Vacations on the Cheap

Estes Park, CO: $99.00 for Haunted Getaway: Inspired by "The Shining" ($244.00 value)

Historic Hotel That Inspired Stephen King's The Shining

Something sinister lurks in room 217?and that?s what makes it one of The Stanley Hotel?s most popular spots. The infamous room 217 plays a prominent role in Stephen King?s classic horror novel The Shining, which was inspired by King's first visit to the historic estate next to Rocky Mountain National Park. A winding mountain road leads to the secluded, sprawling property, which was built in 1909 and has housed luminaries such as John Philip Sousa and Theodore Roosevelt?and its share of ghosts. It's easy to understand why the old-fashioned, New England?inspired building is a beloved haunt: every inch has been meticulously cared for, decorated with gleaming wooden floors, soaring ceilings, and traditional furnishings.

Up in the classic rooms, stately linens cover pillow-top king- or queen-size beds that sit atop plush carpeting. Decorated to resemble a comfortable, upscale home, most of the hotel's rooms feature unique accents, from cushy chairs to framed artwork. And you can look out to either the nearby Rocky Mountains or the courtyard through the room's enormous windows.

Downstairs, Cascades Restaurant serves up regional cuisine paired with varietals from its wine list, which won Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. To use your dining credit, grab breakfast and a cup of coffee at Steamers Caf?. Those looking to explore The Stanley?s haunted past can take the approximately 90-minute Ghost & History tour through the hotel's most haunted spots, including rooms and passages where ghosts have been sighted flipping over Do Not Disturb signs. Tours lead into The Stanley's underground tunnel and past the notorious room 217.

Estes Park, Colorado: Cultured Mountain Town with Outdoor Recreation

Located 7,500 feet above sea level, The Stanley Hotel is surrounded by the crisp, clean air and gorgeous scenery of Estes Park. The town is a picturesque playground for outdoors enthusiasts and nature lovers. Gentle horses can navigate the trails of the Rocky Mountain National Park, and skilled guides lead whitewater-rafting trips down the roaring Colorado River. For a scenic drive through the area, take Trail Ridge Road, which has hairpin curves that whip around the mountainside to reveal gorgeous views of the mountains (check the road?s status before heading out).

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Keystone, CO: $99.00 for Colorado Lodge Steps from Ski Slopes ($169.00 value)

Upscale Ski Lodge in the Colorado Rockies

The Mountain House area of Keystone, Colorado, sits at the base of Dercum Mountain in the Colorado Rockies, where ski runs cut through thick pine forests. It's the original mountain base at Keystone, the popular skiing destination spread across two villages. Located within walking distance of the Mountain House's chairlifts and famous runs, The Inn at Keystone is an upscale lodge offering a fireplace in the lobby and panoramic views of the slopes. Conveniently, The Inn is a stop on the free Keystone Village shuttle route, which brings you to all the best restaurants, shops, and lifts dotting the area.

From The Inn's open-air rooftop hot tub, you can simmer comfortably while looking out over dramatic Dercum Mountain. Head over to the onsite Black Bear Grill for flatbread pizzas and a bottle of wine before calling it a night in your king or double-queen room, which feature stunning views of the Keystone Valley below.

Keystone, Colorado: Thousands of Skiable Acres near Historical Towns

With North America's Continental Divide snaking through the area, northwest Colorado boasts some of the world's most popular ski resorts and several mountains reaching elevations of more than 13,000 feet. One of the popular resort areas, Keystone, encompasses three mountains, more than 3,000 skiable acres, two gondolas, and 20 lifts full of skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers. There's also Adventure Point, a tubing spot at the top of Dercum Mountain.

In addition to their picturesque scenery, many of the towns near Keystone feature historical attractions. The Victorian architecture in Breckenridge provides a glimpse into the town's 19th-century mining days?which you can learn more about on guided walking tours. A visit to downtown Steamboat Springs, meanwhile, feels like stepping into an Old West town. There you'll find quaint shops and restaurants housed in century-old stone buildings.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Santa Fe, NM: $70.00 for Quiet Desert Hotel near Downtown Santa Fe ($136.00 value)

Secluded Desert Hotel with a Free Shuttle to Santa Fe

The Inn At Santa Fe is situated on a quiet swathe of desert about 20 minutes southwest of the center of New Mexico?s capital. While it feels secluded, the hotel is still convenient for those heading into Santa Fe for its shopping, nightlife, and trademark adobe architecture?there?s even a free shuttle that runs to and from the city seven days a week. And if you?d rather stick around the hotel, the Fashion Outlets of Santa Fe?where you can shop at more than 20 outlet and factory stores, including Guess, Coach, and Levi?s?are just a few steps away.

Newly renovated deluxe vista rooms look out onto distant views of the Jemez Mountains, a volcanic range northwest of Santa Fe. You can also enjoy the area?s rugged beauty from the hotel?s outdoor courtyard, which contains a heated swimming pool, hot tub, and stone fire pit surrounded by wooden chairs. Each morning, the staff set out a complimentary American breakfast in the lobby with bagels and fresh fruit. And for dinner, El Caf? at the Inn at Santa Fe is open every day from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Santa Fe, New Mexico: Old West Architecture and Fiery Southwestern Cuisine

Santa Fe's vibrant mosaic of cultural influences includes pieces of Native American, Latino, and western traditions. You can get an idea of the city's varied background by visiting Santa Fe Plaza, which has served as the city center for more than 400 years. On a walk through, you'll see old buildings made of adobe, the red brick-like material that defines much of Santa Fe's architecture. Centuries of colorful southwestern artwork are also on display in the New Mexico Museum of Art, which is located in the Plaza.

Fiery chili is the signature flavor at many restaurants in Santa Fe, which earned a place on TripAdvisor's Top 10 Food & Wine Destinations in the United States in 2011. It's worth it to sign up for a walking food tour of the area, which has sprung up with popular eateries, each offering its own spin on zesty southwestern cuisine.

