Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Spring Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: a free gasoline card with hotel booking, a Memorial Day cruise sale and discounts on pre-summer hotel reservations.

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Budget travelers aren't always the first in line for a free airline upgrade.

After all, we don't always pay full price or fly hundreds of thousands of miles each year. The free upgrades usually go to people who have spent a lot of money and demonstrated loyalty to the airline.

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Millions of visitors arrive in Las Vegas each year with little understanding of the city. The mistakes that spring from this lack of knowledge can lead to overspending.

It's very easy to spend far too much for show tickets, hotel rooms and entertainment.

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Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Spring Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: discounts on the Paris Pass as well as sales on stays in Las Vegas and at all-inclusive resorts.

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Big cities are distinctive, and those differences make them worth visiting. But you'll also find some similarities that can become predictable and money-saving. For example, big cities frequently better mass transit and more competitive pricing on airfares. Take a look at a step by step approach to saving money on urban travel. Don't get lost in a big city's high prices. Learn ways to make every city an affordable destination.

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Useful travel writing does more than describe mountain grandeur and appealing cities. It provides the details necessary to formulate a solid itinerary.

Guides across the About.com travel channel are dedicated to providing that kind of content. Every day, they post stories focused on information upon which you can take action.

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Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Spring Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: discounts on rail passes for Europe, an on-board cruise savings book and a sale on all-inclusive beach resort stays.

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Spirit Airlines got lots of attention this week.

The low-cost airline announced new carry-on baggage fees that are effective Nov. 6. The charge for stowing a carry-on bag in an overhead bin will climb to $100 when arranged at the gate. That's more than double the $45 Spirit currently charges for carry-on bags, and double the $50 checked baggage fee. Spirit was the first to charge a carry-on fee, and Allegiant has since followed.

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Extended stay hotels are not all that common in Europe. Major chain extended stay hotels are even less abundant.

So Residence Inn's foray into two European markets -- a first for the extended stay brand in Europe -- is interesting news. Properties in Munich, Germany and Edinburgh, Scotland are now open.

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Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Spring Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: a cruise sale, a discount on park-hopping passes at Disneyland and sale prices on adventure travel in Africa.

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So much of the budget travel experience involves getting the most for all the money you spend on airfares, hotels and other necessities. Once you arrive and that day for exploring is at hand, you must maximize your travel investment. One of the best ways to do that is to arrange a walking tour.

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For years, airlines have charged more money for the best seats, non-stop flights and preferred travel times. But tough times in the airline industry seemed to usher in a host of new fees for services previously included in the ticket price. None of these fees is popular, but the checked baggage charge most frequently draws the ire of budget travelers.

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Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Spring Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: savings on vacation packages to the Bahamas, last-minute deals from Expedia and a $50 gift card with three consecutive stays from Best Western.

If you dream of visiting the great cities of Europe, there are ways to make that trip a reality, even on a fairly tight budget.

If you'd like to visit this lovely scene on the Adriatic coast of Croatia or some other destination in the heart of the continent, start planning. Or maybe you'd love to experience springtime in Paris.

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If you can manage a getaway later this month, you'll save money on admissions to U.S. national parks. All 397 locations in the system will be offering guests free admission, although you'll still have to pay for some park services such as campsites or tours.

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Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Spring Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: discounts on European cruise bookings, a sale on summer Disney resort stays and group travel discounts with Rail Europe.

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Do you understand the basic strategies of using Priceline to snag a hotel bargain?

Finding that perfect room and location isn't exactly rocket science, but those who book the best deals follow a trusted pattern of bidding and re-bidding. They operate within Priceline's rules rather than trying to fight the process.

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Into most budget trips, a little rain must fall. What if the bad weather continues for hours or days?

You've spent time and money to reach a destination, and you don't want to allow bad weather to wash out those investments. Take a moment and think through some rainy day budget travel tips.

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Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Spring Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: A big discount on stays at a major Bahamian resort, late-season ski deals in British Columbia and lower rates on luxury hotels around the world.

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How nice is it when you approach the front desk of your hotel and hear these words: "We're upgrading you tonight!"

Much like a free airline upgrade, there is no sure way to make this happen. There is no magic checklist that will produce a better room at the lower price you originally intended to pay. Frankly, most requests for an upgrade are likely to be dismissed. But this is one of those things that fits into the "it never hurts to ask" category. Why not give it a try?

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London is one of the world's favorite travel destinations. Without question, 2012 will be a banner year for visits to the city. The Royal Diamond Jubilee events and the summer Olympic Games will attract attention in every nation.

