Better still, a number of major carriers are celebrating new routes to hot Caribbean locales with killer fares. From unstoppable rates to Colombia’s sexy seaside city, to the first-ever direct flights to Martinique, here are the season’s best new ways to save.

Delta: NYC’s Laguardia to Bermuda
In April 2013, Delta debuted daily flights to Bermuda out of LaGuardia. With flight times under 2.5 hours each way, Delta’s new, year-round service may just be the best thing to happen to Queens since the 7 train. Rates from: $215 round-trip

AirTran: Chicago’s Midway International to Jamaica
Chicago winters are the stuff of legend. For Midwesterners in need of a quick dose of vitamin D, AirTran recently launched non-stop service from Chicago to Montego Bay, Jamaica. The new flights operate four days per week, making them ideal for weekend trips. Rates from: $370 round-trip

American Airlines: Miami to Martinique
Located just 150 miles from Barbados, Martinique might seem like a French secret on par with good rosé and aging gracefully. But, with American Airlines’ launch of weekly direct flights from MIA to Martinique’s Aimé Césaire airport, the Gallic isle has never been easier to reach from the mainland United States. Bon voyage. Rates from: $700 round-trip.

JetBlue: NYC’s John F. Kennedy to Cartagena
So, Colombia isn’t technically part of the Caribbean, but Cartagena, its UNESCO-approved historic port, has miles of Caribbean coastline. In late 2012, JetBlue inaugurated direct flights from JFK airport, giving New Yorkers easy access to Colombian beaches. Rates from: $300 round-trip

Seaborne: San Juan, Puerto Rico to Dominica, Martinique, and Guadaloupe
Granted, if San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín airport is your home base, you might not need quite as much warm weather relief as your New York- and Chicago-based brethren. Still, Seaborne’s new routes are pretty big news. As of April 2013, the USVI-based carrier now runs direct flights to Dominica, Martinique, and Guadaloupe. Rates from: $200 round-trip

Want to get started planning your next trip to one of these awesome destinations? Start here!

Have you flown any of these new routes? How was it?

Enjoy a luxurious desert retreat at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, located northwest of Tuscon, Arizona. Stay at this 5-star resort for as little as $199 per night this summer, and receive a $50 daily credit to be used at Dove Mountain’s spa, voted #1 in Arizona by Condé Nast Traveler, and #3 in the country. Use the promo code 8SZ when booking; this “Summer Returns” package is valid for most Sundays–Wednesdays from now through September 9. This Sonoran Desert resort also features a 27-hole golf course, Pilates, yoga, and three swimming pools.

In Palm Springs, California, famous for its plethora of spas, you can stay at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa for only $99 per night. Book by May 20, and take advantage of low summer rates at this 4-star hotel for select dates from July through September. Enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments, plus a spa tub, steam room, and more relaxing amenities.

Take a trip to Cancun and unwind at the beachfront Westin Resort & Spa Cancun for as little as $95 per night in June. Stay right on the resort’s private beach, lounge at one of four outdoor pools, then indulge in a treatment at the on-site spa. This 4-star resort also features tennis, golf, water sports, and an upscale fitness center.

If you can handle the heat of Las Vegas in the summer, then you could save big at the 4-star South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, just minutes away from the glittering lights of the Vegas strip. Rooms start at an incredible $49 per night from May through October when you stay midweek, meaning you’ll have some money leftover to spend at the on-site spa and salon, which offer massages, facials, manicures, and more. The upscale hotel also has a casino, a 16-screen movie theater, and 12 restaurants.

Relax: A rejuvenating spa vacation is just around the corner.

Puerto Rico: Officially, this island group is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean. But for anyone who has traveled there, they’ll tell you that it’s absolutely nothing like the mainland. PR is one of America’s most precious gems. For the most part, the original culture remains intact; Spanish is the primary language, locals live on island time, and the architecture oozes with history. There’s a sense of adventure here that doesn’t exist in mainland beach communities, and I dare you to find a place as gorgeous as Culebra within the contiguous 48 states.

