Next Weekend Away: Cheap Travel to Hawaii

If you haven’t caught on by now, our “Next Weekend Away” segment allows you to take off for the weekend to an exciting and fun destination that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. We publish these ideas every Friday afternoon, and suggest trips for the next weekend, so you have a little time to prepare.

So far, we’ve brought you glorious weekend in the Bahamas, Mexico, Las Vegas, New York City, and San Francisco, and this week, we’re talking about Hawaii.

Yes, you can spend a weekend in Hawaii without feeling guilty.

Now, on to this week.

Weekend: Thursday, Dec. 3 – Sunday, Dec. 6
Location: Hawaii

Flights and Four Nights in Prague from $629

If you’ve never been to Prague, it’s a European gem that’s certainly worth a visit. While it’s not a resort destination or romantic in the traditional sense that Venice or Paris is, Prague has a romantic mystique all on its own, capitalized by architecture, waterways, and history.

Now, when you book through go-today.com, you can get round-trip flights to Prague and three nights in a hotel of your choice, starting at $629.  The historic capital of Czech Republic has so much to offer as a world cultural and heritage site, and as you browse through museums, theaters, galleries, and operas, you’ll understand why.

With this package, you’ll get round-trip flights, four nights of accommodation, daily continental breakfast, and all hotel taxes and airline fuel surcharges.

Zagat's Winners and Ratings for Best Airlines

If you’re the kind of person that won’t see a movie, read a book, or dine at a restaurant without checking out the reviews first, then you’ll definitely want to peruse Zagat’s rating for best airlines before you book flights for the holidays this year.

Approximately 5,900 passengers voted for 16 US airlines and 66 foreign airlines on comfort, food, and service. The voters averaged 17 flights a year, and most were business travelers booking on airline websites. Smaller airlines took the prize from the larger US carriers.

Virgin America and Midwest Airlines took the cake with high scores of 21 out of Zagat’s 30, and JetBlue won for best large US airline, with 19 points.

Flights and Six Nights in Athens, from $799

When you set foot in Athens, you’ll be in the ancient Greek city of the Olympic gods. Filled with monuments and attractions set in historic landscapes, this metropolis is not to be missed. From the acropolis and the pantheon to the bustling flea markets, to the heights of Mount Likavitos and the depths of the Sardonic Gulf, Athens is a gem, through and through.

When you book with go-today.com, you’ll get round-trip flights to Athens and six nights in a hotel (you can choose from a list) from $799. The price includes daily continental breakfast, all hotel taxes and service charges, and airline fuel charges.

Cheapflights' Holiday Tips on Cancellations, Being Stuck at the Airport, and Travel Mishaps

Some things are just out of our control, and a flight cancellation is one of those things. If you’re traveling today and you happen to have the unfortunate luck of getting a flight canceled, fear not: There are plenty of things you can do at the airport to entertain yourself, get a new flight, or read up on airplane etiquette.

We’ve put together comprehensive guides on what you can do in any situation, so read up and relax.

First thing’s first. Is your flight on time? Find out by using our Airline Flight Tracker tips to get the best information on your flight.

If it’s not on time, you’ll need a new one pretty quickly, and luckily, you can book flights by phone. Follow our easy steps and we’ll get you back on track.

Thanksgiving Travel Report: Flight Costs Have Fallen, but Gas Prices Remain High

Gas prices are slowly rising, making road trips look grim for Thanksgiving travelers. Prices are much higher than last year, and the national average for a gallon of regular gas peaked at $2.64 on Monday.

Compared to a year ago, gas prices have skyrocketed 72 cents per gallon, and up to $77.56 a barrel, which some analyzers say means little change for gas prices in the future. Most vacationers have heeded the warning, and only two percent more travelers than last year have chosen to hit the road.

United's New Devices to Help Reduce Airport Lines

In an effort to make airport transactions run more smoothly and efficiently, United Airlines will begin testing devices that are meant to help passengers get information faster and cut down on lines. Deemed “LineBusters” the tools are mostly geared toward relaying information about automatic booking.

How it works: If you are already passed the security area, and you learn that your flight has been canceled or delayed, your first response would be to approach the customer service desk. In this case, United’s agents, equipped with the new LineBusters, can assess your situation via the hand-held touch-screen apparatus.

Ends Tonight: United’s Thanksgiving Sale

Thanksgiving fares just won’t quit, and United is part of the pack. If you still haven’t told your family to save a place for you at the table, then take advantage of this sale, and spend the holiday wherever you need to. Travel is valid from now until Dec. 2, and taxes and fees are not included. Check out the details on inbound and outbound travel to make sure you’re getting the right rates.

Sample fares are each-way based on a round-trip purchase.
Chicago flights to Knoxville, $155
Denver flights to Little Rock, $229
Los Angeles flights to Monterey, $137
Washington D.C. flights to Buffalo, $199

Travelocity: Cheap Flights, Discount Hotels, and a $50 Gift Card

The only thing better than getting a cheap flight and a cheap hotel is getting money to spend for shopping once you arrive. Travelocity is on board with this idea, and is offering discount hotels from $49 a night, and flight and hotel packages from up to 40 percent off.

The sale is valid only for people with American Express cards. When you book your hotel or package, enter the promotion code AMXGIFT50, and pay with your existing American Express card, you’ll get these cheap rates and an extra $50 in the form of an Amex gift card to spend however you want.

Fares are based on double occupancy. Book by Nov. 30, and travel before Dec. 15. Flight prices vary based on departure city.

Air New Zealand Gives Facebook Users a Chance at Cheaper Flights

Calling all Facebook fans: Now you have the chance to get cheap flights to New Zealand with Air New Zealand’s new online game.

The new interactive game is called Jump Seat, and encourages each player to create an avatar. You upload your picture, play as a flight attendant or flight officer and receive missions that you need to complete “en route.” The goal of the game is to make sure each passenger is satisfied, and to add to Air New Zealand’s in-flight experience.

You’ll also answer trivia questions throughout it, gaining points and giving you access to higher levels.