For more than 300 days a year, Santa Fe soaks in sunshine. Such consistently great weather, paired with New Mexico?s varied terrain, makes the region ideal for hiking and biking. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains have peaks that stand over 13,000 feet high, and they're traced with trails that wind past picturesque meadows filled with Indian paintbrush, purple lupine, and undomesticated landscape painters. From late fall to early spring, up to 300 inches of snow falls on the slopes of the mountains, which offer miles of downhill-skiing and snowboarding trails.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Crested Butte, CO: $122.00 for Boutique Lodge near Skiing in Colorado ($245.00 value)

Boutique Lodge near Skiing at Crested Butte Mountain

Crested Butte is affectionately called "Colorado's last great ski town.? The feel of the Old West is still intact here: Elk Avenue, the main drag in the downtown National Historic District, is lined with Victorian storefronts and fine-dining restaurants housed in log cabins. The Inn at Crested Butte is situated in the heart of downtown, about 2 miles south of skiing at Crested Butte Mountain.

All members of the inn's front-desk staff are longtime residents of the area, and they know the ins and outs of the mountain trails here. They can also help you arrange for lift tickets and equipment at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; the mountain opens for skiing on November 21. Guests at The Inn at Crested Butte are entitled to 20% off equipment rentals at Peak Sports, which is located at the base of the lifts.

Once you return to the inn after a day out, you can join a complimentary wine tasting that features seasonal selections handpicked by a local sommelier. Feel free to curl up by the lobby fireplace with a glass of red, or buy a bottle of white to take back to your room. "This is a great place for people who like to go out and do things, and then come back, relax, and watch the sunset," says Ken Stone, a consultant for the Inn at Crested Butte.

It?s also easy to get a nice view of the mountains at the Inn. A hot tub located on the second-story porch looks directly at the peaks. The sun-filled dining room has a front porch with great views; guests head here every morning to enjoy a hearty continental breakfast, which has a spread of fresh fruit, yogurt, and pastries.

Crested Butte, Colorado: Small Ski-Resort Town in the Rockies with Authentic Old West Charm

Crested Butte is situated at 9,000 feet in southwest Colorado's Rocky Mountains, and it?s surrounded by some lovely scenery. After a resort area was built on Crested Butte Mountain in 1961, the former coal-mining town emerged as a major ski center, particularly for extreme skiers. The mountain today has the Gold Link Terrain Park. The park is great for skiers of all levels, though?74% of its 121 trails are designated at the intermediate/beginner level.

Crested Butte's downtown area nods to its Old West roots. Victorian storefronts and art galleries line downtown Elk Avenue, and there?s a famous rum distillery that welcomes visitors year-round. For a glimpse into the town's history, head to the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum, which has an elaborate diorama that elucidates life here in the mining days of the 1920s.

Though most famous for skiing, Crested Butte is also hailed as one of the most dynamic cities in the country for mountain biking. Some even claim the sport actually began here. Located 8 miles from the hotel, Pearl Pass?the birthplace of the "fat-tire" craze?stretches for nearly 40 miles through rugged alpine terrain.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Englewood, CO: $99.00 for 4-Star Resort near Denver and Ski Slopes ($167.00 value)

Four-Star Resort Close to Denver and Ski Slopes

Fifteen miles from downtown Denver, the AAA Four Diamond?rated Inverness Hotel and Conference Center spreads out against a mountain backdrop, the jagged horizon line demarcating the Colorado Rockies. Some of America's best skiing opportunities are less than an hour away from the Inverness. A relatively short drive will bring you to Boulder and historic Georgetown, as well as Rocky Mountain National Park and the Echo Mountain, Eldora, and Loveland ski resorts.

During the warmer months, guests at the Inverness can take advantage of the expertly manicured 18-hole championship golf course. But the hotel's award-winning onsite spa stays open year-round. You can use your included $25 resort credit toward a hot-stone massage or a deep-cleansing seaweed body wrap before stepping into the hotel's indoor hot tub or steamy sauna; your resort credit cannot be used towards room rate and will only be applied to charges on guestroom folio. At night, you'll retire to a deluxe room with sweeping views of either the Rocky Mountains or the golf course.

There are five restaurants at the resort, with options ranging from pub fare and billiards at the Spotted Dog to Colorado fusion cuisine at Baca. The resort's complimentary shuttle will take guests to attractions within a 5-mile radius. You can hit the shops at the upscale Park Meadows retail resort or catch a movie at one of several theaters in the area.

Denver: Mile High City in the Rocky Mountains

Modern urban life meets the Old West in the Mile High City. Founded as a mining town in the 1850s, Colorado's capital has never quite lost its rugged frontier spirit. The proximity of the Rocky Mountains probably has a lot to do with it. The great outdoors are bound to stay near the forefront of your mind with such a spectacular reminder crowding the horizon.

If you can tear your eyes away from the scenery, though, there's a lot to see in the city. In the trendy Lower Downtown Historic District?LoDo to natives?you can take a stroll through the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver or mingle with the fashion-forward crowd filling the restaurants, boutiques, and nightclubs of Larimer Square. Downtown, the pedestrian-friendly 16th Street Mall cuts a swath through the heart of the city, past sidewalk caf?s, skyscrapers, and plazas filled with street performers.

For an outdoor adventure inside city limits, make your way to City Park, which houses the Denver Zoo as well as the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The museum?s long-standing wildlife hall features more than 90 dioramas and taxidermied animals from around the world, including the Arctic walruses and the cheetahs that once guarded Nicolas Cage's mind.

Scottsdale, AZ: $99.00 for Boutique Hotel in Downtown Scottsdale ($164.00 value)

Boutique Hotel in Downtown Scottsdale

Some neighborhoods in Scottsdale take the city?s slogan ?The West?s Most Western Town? more seriously than others. Old Town is one of them: it?s filled with western-themed boutiques, wooden boardwalks, and retro restaurants, and cowboys on horseback roam the streets, serenading passersby with live music. There?s also a thriving nightlife scene here, with bars modeled after Old West saloons and classic speakeasies. You?ll find Hotel Indigo Scottsdale within walking distance of these Old Town attractions, and only a short drive from championship golf courses and the Phoenix airport.