St. John: As the smallest and least populated of the U.S. Virgin Islands, this guy is oft overlooked. True, accessing it requires a small amount of planning, as you’ll need to fly into neighboring St. Thomas and then take a quick ferry over to St. John, but it’s well worth the effort. Approximately 60 percent of the island is protected as Virgin Islands National Park, which is one of the most infrequently visited parks in the entire system. What you’ll find are pristine, untouched beaches that are shielded by the Department of the Interior, and plenty of Caribbean flair in the local hotels and eateries.

Key West: Arguably, this is the easiest of the three recommendations to access. Daily flights from the southeast will put you into Key West, which is known by locals as the Conch Republic. You’re seemingly millions of miles from even mainland Florida, and outside of how easy it is to rent a car, use your mobile phone, complete transactions and interact with the locals, you’ll forget that you’re actually in the United States. If you want to feel even further from the grid, hop a ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park. It’s nearly 70 miles west of Key West, and if you’re trying to check each national park off of your bucket list, this is one that very few people will be able to match you on.

Have any favorite passport-free islands that aren’t listed here? Tell us about them in the comments below!

Out west, relax in luxury at the AAA Five-Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for only $125 per night from May through September, saving you up to 45 percent on high season rates at the same hotel. This upscale hotspot, located in Arizona’s popular resort town, features five swimming pools, a luxurious spa, a golf course, and tennis courts, so you’ll never need to leave in order to reap the full relaxing benefits of your Southwest summer vacation.

What about a trip to the Big Apple? You can stay at the Seton Hotel, a boutique property in Manhattan’s Murray Hill, for as little as $144 per night – an incredible rate for a hotel during New York City’s high season. Just book up to 30 days in advance for travel from June through September, and use the promo code ADVP.

Or, travel to Chicago, which can hardly be called the “Windy City” during summertime, and stay at the Central Loop Hotel, a downtown boutique hotel, for $143 per night, now through July. Use the promo code 10M5JL when booking.

For a beach vacation, lay out  in Miami, and receive unlimited golf at the Turnberry Isle Miami. Can you say “best of both worlds?” Use the promo code NCL for rates from $259 per night at this upscale resort.

Or, escape to sunny Los Angeles and stay at the 5-star Terranea Resort for $245 per night. Use the promo code DH13S1 for this Countdown to Summer special, and enjoy this luxurious oceanfront property while saving 30 percent.

Don’t fret about where you’re going this summer – let us do the work, and choose from these great hotel deals across the country for your next trip.

Wife Carrying World Championships, Finland

No one is quite sure how wife carrying became a sport, but Finland’s Wife Carrying World Championships, now in its 18th year, have proven to be so popular that similar competitions have popped up in the U.K. and the U.S. The concept seems straight-forward: The male competitor must carry his female teammate from one point to another. Sound easy? It’s not: the course is riddled with obstacles, from fences to water hazards. According to the official rules, the wife may be, “your own, the neighbor’s, or you may have found her further afield,” but most importantly, each contestant “must enjoy themselves.” There’s also plenty of music, brews, and activities to be enjoyed. If you and your partner feel like you need a stiff drink afterwards, you’re in luck. The grand prize is the winning wife’s weight in beer. July 5-6

The Boryeong Mud Festival, South Korea

What originally began as a means to promote the small South Korean town’s mud cosmetics has evolved into a filthy, fun festival. Set along the mineral-rich Daecheon beach, the Boryeong Mud Festival lets guests swim, relax, and let loose. Now in its 16th year, the nine-day celebration draws as many as two million visitors, all of whom are eager to lather up in grey goop. Visitors have plenty of dirty activities to choose from, such as mud races, mud wrestling, mud facials, and the always-popular Mr. Mud competition. Those to wish to keep clean (or as clean as possible) can enjoy pop and hip-hop musical acts, pottery and soap making demonstrations, firework displays, and more. But don’t try too hard to stay spotless – you might get thrown into “mud prison.” July 19-28

