This week's travel deals put the spotlight on getaways from around the globe selected, of course, with New Yorkers in mind.
Better yet, all the fascinating destinations we're featuring are perfect for a get-out-of-a-rut winter adventure.
Our favorite find? A New York/Paris apartment swap for a week in February. The pied-à-terre looks perfect, as is the price (free for the right swapee).
And as always, all our listed flights are roundtrip, all-fees-and-taxes-included and non-stop unless otherwise noted. We detest stopovers!
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Vacation Rentals + Swaps
Paris Exchange: We wrote about this fantastic looking apartment swap on our blog this week, and we're bringing it to your attention because no one has taken advantage of it yet! If you hurry, you may get to spend a week in Paris in a nicely designed, spacious studio for an effective cost of, well, nothing. (That's what swaps are all about.) The dates are February 15th to the 22nd - check out the listing here.
Tuscan Villa: Luxury Link is auctioning off a one-week stay at a luxurious (natch) villa. This 4-bedroom and 4-bathroom property has lush grounds, a full kitchen and dining room, fireplace, and a very large looking pool. Included in the rental are lots of little perks like a cooking class and maid service. Bidding starts at $1,475, or you can "buy now"for $1,635. Good for 2010 rentals, with blackout dates in June, July and August. The auction ends in 2 days.
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Hotel Deals
Kentucky Winner: We chose the 21C Hotel (pictured) in Louisville as our #1 place to stay in the city, and soon thereafter, Condé Nast Traveler readers voted it the #1 hotel in the US! While rates at this boutique hotel are already pretty reasonable, one of our favorite travel sites, Jetsetter is hosting a private sale for the property. To score access to the sale and receive room rates that are up to 40% off for the months ahead, click here. If you already have an account, you can book your room here.
Chicago Chic for Less: The James Hotel, a lovely boutique property located in The Windy City, has a special going on from now through March 31st. Book a room at a reduced rate (a King room is $149, including taxes; about $20 off regular rates) and get a $50 hotel credit. You can use your extra bucks on everything from the hotel's full service spa, to drinks at one of its onsite restaurants or bars, or even room service. While the promotion supposedly ended this week, we were still able to find rooms with the special rate and perks. Simply book here.
San Francisco Savings: Stay at the Hotel Griffith for just $85/night with this DealBase exclusive, valid for Thursday - Sunday stays till April 11th. Deluxe Queen rooms at this waterfront boutique hotel are normally $154/night, so you'll be saving 45% - and you'll also be getting free breakfast daily. The catch? No cancellations or changes, and you must pay in full at your time of booking. Get more details here.
Third Night Free in Miami: While we haven't been able to visit the new Viceroy Hotel in Miami, everyone who's been has raved about it, and their Linger Longer deal makes it sound even more exciting. Stay two nights, get one free, bringing your net effective rate down by 33% - or $210/night for a King Room.
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Flights
- Domestic Deals: (via Travelzoo) American Airlines is having a major sale on flights to and from New York City for travel between January 26th and March 10th. For the best fares, head over to AA and search for travel with flexible dates - our favorite find was Miami for $184 in early March. Book by January 21st - tomorrow! [Update: over.]
- Get to the West Coast with Virgin America: We wrote about this sale last week, and we're excited to report it's been extended. Between now and March 10th, Virgin America is offering big savings on flights to San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. With a 14-day advance purchase, fly for as little as $218 for roundtrip, nonstop flights. For $20 more, fly through June 10th. Get your tickets here.
- London for Less: Flights to London's Heathrow airport on one of our favorite airlines ever - Virgin-Atlantic - are as low as $575, for travel between March 19th and May 15th. The Sale ends January 28th. Book with Virgin here.
- Ireland + Beyond with Aer Lingus: Don't mind traveling to the land of green during the less-verdant winter? Then AL's current fares will get you Dublin or Shannon for $559. Prices only go up by about $40, roundtrip, for travel between April 10th and June 15th. And if you're OK with a stopover, Aer Lingus can get you to Barcelona, Krakow, and other major cities for competitive rates as well. Book here.