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Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Spring Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: A hotel sale for Costa Rica, family-friendly offers for Caribbean resorts, and an off-season sale on airfares to Europe.

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Want to make a potentially expensive trip affordable? Many times, the first focus is on airfares.

One way to bring air travel costs down is by earning frequent-flier miles through everyday purchases with airline credit cards. You'll find they are not all precisely the same. Benefits and potential costs might be similar, but it takes careful shopping to determine which one fits best with your spending patterns and travel needs.

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Voting for the 2012 Readers' Choice Awards from About.com is in the books and verified. It's time to reveal the winners you selected in three categories near-and-dear to budget travelers.

We asked you to choose a favorite frequent-flier program from among four finalists that readers nominated earlier this year. We also asked you to pick a favorite U.S. budget airline from among four finalists, as well as a favorite budget airline based outside the United States from among three finalists.

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Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Spring Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: a 2-for-1 deal on Swiss rail passes, half-price Entertainment Books and spring hotel discounts in New York City.

Hotel charges can spoil the pleasure of finding a nice room rate. Many budget travelers have become adept at using the Internet to snag such bargains. Unfortunately, your vigilance can't end there.

Hotel charges can add up to lots potential budget problems for you. These days, something as simple as cracking open the cap on some bottled water can be an expensive mistake. Take a look at some hotel room no-nos.

Would you make an overnight stay in an airport terminal part of your budget travel strategy?

It's not something I can heartily recommend. In fact, there are places and situations where it could be dangerous. If you're like me, you'll have a hard time getting restful sleep in a bright, noisy terminal where comfortable options might be limited.

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Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Winter Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: discounts for Paris attractions and European hotels, and offers for Caribbean beach resorts.

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With gasoline prices moving upward, budget travelers want value for every gallon purchased. Have you considered a scenic drive?

Because you have to spend so much at the pump, these scenic drives should be free!

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Many North Americans think about South American travel in terms of Brazil, Argentina or Peru. They look at the cost of air travel and cross South America off their wish lists.

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Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Winter Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: spring break discounts from BedandBreakfast.com, Carnival cruise deals and March vacation getaways with JetBlue.

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It's not exactly the stuff of gold statuettes and red carpets, but the Better Business Bureau has released its Top 10 Scam Awards for 2011. At No. 1 is a phishing scam that targets small business owners. An email arrives announcing someone has filed a complaint against you with the BBB. Click on the links or attachments in this email and you'll download malware "that finds your bank information and transfers money."

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If a trip to Europe is a special occasion for you, why would you want to have that experience in the off-season? Costs can be lower at such a time -- sometimes significantly lower.

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Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Winter Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: Los Angeles discounts, a sale on trips to spring training venues and a deal on tickets for Las Vegas Blue Man Group performances.

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You may vote once every 24 hours until the voting phase closes March 21.

Read more about all the budget travel finalists:

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You may vote once every 24 hours until the voting phase closes March 21.

Read more about all the budget travel finalists:

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You may vote once every 24 hours until the voting phase closes March 21.

Read more about all the budget travel finalists:

Read Full Post

Here's the latest list of 10 travel deals for this week. Many of these links lead to offers with a very limited shelf life, so if you're interested, act quickly. But don't act so quickly that you miss the fine print. Winter Travel Deals aren't quite so fleeting, and are also worth a look. Among this week's deals: airfare sales for South America and Turkey, as well as discounts on cruises and vacation packages for the Caribbean.

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I have heard of people who want to visit every U.S. state or every country on a given continent. But there are also people content to visit the closest theme park and enjoy a nice day with the family.

There is nothing wrong with either plan.

Theme parks such as Six Flags are like every other destination in that you can easily pay too much for entertainment and food. You can spend too much time standing in line, too.

It's possible to cut back on the ticket line times -- and the prices you'll pay for admission -- by ordering your Six Flags admissions online from home before you depart for the park.

More about Savings at Six Flags

I have heard of people who want to visit every U.S. state or every country on a given continent. But there are also people content to visit the closest theme park and enjoy a nice day with the family.

There is nothing wrong with either plan.

Theme parks such as Six Flags are like every other destination in that you can easily pay too much for entertainment and food. You can spend too much time standing in line, too.

It's possible to cut back on the ticket line times -- and the prices you'll pay for admission -- by ordering your Six Flags admissions online from home before you depart for the park.

More about Savings at Six Flags