World Bodypainting Festival, Austria

This isn’t your typical animal face and butterfly bodypainting you see at kid’s birthday parties. The World Bodypainting Festival gathers the best of the best. Artists from over 40 countries will compete for awards in body and face painting, special effects make-up, UV effects, and more. The competitors use faces and torsos as canvases to create their works of art. Art-lovers can get their fill at the various exhibitions, plus purchase pieces at the market, take part in over 50 workshops and demos, or attend the Body Circus – a party where guests dress in surreal costumes that combine body paint, masks, extreme make-up, and fantasy fashion. July 1-7

Haro Wine Festival, Spain

Unless you’re a Real Housewife, throwing wine at friends and family members is generally discouraged. But, not at the Haro Wine Festival, also known as the Wine Fight, where visitors follow a procession to the Cliffs of Bilibio, carrying jugs, bottles, water guns, and all types of containers filled with red wine – then proceed to douse each other. Tourists and locals wear white shirts, and return to town soaked purple. Though the actual fight lasts only a few hours, the Wine Festival is a three-day affair. Festivities begin as early as 7am and lasts through the night, when drenched visitors return to town to dance, celebrate, and watch bull fights in the local bullring. June 27-29

The Twins Day Festival, Twinsburg, Ohio

This festival has a specific requirement – attendees must be a twin, or a multiple. The largest gathering of twins and multiples in the world, The Twins Day Festival hosts twin contests, golf outings, a 5K and fun run, a talent show, and more. While most events are open to the public, certain ones are only open to twins, multiples, and their families, like the Welcome Wiener Roast. This year’s theme is “Twice Upon a Time.” While no promises are made, the festival has given some of its visitors their happy endings: A pair of identical brothers met a pair of identical sisters at the event, got married, and had twins of their own. August 2-4

The Monkey Buffet Festival, Thailand

Over 3,000 macaque monkeys call the small village of Lopburi – which translates to “monkey town” – home, and once a year they are treated to a feast fit for King Kong. Locals fill the streets with huge platters of food, such as cakes, fruit, and candies, and the primates are given free reign to gorge themselves. The celebration began as a way to honor the animals, which are seen as blessed descendants of a great warrior monkey according to Hindu tradition. Today, the event lures plenty of tourists, but be warned: The macaques are not shy, and have been known to get a bit grabby when they see something they want. November 15.

Bay to Breakers, San Francisco

The first Bay to Breakers – a 12K footrace from the San Francisco Bay to the Great Highway along the Pacific coast – was created to boost city morale after a devastating earthquake. Today, the race embodies the city’s unique spirit. Runners dress in wacky, eye-catching costumes, such as pink gorillas, TV and movie characters, or nothing at all (some bold runners participate in the buff). Prizes are awarded to the most creative. If you’re not a runner, feel free to walk the length of the course, or cheer on those who do. May 19.

Set in the shadows of an imposing series of still-gurgling volcanoes (a twin volcanic eruption back in 1994 pretty much destroyed the old town center), Rabaul was once reputed for its loveliness, but is now buried in volcanic ash. Though the area’s many attractions still remain, the largely abandoned township has since been relocated to the neighboring settlement of Kokopo, set along the edge of Blanche Bay.

Visitors willing to brave a destination where tourism is still very much in its infancy, will be rewarded with up-close encounters with grumbling volcanoes, historical World War II sites, elaborate cultural performances, and magnificent marine life.

Where to Sleep:
Accommodations in the Rabaul area are pricey. Your best bet on reasonable digs is the 38-room Kokopo Village Resort, set right on the Kokopo waterfront overlooking the Duke of York Islands. Rooms are fairly no-frills, but do come with cable TV and ceiling fans; an on-site bar and restaurant doles out westernized dishes alongside ocean views; and staff proved efficient and friendly. Rates from $109/night for a double room.

Or, upgrade to the Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort, set along the coastline with beachfront access, and a lagoon-style swimming pool. The 39 spacious rooms, in private or shared bungalows, come equipped with AC and private balconies. Spilling out onto a scenic treetop deck, the bar and restaurant dishes out Melanesian, Asian, and Western cuisine; pop into the gift shop for a good selection of local arts and crafts. Special two-night weekend packages for two bundle in airport transfers and cooked breakfasts for $180/night.