Despite its downtown location, the boutique hotel has a serene atmosphere. The color scheme is dominated by soft blues and greens, and there?s a giant mural of an aloe vera plant painted on the hotel?s side. There are plenty of places to relax, too, such as a patio lounge overlooking the pool and an interior bar where you can grab a cocktail.

Scottsdale, Arizona: Stucco Mansions amid Rocky Desert Landscape

Located just northeast of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale once served as ranch land where farmers grew oranges and lemons and cowboys kicked up dust in the fierce, dry heat. That era earned Scottsdale the nickname of ?The West's Most Western Town.? Today, it?s an affluent city, landscaped with lush green grass and lined with stucco mansions. In Old Town Scottsdale, you can glimpse the city?s Western roots alongside a handful of cultural sites, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Civic Center Mall, a public park shaded by mesquite trees and filled with fountains and sculptures.

Upon arriving in Scottsdale, you know you're in the desert?cacti and tumbleweeds dot the landscape, and dry shrubs and gnarled trees cover the McDowell Mountains in the distance. To get a closer look at southwestern flora, head to the Desert Botanical Garden. There, themed trails wind past huge cacti and other moisture-hoarding succulents, best seen in the cooler early-morning or twilight hours.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Scottsdale, AZ: $109.00 for Spacious Suites in Quiet Scottsdale Hotel ($218.00 value)

Spacious Suites on Historic WWII Air Base in the Heart of Scottsdale

Between 1942 and 1945, young WWII pilots took off and landed more than 600,000 times on the runways of the Thunderbird No. 2 air base, situated in the desert outside of Phoenix. Today, jet setters of a different kind frequent the historic base, which has been repurposed as the Scottsdale Municipal Airport. The base also contains the Scottsdale Thunderbird Suites, a four-story tawny stucco hotel with soaring ceilings, thick oriental rugs, and nods to the property's aviation history throughout.

Considering its proximity to the runway, each of the hotel's standard suites is rather quiet. That's because each room has been soundproofed with thick concrete walls to reduce the sound of engines and the cries of babies who want their pilot's licenses. All of the spacious suites include a living room and separate bedroom, as well as a wet bar, fridge, and microwave.

Before heading off to bed, stop by the lounge next to Silver Wings Restaurant to grab a nightcap and browse the hotel?s WWII aviation memorabilia. Among the relics are photographs of pilots and a table crafted from an aircraft rotary-cylinder-engine top. In the morning, you can fill up on fresh eggs, bacon, pastries, and coffee at the complimentary hot breakfast buffet.

Scottsdale, Arizona: Stucco Mansions amid Rocky Desert Landscape

Located just northeast of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale once served as ranch land where farmers grew oranges and lemons and cowboys kicked up dust in the fierce, dry heat. That era earned Scottsdale the nickname of ?the West's most Western town.? Today, it is an affluent city landscaped with lush green grass and lined with stucco mansions. For a glimpse of the city's Old West roots, head to Old Town Scottsdale, where wooden boardwalks and hitching posts sit in front of a retro ice-cream parlor and rustic specialty shops.

Upon arriving in Scottsdale, you know you're in the desert?cacti and tumbleweeds dot the landscape, and dry shrubs and gnarled trees cover the McDowell Mountains in the distance. To get a closer look at southwestern flora, head to the Desert Botanical Garden. There, themed trails wind past huge cacti and other moisture-hoarding succulents, best seen in the cooler early morning or twilight hours.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

South Fork, Colorado: $129.00 for Rustic Lodge at Foot of San Juan Mountains ($350.00 value)

Historical Lodge Set Against San Juan Mountains

In 1927, a boarding house was built at the base of the San Juan Mountains to shelter the area?s sawmill workers and act as a meeting place for logging barons. The building?now named The Spruce Lodge and listed on the National Register of Historic Places?looks much the same today as it did back then. Surrounded by miles of piney mountain forest, the lodge's rustic exterior belies a cozy atmosphere inside, with exposed wooden-beam ceilings, a crackling lobby fire, and newly renovated rooms.

Gleaming wood floors flank an electric fireplace in each jacuzzi suite, named after famed hot-tub architect Giuseppe Jacuzzi and furnished with one of his namesake inventions. Chalet rooms find inspiration in their alpine surroundings, with downhill skis and poles posted on knotted-pine walls. The roomy, red-roofed cabins come with fully stocked kitchens, living rooms, and private covered porches. Downstairs in the main lodge, an oxygen bar helps guests adjust to the thin mountain air with 20-minute oxygen-therapy sessions. Treatments can be customized with aromatherapy scents such as grapefruit, almond, and eucalyptus; warm cups of tea by the fire help stave off the winter chills.

South Fork, Colorado: Outdoor Activities Amid Gorgeous Scenery

The town of South Fork sits on the Rio Grande River, with lofty peaks forming a jagged backdrop. More than 250 miles of well-tended trails beckon hikers, cross-country skiers, and lapsed Eagle Scouts in pursuit of one last badge. In the winter, consistent snowfall throughout the San Juan Mountains and the nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area makes for stellar skiing. In the spring and summer, when all that snow begins to melt, guided whitewater-rafting tours take advantage of the rapids that form on the Rio Grande River.

Palm Springs, CA: $99.00 for Sumptuous 4-Star Palm Springs Spa Resort ($249.00 value)

Revamped 4-Star Resort Maintains Midcentury Glamour

In the 1960s, members of the Rat Pack could often be found sipping cocktails by the pool at Riviera Palm Springs, and Elvis Presley was known to rent out the resort for rehearsals and R & R between tours. The Riviera of today still embodies the cool, midcentury glamour of Sinatra?s heyday, but it does so through more contemporary style thanks to a recent $70 million face-lift and the hum of near-constant activity, from live jazz music to late-night DJ sessions.

