no escaping the romance in the City of Light. You might even consider treating yourself to something extravagant you find on the Champs-Élysées, thanks to cheap Paris vacation packages from Go-Today.com

Paris vacation packages, including round-trip flights to Paris and four-nights at a hotel of your choice, start at just $399 from New York.

Scandinavian Airlines Summer Sale to Denmark, Norway, Sweden

If the summer heat is too much to take, cool off in Denmark, Norway or Sweden. Today, July 8, is the last day to book a summer flight on Scandinavian Airlines via Travelocity.

The fare sale also incorporates several European cities, including Paris, Milan and Brussels.

Travel is valid through Aug. 30 and a Saturday night stay is required.

Conde Nast Chooses 2009’s Top Spas

Get ready to relax: The best resort spas in the world have named by Conde Nast. 

The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea tops the list of resort spas with a score of 96 out of 100.  In fact, eight of the top 38 spas are situated on the Hawaiian Islands. 

But don't book flights to Hawaii just yet – plenty of resorts are located in the continuous U.S., including the Kenwood Inn and Spa Sonoma, California, which received perfect scores for treatments and service.  Resort spas throughout the United States include the Enchantment in Sedona, Arizona, the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina, and the Wynn Las Vegas.

Caribbean Travel: Westin St. Maarten from $149/Night

The Dutch, the French - can't decide? No problem. Head to St. Maarten and you won't have to choose.
The French (on the north) and Dutch (the southern half of the island) have shared St. Maarten for centuries. Join the French along the white beaches and beautiful shoreline, or go Dutch at some of the island's best shopping, restaurants and bars.

You can even some money while you're there. Grab a cheap flight to St. Maarten and spend your vacation at one of the island's luxury resorts.

Hotels.com is offering discounted rates at the Westin St. Maarten, Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, a 4-star luxury resort located in between the Dutch and French territories near the breathtaking Orient Beach. Prices start at just $149/night and includes $50 worth of St. Maarten Bucks per night.

New York Vacation Packages: Airfare, 4-Nights Hotel from $450

We love NYC. The theater, the shopping, the food - you can do more in one New York block than you can do in some cities around the world. So when we see a good vacation package to New York, our interest is peaked. In this case, our bags are packed.

Expedia is hosting a New York sale, which includes round-trip flights to New York and New York hotels at up to 35 percent off. The best part? These hotels fit everyone's travel needs. Starting at $97/night, you can find a NYC vacation package that caters to any budget.

The details are simple: Book four-night travel package by July 19 and travel by July 30, 2009. The sample prices provided by Expedia includes round-trip airfare from Chicago, but prices will change based on your departure city.