What to See and Do:
The sulfur-spewing volcanoes are the uncontested stars here – in fact, the entirety of Rabaul’s town and harbor is actually set atop a vast volcanic caldera, with smaller mounts serving as sub-vents for the underwater behemoth.

Despite the extra expense, the limited infrastructure here lends well to hitting up Rabaul on an organized tour. Try Kokopo Tours’ half-day volcano boat cruise and hiking outing (from $109/person), which will get you up-close and personal to Mt. Tavurvur and Mt. Vulcan (the two culprits in the ’94 eruptions) and offer insight into the town’s volcanic devastation and reconstruction. Learn more with a visit to the Rabaul Volcano Observatory, touting a great vantage point over the town and volcanoes.

History buffs can tack on a customizable half-day tour (from $109/person) to a selection of WWII-themed stops, including the Japanese barge tunnels at Karavia, a testament to Japanese engineering ingenuity; the East New Britain Historical and Cultural Center, showcasing Japanese and America war relics; Admiral Yamamoto’s bunker; and the wreck of an old Japanese bomber.

No visit to Rabaul would be complete without sneaking a peek underwater, with warm, translucent tropical seas teeming with colorful corals and exotic fish, plus World War II relics. Snorkel off the beaches by your resort, or if you’re a diver, hook up with an outfit like Kabaira Dive, based out of the Rapopo Plantation Resort.

Also be sure to put your finger on the pulse of daily village life, by perusing the colorful town market, set along Kokopo’s main strip, and brimming with produce, betel nut, and crafts.

Try to time your Rabaul visit to coincide with the Baining’s tribe fire dance, which combines elaborate masks, bonfires, and drum beats for an unforgettable nighttime cultural encounter ($109/person).

Incurable travel addict, longtime travel scribe, and mindful money-saver Elissa Richard is currently indulging her insatiable wanderlust on an epic 14-month journey around the globe – intent on making it every step of the way without busting her modest budget. Follow her along the way as she reports back with budget-savvy travel tips from the mountains of Transylvania to the wilds of Tasmania, and from the little-trodden temples of Burma to the bustling bars and clubs of Buenos Aires. A vagabond in search of value, just for ShermansTravel!

The best time to visit is right after the rainy season (roughly May to June) when you’ll find the lagoons at their fullest and the weather enjoyable.

If you’re making the trip all the way out to the dunes, you should definitely get a guide to drive you through sections of the park in a jeep. Stop and take a dip in one or two of the lagoons, or even fly over the park for some spectacular panoramas.

Art: Propeller Island City Lodge, Germany

Many venture to new cities to explore different museums and art projects. At Propeller Island, an installation by artist Lars Stroschen, guests can occupy audio-visual art projects as easily as they can book a reservation. The hotel is meant to be “a habitable work of art in the heart of Berlin,” with each room hosting a unique, sometimes bizarre hallmark. In one room (picture above), the furnishings hang from the ceiling while guests sleep in boxes beneath the floorboards (meant to feel like you’re sleeping on the ceiling). In another, guests can snooze in coffins, choosing to close them if they dare. One of the other highlights is the room of mirrors, a space covered in reflective surfaces to give guests the impression they are in a kaleidoscope.

Train: Aurora Express Bed and Breakfast, Fairbanks, Alaska

Made from authentic Alaska Railroad cars, this hotel offers panoramic views of the Tanana River, the Alaskan Mountain Range and the city of Fairbanks. It recreates the feeling of riding the rails in style: Each car has been renovated to showcase various historical periods. Book the Golden Nellie car for luxury in the form of gilded ceilings and burgundy velvet drapes, or unwind in The Arlene, a former World War II hospital car. Grab a meal in the dining car to see a mural of the northern lights.