A collection of three-story, Old California?style bungalows are spread out over the Riviera's 24-acre campus. Each guest room overlooks either the San Jacinto Mountains or landscaped gardens. Designed like a wheel with spokes, the resort centers on a hub containing a restaurant, a large swimming pool, and the Bikini Bar?a pool deck set beneath a hand-woven thatched hut. Day beds and cabanas outfitted with TVs and misting fans surround the pool, while sarong-clad servers deliver poolside drinks for daytime and evening cocktail parties.

The onsite SpaTerre?named one of the Best of the Best by Palm Springs Life in 2010?offers a full menu of services in a Thai-inspired oasis. Waterfalls, sparkling pools, and dramatic readings of lotion-bottle labels set the scene inside the spa?s Buddha Lounge. Here, you can enjoy several relaxing treatments, ranging from facials and massages to medical-grade body wraps and microdermabrasion.

Palm Springs, California: Desert Retreat with Architectural Treasures

Palm Springs lies on the edge of the Coachella Valley, surrounded by mountain ranges that help to create a year-round sunny climate. The perfect weather and relative proximity to Los Angeles sparked an influx of Hollywood?s elite during the 1950s and '60s. Some of the era?s most influential architects?including Albert Frey and Richard Neutra?were brought in to design homes for these celebrity getaways, thus giving the town a clean, modernist look. Much of the architecture reflects the landscape by incorporating natural resources and blending indoor and outdoor spaces.

Many of Palm Springs?s iconic buildings have been preserved and operate today as hotels, restaurants, and boutique shops as well as private residences. Be on the lookout for treasures from Hollywood?s golden era, including Dean Martin's old digs, a cement block inscribed with George Hamilton's signature, and Snuffleupagus?s winter condo.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Paris and French Countryside: $1,599.00 for French Getaway in Paris and the Countryside ($2,299.00 value)

Six-Night Trip to Paris and the French Countryside

Located 45 miles (73 km) outside of Paris, the Ch?teau d?Esclimont looks every bit the Renaissance-era palace, complete with pointed turrets, moats, and ponds spread out across 150 acres (60 hectares) of wooded grounds. Yet it was actually built a few centuries later, in the 1800s, by the aristocratic Rochefoucaulds. Inside, traditional guest rooms are fit for a king. They feature luxurious floral wallpaper, chandelier lighting, and cathedral ceilings.

Whether you embark on the six- or eight-night vacation in France from Great Value Vacations, you?ll spend a portion of your trip at the Ch?teau d?Esclimont. Its central location in the countryside near Paris makes it an ideal base for day trips. Guests are free to explore the surrounding area at your leisure via a manual-shift rental car.

Paris lures visitors with storied landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre. But the city?s lesser-known gems are equally enticing. On the Left Bank of the Seine, you?ll find the Mus?e d?Orsay, home to one of the world?s largest collections of impressionist paintings, including a number of works by Monet, Manet, and van Gogh. You can stroll through the picturesque Parc de la Villette or pop into Sainte-Chapelle for a glimpse of its famous stained-glass windows.

Farther outside the city, the 17th-century palace of Versailles is an over-the-top stunner. On guided tours, you can peek inside Marie Antoinette?s bedroom, walk down the Hall of Mirrors, and inspect the king?s Grand Apartments. Be sure to allot enough time to stroll around the palace?s famed gardens and extravagant fountains. Farther out on the grounds, the Petit Trianon?built specifically for Marie Antoinette as a retreat from stuffy palace living?is a fanciful storybook cottage filled with dainty rooms and surrounded by walking paths.

Eight-Night Trip to Paris and the French Countryside

The eight-night vacation follows a similar itinerary as the six-night version. However, travelers spend only spend three nights at the Ch?teau d?Esclimont before moving on to spend two nights at the Ch?teau Fort de Sedan, which overlooks Sedan?s historic fortress. The final three nights are spent within the City of Lights at the H?tel Jules in Paris.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Bloomington, MN: $79.00 for Water-Park Hotel by Mall of America ($159.00 value)

Family-Size Rooms Adjoining Gigantic Indoor Water Park

The Mall of America is practically its own ecosystem, with more than 500 stores, 50 restaurants, an aquarium, and a 7-acre theme park with roller coasters. The mall is just a shuttle ride away from Radisson Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America. You don't need to leave the hotel premises to keep the family occupied, though: the Radisson connects directly to the Water Park of America, and those choosing Option 2 receive four passes to the park, where they can careen down the 10th-floor body slide or wade in the wave pool.

Designed with families in mind, the Radisson's guest rooms fill a spacious floor plan with enough beds to sleep six guests. Twin bunk beds occupy a recessed alcove on one side of the deluxe king rooms, and a full-size mattress unfolds from a sofa on the other. The premier queen rooms are similarly laid out, with two queen beds in place of the deluxe king bed. Feel free to use the activity table in the center of both rooms for card games, drawings, or plans of attack on unsuspecting siblings. Or, head down to the on-site Split Rock Grille for wood-fired pizzas, housemade turkey pot pie, and a full kids' menu.

Bloomington, Minnesota: Gargantuan Mall of America and Family Fun

Although the Radisson is not directly affiliated with the Mall of America, the hotel has a free shuttle service that makes dozens of trips daily to the massive shopping center. The shuttle also can take guests to Minneapolis?St. Paul International Airport.

Aside from its famous mall, guests visit this area for the historic Fort Snelling, a 19th-century fort that still has several of its original buildings and antique cannons intact. It's located inside an expansive state park about 5 miles east of the hotel, and it hosts craft demonstrations, military drills, and cooking exhibitions performed by costumed characters.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Rome: $999.00 for Six-Night Rome City Vacation with Airfare ($1,399.00 value)

Ancient Ruins and Fabulous Food in the Eternal City

The famous Colosseum that stands in the heart of Rome was the largest ever built in the Roman Empire, once capable of seating 50,000 spectators. They came for the gladiatorial games, elaborate public spectacles wherein costumed warriors reenacted famous battles, animal hunts, and mythological dramas. On this six-night trip to Rome with included round-trip airfare from New York, you can tour the Colosseum, located just a few Metro stops away from the plush Hotel Santa Costanza. Click here for more information on the trip.

Located in the northeast quadrant of the city, the hotel is close to the city center?s attractions, such as the 18-century Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, built in 118 AD as a temple for the gods. It?s far enough away, though, to provide a quiet evening retreat. Head outside of the city and you?ll quickly wind up on the GRA, a ring-shaped highway that surrounds Rome. From there, you can easily drive to other major Italian cities, such as Florence or Naples.

The hotel?s reception desk is open 24 hours a day to help you navigate the city, plan day trips, and purchase tickets. Each morning, there?s a complimentary buffet breakfast of traditional Italian coffee, homemade cakes, pastries, and croissants, and fresh fruit. Upstairs, in classic Italian-style guest rooms, you?ll find flat-screen satellite TVs, free WiFi, and bathrooms with marble accents. There?s also an onsite bar and lounge, as well as a private inner garden that basks in the Mediterranean sunshine.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Lincoln City, OR: $89.00 for Oceanfront Rooms in Coastal Oregon ($201.00 value)

Ocean-View Rooms with Fireplaces and Nautical Decor

In the days when Japanese fishermen used blown-glass balls to float their nets, beachcombers on the Oregon coast would occasionally find the green and blue orbs washed up on shore. Today, artists in Lincoln City honor the tradition by peppering the beaches with more than 2,000 handcrafted floats between mid-October and Memorial Day. Each year, visitors and locals comb the rocky coast in search of these colorful ornaments and keep any they find. You can take part in the hunt while staying at Surftides Lincoln City; the nautical-themed hotel has direct, handicap-friendly access to the scenic beachfront.

As their names suggest, premium king and double-queen oceanfront rooms are outfitted with balconies that overlook the Pacific Ocean. Maritime-themed local artwork and artifacts are sprinkled throughout the property, including a collection of essential sailing knots, a ship in a bottle, and Blackbeard's first razor.

On Surftides? grounds, you?ll find an outdoor courtyard with crackling gas fire pits, a nice spot to warm up on a cold winter?s night. At Mist, the onsite restaurant and bar, bartenders serve signature cocktails by an open fireplace and chefs craft dishes such as lobster mac 'n' cheese, wild-mushroom pasta, and grilled halibut using fresh, local ingredients from the sea and organic farms.

Lincoln City, Oregon: Artists' Community on Rugged Pacific Coast

Situated along Oregon?s northwestern coast, Lincoln City spans 7.5 miles of picturesque public beaches where you?ll find ample surfing and whale-watching opportunities. Two inland bays, Devils Lake and Siletz Bay, provide nice spots for fishing or boating in the warmer months. About 10 miles north of Lincoln City stands Cascade Head, a towering, 270-acre headland that juts into the ocean. Year-round and seasonal trails crisscross the rugged cliffs; while hiking the paths, keep an ear out for sea lions that bark rousing sea shanties.

The center of Lincoln City's flourishing art scene lies just a short distance inland. Seaside streets are peppered with dozens of galleries and antique shops, where visitors can glimpse genuine Japanese glass floats. Grab a bite to eat at one of the town?s many seafood restaurants, which are known for their fresh catches.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Mexico: $456.00 for All-Inclusive Beach Resort in Canc?n ($1,668.00 value)

Beachfront Resort in the Heart of Canc?n's Hotel Zone

Good meals are usually hard to come by at 3:30 a.m., but for those dancing late into the night at GR Solaris Cancun, a burger and fries are just a phone call away. At this miniature beachfront village of a hotel, situated on a narrow isthmus on the Caribbean Sea, all-inclusive snacks, meals, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are available at all hours of the day. Between the live music, themed dance nights, and watersports in a crystal-blue marina, there's rarely an idle moment at GR Solaris.

The hotel?s air-conditioned deluxe rooms each connect to their own private balcony overlooking the sea, Nichupte Lagoon, or the resort?s tropical gardens. When you're hungry, head down to one of four restaurants that range from casual buffets to fine dining?eat breakfast at laid-back Cafe Solaris and dine alfresco at the tented Rosmarinus. Downstairs in the oceanfront courtyard, a large, open-air jacuzzi bubbles alongside several swimming pools. Swim-up and poolside bars serve beers and frozen cocktails for sunbathers sprawled out on comfy loungers. Grownups can kick back in an adults-only area, secure in the knowledge that little ones are happily occupied at the Mini Club, replete with jungle gyms, a kids' pool, and arts and crafts.

As the sun dips below the lagoon, the resort cranks up the volume with theme nights ranging from Mexican dancing to magic acts. For those in search of Canc?n's famous clubs, a shuttle departs nightly to some of the city's most vibrant hot spots.

Canc?n: Cool White Sands and Mayan Relics

Located on a barrier island shaped like the number 7, Canc?n's hotel zone juts into the Caribbean Sea at the northeast tip of Mexico's Yucat?n Peninsula. With the sea on one side and freshwater lagoons on the other, it's a popular spot for sailing and snorkeling. Although the beaches and barrier reefs are a major draw, the geography is equally enticing further inland, where you can dive into an underground river or take a speedboat through a mangrove jungle.

Canc?n pulls in millions of visitors each year, so escaping the crowds and the party atmosphere isn't always easy, but a visit to Playa Delfines offers a chance for sunbathing in relative seclusion. Resorts have yet to encroach upon the stretch of sand, and it's especially popular with surfers.