Ice: Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

A truly unique experience can be found at Icehotel, the world’s first hotel made out of ice (in case you couldn’t tell from the name). The entire space is built using snow and ice from the Torne River when temperatures drop in November, and is re-constructed each year. But Icehotel has more than just frigid lodgings; it includes a bar, church, main hall, and a reception area. Don’t worry, though, they offer warm accommodations as well for nights when you want to feel your toes.

Cave: Beckham Creek Cave Lodge, Parthenon, Arkansas

The Ozark mountain range is a geological wonder, and the Beckham Creek Cave Lodge taps directly into the phenomenon. The natural cavern took four years to convert into a hotel, and can be rented by a group of up to 10. Admire the stalactites and rock formations from the comforts of your bed before embarking on a full day of spelunking. Fortunately, dehumidifiers keep quarters moisture free (for the most part), and windows carved into the rock face allow natural light to trickle in.

Elementary School: McMenamins Kennedy School, Portland, Oregon

Nobody wanted to be the kid who fell asleep in class, until now. McMenamins Kennedy School opened in 1915, and today houses guests in former classrooms, with some walls still adorned with chalkboards. The auditorium is now a movie theater, the teachers’ lounge is an outdoor courtyard, and the girls’ bathroom is a brewery.

Sewer Pipes: Das Park Hotel, Austria and Germany

Simple, and thankfully not stinky, the rooms at Das Park Hotel are modeled from old sewer pipes. If you’re a minimalist, this is the spot for you: The room contains a bed, storage space, power, and little else. Toilets, showers, a minibar, and café are located in the surrounding public space. The facilities are open May through October and employ a pay-what-you-wish policy, perfect for travelers on a budget.

Airplane: 727 Fuselage Home, Hotel Costa Verde, Costa Rica

Hop on a plane to spend your vacation in…a plane. Hotel Costa Verde refurbished a 1965 Boeing 727 after rescuing it from the San Jose Airport. Today it is comfortably perched on a 50-foot pedestal, so guests can get a birds-eye view of the neighboring national park and ocean. The interior of the plane is outfitted with two bedrooms, private baths, and a kitchenette. The outdoor terrace lets visitors catch a glimpse of the region’s famous Squirrel, Howler, and Capuchin monkeys.

Treehouse: Teniqua Treetops, South Africa

If you’re a child at heart, book a vacation rental high in South Africa’s canopy. The treehouse resort rests in the foothills of the Outeniqua mountain range, near the Western Cape. The spot provides a variety of houses for all types of travel groups: tree houses can serve as a romantic retreat for newlyweds, or a larger set for a family.

Elephant: Kumbuk River Resort, Sri Lanka

Nestled near the edge of Sri Lanka’s premiere wildlife sanctuary, the Kumbuk River Resort allows guests to stay in the belly of the beast (quite literally) – a 40-foot elephant sculpture made of branches and grass. The structure is so lightweight it often sways on windy nights. The Elephant Villa has two airy bedrooms, a lounge area, and electricity. Of course, if you want to get the most out of this eco-lodge, you can request solar lamps instead.

Niagara, then and now

I guess not much changes. The mom and dad on the left didn’t really communicate the message to the kids that they should look scared – not depressed – in the photo. The family on the right does a slightly better job at the task.

Splash time

This photo really proves that timing is everything.

Mascot madness

One might say these two depictions show the normal and abnormal reactions when children see people dressed up as animals, candies, and anything in between. But is there really normal when we’re talking about a banjo-playing reptile?

Typical tourists

Do you think they went a little overboard with the “traditional” garb? The dad even took his shirt off…

Danger-seekers

There must be something about their family vacation that made these parents feel it was necessary to put their kids lives at risk for the sake of a photo op.

In the 1960s, the islands were finally labelled as a national park, meaning that they were protected against fishing, hunting, and human activity. Now, you can only snorkel and take kayaking tours of the islands – and if you’re lucky, explore this hidden beach. But the trek here isn’t the easiest if your scared of small spaces – you have to swim through a water tunnel that is about 50 feet long (with only a matter of feet of breathing room above the water).