The stone columns of the El Rey ruins, an ancient Mayan site dating back to the second and third centuries BCE, lie within the city?s hotel zone. Believed to be a royal burial ground, the archaeological site is also home to wild iguanas that lounge in the sun and read Tom Clancy novels. For a Mayan-themed day trip, take a 1.5-hour drive from Canc?n down the coast to Tulum, a pre-Columbian walled city located on a bluff overlooking the sea?one of the Yucat?n Peninsula's most visited Mayan ruins. The Mayan city of Chich?n Itz?, chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, is only a 2.5-hour drive from Canc?n.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Dallas: $68.00 for Spacious Rooms near Dallas Attractions ($129.00 value)

Luxurious Hotel near Airport and Several Family-Friendly Dallas Attractions

Less than 10 miles from Baymont Inn & Suites Dallas/Love Field, the Dallas World Aquarium occupies a three-story structure that served as a warehouse in the 1920s. It's come a long way since then. Today, the building houses a rainforest habitat and a Mayan exhibit complete with a 400,000-gallon cenote, where you can walk through a clear-paneled tunnel and see sharks swimming overhead. The hotel is also close to the Love Field Airport and the famous Galleria shopping complex, home to more than 200 stores and an indoor ice-skating rink.

In addition to its convenient location, Baymont Inn & Suites offers a host of comfortable amenities. Spacious guest rooms are outfitted with one king, one queen, or two queen beds and a 32-inch flat-screen TV. Visit the hotel's indoor pool and hot tub to relax or stage a small-scale adaptation of 20,0000 Leagues Under the Sea. In the morning, you'll be treated to a complimentary hot breakfast with eggs and coffee. There are also several dining options near the hotel, ranging from popular chain restaurants to Zagat-rated steak houses.

Dallas: Historical Parks and Rejuvenated Urban Districts in North Texas

Though many people know Dallas for the massive Cowboys Stadium (which is actually in Arlington), the city is also an enclave of arts and nature, overflowing with botanical gardens, art galleries, and live theater. Historical Main Street connects many of the city?s recently rejuvenated urban districts as well as the popular Main Street Garden, a block-long public park surrounded by architecturally significant buildings. Locals come here to picnic on the expansive lawn or watch a movie under the moonlight in the summer and fall.

A short walk from downtown Dallas, you?ll find horse-drawn carriages clopping along brick streets in the city's historic West End district, which dates back to the 19th century. This part of the city also contains Dealey Plaza, where President Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963. At The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, housed in the former Texas School Book Depository, you can visit the spot where Lee Harvey Oswald is believed to have shot at Kennedy?s presidential motorcade.

Joggers and bikers can zip through the fashionable Turtle Creek neighborhood, located about 4 miles west of downtown, via the Katy Trail,which follows an old interstate railroad. Back near downtown Dallas, the 277-acre Fair Park houses North America's largest ferris wheel, seven museums, and four performing-arts centers, many located in art-deco buildings built for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

San Antonio: $77.00 for Historic Hotel near San Antonio River Walk ($149.00 value)

Historic Hotel near the Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk

Many of the guest rooms at Crockett Hotel look out onto the Alamo?the historic landmark sits just across the street in a tree-lined plaza in downtown San Antonio. The hotel itself is located on the site of a legendary battle led by Davy Crockett in 1836?he and a small band of Texas settlers defended the Alamo against Santa Anna?s forces for 13 days during the Texas Revolution. Today, you can tour the Alamo and other historic buildings in Alamo Plaza free of charge.

The San Antonio River Walk is also within easy walking distance of the hotel. This 2.5-mile stretch of the San Antonio River is lined with shops, restaurants, and museums, all accessible from stone pathways that are restricted to pedestrians and bears riding unicycles.

Originally built in 1909, Crockett Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Subsequent renovations have helped to preserve its original charm while adding modern touches such as free WiFi in all guest rooms and an outdoor pool shaded by palm trees. Before heading out to explore the city, stop by the hotel?s atrium lobby for a free continental breakfast with pastries, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit.

San Antonio, Texas: Historic Missions near Picturesque River Walk

In the late 1920s, architect Robert H. H. Hugman designed an urban park around the San Antonio River?a space he envisioned as an American version of Venice where people could shop and dine along the waterfront. Completed in 1941, the 2.5-mile river walk still serves as a vital artery in the heart of San Antonio as it wends its way past caf?s, hotels, bars, and shops.

Located one story below street level, the waterway is flanked on either side by stone pathways, quiet waterfalls, and towering cypress trees. The winding river-walk path reveals little surprises along the way, such as picturesque restaurants, public art installations, and cardboard cutouts of Davy Crockett. A new extension connects the river walk to the four-story San Antonio Museum of Art, where you'll find more than 25,000 sculptures and paintings that range from Roman antiquities to contemporary art.

Also neighboring the river walk is the Alamo. Thanks to the 1836 battle that made it a symbol of Texas independence, the Alamo has become the most visited tourist site in the state. It's actually one of five historic Spanish missions clustered around the San Antonio River. The largest, Mission San Jos?, lies just 5 miles south of downtown. Its famed rose window is once again on display following an extensive renovation.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Long Beach, CA: $89.00 for Posh Hilton in Long Beach ($249.00 value)

Luxurious Hilton near Downtown Long Beach

Just five minutes from the posh Hilton Long Beach & Executive Meeting Center, you?ll find the enormous Aquarium of the Pacific, where more than 10,000 exotic and endangered animals live in a facility that?s one of the largest of its kind in the United States. There are habitats mimicking the Pacific Northwest, the sultry Baja peninsula, and a lorikeet forest. Situated in downtown Long Beach, the aquarium stands near several other entertainment options, including art galleries and a World War II ocean liner that offers haunted tours?not to mention that Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Los Angeles are all less than an hour away.

Back in the Hilton's guest rooms, the tone is one of understated sophistication. Beds feature plush, button-back headboards and signature Serta Sweet Dreams mattresses. Each room is outfitted with a flat-screen TV and MP3 docking station to keep you entertained. The hotel?s elegant Ascari Ristorante welcomes diners with soft lighting and warm tones. The restaurant serves both buffet and ? la carte items. Quick appetizers include flatbread and hummus ($10), fried calamari ($10), and pan-seared crab cakes ($14).

If you're looking to unwind, there's a heated outdoor pool at the hotel, and the beach is just half a mile away. For all its luxurious amenities, the hotel is also ideal for business travelers. It's located near Long Beach's World Trade Center and offers fax and photocopy services as well as audio-visual equipment rentals onsite.

Long Beach, California: Outdoors, Arts, and Architectural Oddities

Less than an hour from tourist-clogged Hollywood and Disneyland, Long Beach offers a quieter experience distinguished by family-friendly attractions, art museums, and eclectic architecture. In the East Village Arts District downtown, independent playhouses and art galleries line the streets. This is the setting of an art walk held one Saturday a month, when galleries, boutiques, and caf?s stay open late and local artists display original works.

Long Beach's architecture has its own distinctive appeal. Geometry buffs may marvel at the distinctive Walter Pyramid sports arena, as well as the aptly named Skinny House at 708 Gladys Avenue, an extremely narrow structure?only 10 feet wide?reportedly built on a bet.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: $299.00 for All-Inclusive Resort in Dominican Republic ($870.00 value)

All-Inclusive Oceanfront Resort with 12 Pools

If you grow tired of a certain pool at the all-inclusive The Tropical at Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort, no matter. There are 11 others to swim in, each with slightly different features ranging from palm-tree-speckled islands to gradual entry designed to mimic a beach. The resort is situated along a 1.5-mile stretch of Cofresi Beach on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. You can spend your days lounging in the breezy beachfront cabanas or riding atop or beneath the waves with free snorkeling equipment, boogie boards, and kayaks.

Mediterranean influences can be found throughout the sprawling property. Cobblestone walkways wind between three-story buildings with spanish-tiled roofs and grand, curved staircases. With the all-inclusive package, you?ll have your pick of two buffet restaurants and nine specialty restaurants with cuisine that varies from Italian to Asian fusion to authentic Dominican. Several of the 14 onsite bars specialize in crafting cocktails with a certain spirit, such as rum or whiskey.

The hotel?s Los Mangos executive golf course has nine holes spread out over lush greens jutting out over the sea. Basketball, tennis, and beach-volleyball courts are also sprinkled across the grounds. Come nightfall, you can party at the onsite Vibe and Ice nightclubs (drinks not included), or opt for entertainment at one the hotel?s two theaters?Colosseum and Lights, Camera, Action.

This Groupon includes all meals and drinks at select onsite locations and covers beer, spirits, house wine with meals, juices, and soft drinks.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: Waterfalls, Beaches, and Centuries-Old Historical Sites

Situated on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata is best known for its sun-kissed beaches. But the province has several breathtaking geographical features inland as well. Damajagua is a natural water park of sorts?it features 27 waterfalls flowing from limestone rock formations. Tour guides lead groups up and back through the falls, and you can swim and occasionally slide down the natural water slides.

You can also get an aerial view of Puerto Plata and the Caribbean Sea on a telef?rico, or cable car. One of them in particular climbs 2,565 feet to the apex of Mount Isabel de Torres, which is crowned with blooming botanical gardens and a replica of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer, a massive open-armed statue.

It's also worth it to take a scenic drive to Parque Hist?rico La Isabela, where you'll find the remains of a church as well as ruins of a colonial village where Columbus routinely woke his neighbors by blasting the Santa Maria's foghorn.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Java Center, NY: $1,617.00 for One-Week Weight-Loss Program in Niagara Region ($2,695.00 value)

Award-Winning Weight-Loss Program in New York?s Niagara Region

Since 2004, tens of millions of viewers have tuned into the hit reality show The Biggest Loser to watch contestants shed pounds and revamp their eating habits during an intense weight-loss competition. Season winners invariably emerge 100-150 pound lighter, with a complete reshaped physique. The show?s focus on committing to strict exercise and nutritional regimens is also at the core of The Biggest Loser Resort Niagara, which as of May 2012 became the newest member of the brand's award-winning weight-loss resorts.

The Niagara campus follows the same results-driven weight-loss model as the other Biggest Loser Resorts, incorporating exercise, healthy meals, and lifestyle seminars into an action-packed daily schedule. The year-round facility features a state-of-the-art fitness village as well as a new indoor aquatic center. Certified personal trainers jump-start mornings with hikes through the resort's 300-acre property, which features a private woodland lake. This unique location allows guests to add seasonal activities?including catch-and-release fishing and cross-country skiing?to their workout regimens. For lunch and dinner, they can celebrate a productive day with chef-created, low-calorie meals such as organic vegetable omelets and turkey-and-avocado wraps. Breakfast helps provide energy for additional exercises throughout the day, which may include water aerobics, kickboxing, or yoga.

In between workouts, groups attend lectures on weight training and nutrition education, including food-label reading and body-workout recovery. The full-service, onsite Spa Alexis at Niagara rewards guests with massages, facials, and salon treatments (not included with this Groupon).

One of the hallmarks of the program is a supportive team environment, as each person encourages other members of the team to push farther than they thought they could go. At the end of the week, trainers record each guest's weight and measurements, and note their progress. But the program doesn?t necessary have to end there, as the experience should help guests stick with a healthier lifestyle long after their stay.

Salt Lake City: $59.00 for Convenient Hotel near Downtown Salt Lake City ($114.00 value)

Top Reasons to Stay at Comfort Inn Salt Lake City Airport

• The hotel is conveniently situated less than 10 miles from downtown Salt Lake City and the famous Salt Lake Temple. Take a day trip to one of the city's ski resorts to take advantage of the area's abundant snowfalls.
• At Cedar Creek Grill & Bar, you can pair wine and steaks before a crackling fireplace.
• In the morning, a complimentary full breakfast includes belgian waffles, eggs, and biscuits and gravy.
• Monday through Thursday, the hotel hosts a meet-and-greet reception with complimentary appetizers.
• Guest rooms are equipped with 32-inch flat-screen TVs and high-speed Internet.

Salt Lake City: Mormon Heritage, Skiing, and the Great Salt Lake

Circled by mountains on every side, Utah's capital city occupies a fertile valley that draws visitors each year looking to play in the great outdoors. Skiing is of course one of the most popular pastimes. Thanks to the nearly 500 inches of snow the area receives annually, several year-round resorts offer access to slopes suitable for skiers of all skill levels. Northwest of the city lies the Great Salt Lake?the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.

Those interested in the origins of the city or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints can check out the Church History Museum, home to a large collection of Mormon art and artifacts. If you?re looking to research your own genealogy, visit the Family History Library and search through a large database with the help of professional staffers and trained volunteers. The library is open to the general public for no charge. Before leaving town, don?t forget to take a tranquil stroll through the Temple Square gardens surrounding the iconic Salt Lake Temple.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Napa Valley: $395.00 for Country Inn Nestled in Napa Valley ($980.00 value)

Boutique Hotel Surrounded by Napa Valley Wineries

Located on a meandering country lane near the town of St. Helena, the Wine Country Inn & Gardens is a charming retreat in the heart of California?s most renowned wine region. There are no less than 50 wineries and 15 restaurants located within a 5-mile radius of the hotel, making it an ideal base for Napa Valley excursions. Included with this getaway are brownies, a bottle of cabernet, and 12 tasting passes valid at nearby wineries.

A stroll through the property?s olive orchards and past the gardens leads to a secluded jacuzzi and heated outdoor pool. Back at the hotel, you?ll return to find your queen-size guest bed turned down with a sprinkling of rose petals covering the bedspread. The innkeepers host a daily afternoon social with complimentary wine and appetizers from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the common room. Thursday through Sunday nights, a complimentary hotel shuttle transports guests to nearby restaurants for dinner.

Most queen rooms feature fireplaces and vineyard views. Each morning, a complimentary breakfast buffet awaits. The innkeeper maintains a flock of more than 100 chickens as well as a quarter acre of fruit and vegetable gardens, so each meal's ingredients are truly fresh. The spread usually includes fresh fruit, homemade breads, an egg dish, homemade granola, and entrees from the bagel bar and waffle station.

Napa, California: Sprawling Vineyards and Farm-to-Table Dining

Located about a one-hour drive north of San Francisco, Napa Valley?a region that runs from Napa in the south to Calistoga in the north?is California's capital of all things grape. The valley's rolling hills are dotted with more than 400 family-owned vineyards, where oak barrels age vintage nectars and visitors are invited to stop, taste, and sniff private-label wines. Vineyards range from St. Helena?s popular Quintessa estate, a 280-acre property specializing in cabernet sauvignon, to lesser-known wineries such as Heibel Ranch Vineyards, which you can tour on the back of a 1963 Jeep. Although some wineries welcome drop-by tastings, your best bet is to make appointments ahead of time.

The valley's culinary scene has also risen to prominence, with chefs such as Thomas Keller spearheading a haute cuisine movement. The charming main streets of Yountville and St. Helena are studded with gourmet restaurants praised for their sustainable practices and fresh, farm-to-table cuisine. If you?re tired of sipping wine all day, grab a wheat beer or a pale ale at one of the dozens of local breweries.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Costa Rica?s Pacific Coast: $399.00 for Hilltop Resort in Costa Rica with Private Beach ($804.00 value)

Top Reasons to Visit 4-Star Zephyr Palace & Villa Caletas

• The hilltop resort, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean and lush Costa Rican rainforests, was named one of Central America?s top five hotels by Cond? Nast Traveler?s Readers? Choice Awards.
• Guests can reach the resort?s private, volcanic beach by following a well-marked rainforest trail with the chance to see white-faced monkeys and toucans along the way.
• Suites and villas have private terraces with rainforest or partial ocean views.
• You can taste local seafood dishes at the two onsite eateries, Mirador Restaurant and Anfiteatro Restaurant, both of which have great views of the surrounding landscape.
• The onsite Serenity Spa uses local, organic products in its massages, body treatments, and facials.
• A quick 10-minute drive will get you to Jac?, a coastal town known for its nightlife and scenic beaches.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica: Scarlet Macaws and Surfing in Popular Ecotourism Getaway

Located along the Pacific coastline, Puntarenas is Costa Rica?s largest province, extending more than 500 miles from the Panama-Costa Rica border up to the Gulf of Nicoya. In Puntarenas, you?re never far from beaches, national parks, and nature reserves, making the area a popular ecotourism spot. The beachside town of Jac? attracts surfers from all over the globe with consistently big waves and good breaks. Just a few miles inland, Carara National Park, an 11,600-acre nature reserve, is home to crocodiles, two-toed sloths, and hundreds of scarlet macaws?a rare sight in most parts of the country.

About 60 miles northeast of Jac? lies the Costa Rican capital of San Jos?, a bustling cultural hub filled with open-air artisan markets and street vendors selling tamales and pupusas (stuffed flatbread). Wandering the streets here you'll see a confluence of architecture styles?part Spanish, part Moorish?and some of the older neighborhoods still have homes made out of wood and adobe.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Coastal Washington: $219.00 for Rustic Northwestern Resort Overlooking Pacific ($381.00 value)

Top Six Reasons to Stay at Ocean Crest Resort

• Ocean Crest Resort is perched high atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific coast. You get sweeping views of the sea in ocean-view rooms as you indulge in complimentary chocolates and sparkling wine.
• The property is tucked amid pine trees in a remote part of northwest Washington, just outside Olympic National Park.
• The Curtright family has owned the resort for three generations and once called it home; they aim to make guests feel warm and welcomed.
• There's a relaxed feel to the pool area; natural light streams in from overhead windows.
• You can reserve a spot at the onsite spa for relaxing therapies ranging from chair massages to hot-stone and deep-tissue massages.
• Guests can use the fully furnished exercise room on Sunday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sign up for an Aquacize class; please note the last hour of each day is adult swim only.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Puerto Plata, Dominican

Source: http://kansascityonthecheap.com/2012/11/vacations-on-the-cheap-10/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vacations-on-the-cheap-10

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