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.

Museums

Sure, I’ve glanced at a few sub-par photographs at various airports, but Amsterdam Schiphol and San Francisco International both house various in-terminal exhibits that are worth slowing down for. Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam partnered with the airport to feature 10 permanent pieces by Dutch artists, as well as rotating series and shows. The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco worked with the airport and now the partnership has become a fully accredited museum…at an airport! The museum has over 20 galleries in the airport with constantly changing art and exhibits.

Movie Theaters

Sometimes an iPad or Kindle Fire just won’t do when it comes to watching that action-packed flick. But, if you’re stuck in Hong Kong or Singapore’s airports, don’t worry. Both have full movie theaters available for all passengers. Hong Kong International has a free IMAX theater with 2D and 3D movies, while Singapore Changi steps it up a notch with 4D theater and a free movie theater.

Cultural Classes

Maybe you have a layover in Korea, China, or France, but don’t have enough time to get out and experience the culture? Well, now you can still get a taste (sometimes quite literally) of the local flavor with cultural classes. Korea’s Incheon Airport educates passengers with exhibits on local architects and food. They even put on dance performances and craft classes. In Hong Kong International, a “Tea Through the Ages” exhibit has tea-making workshops, a welcome respit for stressed travelers. Bonus: At Korea’s airport, they also have multiple gardens in the passenger terminal! Talk about a breath of fresh air.

Pets

I don’t know about you, but I’m always that person who stops strangers to pat their adorable dog. That’s why I got especially excited about this perk at Miami International – Casey is a four-year-old golden retriever whose only job is to wander the airport with her handler to bring a smile to some jet-setter’s faces. Her uniform is a blue “Pet Me” bandana and she graces the terminals twice a week!

Exercise

As if it wasn’t already enough of a workout to lug your duffel or oversized personal item (loaded with everything you had to take out of your suitcase to get it under 50 pounds) across the airport, some airports like Dallas-Fort Worth International have opened workout rooms in the terminal. There are even complimentary yoga studios at San Francisco International and Burlington’s airport.

1. University of Louisville

The top-seeded University of Louisville is a perennial favorite come tournament time, but the city offers plenty more to see and do besides basketball. It’s home of the world-famous Kentucky Derby, which returns on May 4. Before the race gets underway, imbibe the Derby’s signature cocktail, the mint julep, at the 10th Annual Rose Julep recipe contests. Mixologists from Louisville’s best bars and restaurants will put forth their own spin on the drink. If you’re fascinated by fantasy, take a peak at the Mythic Creatures exhibit at the Frazier History Museum (opening May 11) and discover the origins of dragons, mermaids, unicorns, and other fabled beings.

2. Duke University

Seeded sixth overall, Duke University has accumulated its fair share of haters over the years, but its home, Durham, North Carolina, has a lot to love. Explore the historic city with a variety of walking tours. Eat your fill (and burn calories) with a Durham Walking Food Tour, which samples dishes from seven downtown establishments. Wet your whistle and seek out things that go bump in the night with the Durham Pub Crawl and Haunted Adventure Tour. For a shot of culture, check out the annual Durham Art Walk and Spring Market, featuring the work from over 200 local artists.

3. Georgetown University

Seventh-seeded Georgetown is nestled within the nation’s capitol, and March Madness coincides with another famous event in D.C.: cherry blossom season. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan –  the 3,000 trees were a gift from the island nation in 1912 (March 20–April 14). Enjoy a celebration of the two cultures at the Cherry Blossom Tea and Tour at the Tudor Place Historic House and Garden. The traditional English tea ceremony comes with sandwiches, scones, Japanese blends, and a tour of the house. To get even more of a flora fix, pay a visit to the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, where thousands of waterlilies, lotuses, and hyacinths bloom along the Anacostia River.

4. University of Kansas

The Sunflower State has a storied history, in both athletics and American culture. To learn more about the former at the second-seeded university, spend a day in the Booth Family Hall of Athletics, located on the school’s campus. Jayhawks fans can view assorted conference and national championship trophies in the Hall of Champions, or stroll through the Jayhawk Walk to see a display of retired basketball jerseys. For a peek into America’s past, wander through Old West Lawrence, once a home to the city’s elite in the 19th century, or pay tribute to Lawrence’s abolitionist history at the Hobbs’s Park Memorial.

5. University of Miami

If you need an excuse to visit South Beach (doesn’t everyone?), a trip to the home of fifth-seed University of Miami is a pretty good one. Though the main campus is located in nearby Coral Gables, Miami is a stone’s throw away, as is a bumping nightlife scene. The Miami Dance Festival will take place at various locations throughout the city, beginning on April 5, and features performances from the area’s top dance companies and troupes. Film buffs should delight in the Women’s International Film and Arts Festival, with screenings beginning March 20. For a bit of Latin flavor, pay a visit to the Cuban Nostalgia Festival, an expo featuring Cuban culture, memorabilia, and of course food.

6. Ohio State University

The Ohio State University, in addition to being seeded eighth in this year’s tournament, is based in the state’s capital, where a blossoming cultural scene is sure to hold your interests. The Columbus Symphony and BalletMet will stage  Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring in honor of its 100th anniversary (March 22–24). The Monterey Jazz Festival, the world’s longest continuously-running festival of its type, will blow through town on March 29, and classic rock band Fleetwood Mac will swing by for a concert on April 4.

7. LIU Brooklyn

One of the last-seeded teams in the tourney, Long Island University Brooklyn is, admittedly, a long shot to win it all. Regardless, Brooklyn is still worth the trip. If pro-ball is more your speed, check out a Brooklyn Nets game at the nearby Barclays Center – their next home game is April 4 against the Chicago Bulls. Or, if you think the Greatest Show on Earth involves less ally-oops and more acrobatics, grab a seat at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, presenting 23 shows at Barclays (March 20–April 1).

Which school are you rooting for the most?

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East Coast: Heat up your plans this spring with a trip to sexy Miami where rates at the Regency Hotel go for only $104 per night – a savings of 30 percent. When you’re not admiring views of the city from your private balcony, or doing laps in the hotel’s outdoor pool, head over to nearby Little Havana for some authentic Cuban cuisine, or take a quick 20 minute drive to South Beach for a margarita and a tan.

Further up the coast in Myrtle Beach, rates at the oceanfront Westgate Resort start at $79 per night, saving you 40 percent on current rates. The hotel is conveniently located on South Ocean Boulevard, providing direct access to the beach, and many of the area’s top attractions like Family Kingdom Amusement Park. Bring the kids along and upgrade to an oceanview villa, complete with a kitchen, for just $30 more per night.

An east coast round-up wouldn’t be an east coast round-up without mentioning the Big Apple. Jet over to New York City and stay in the trendy Lower East Side for $170 per night (30 percent off). The boutique Hotel 91 provides chic accommodation that’s a quick walk away from Chinatown, Little Italy, and SoHo. The Manhattan Bridge is just around the corner, providing immediate access to Brooklyn’s Downtown and the scenic waterfront parks in D.U.M.B.O.

Gulf Coast: Vacation by the cerulean waters of the Gulf of Mexico in Galveston, Texas, with a stay at the 4-star Hotel Galvez & Spa, a Wyndham Grand Hotel, for $179 per night. Known as the “Queen of the Gulf” since it opened in 1911, the beachfront property has attracted visitors from Texas and beyond for over a century. Have a cocktail at the hotel’s swim-up bar, then walk down to the beach to catch some rays.

West Coast: If the west coast is more your speed, get away to San Diego and reserve a room at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront starting at $139 per night. You’ll receive a complimentary in-room movie, waived parking fees, and $50 in dining credit good for meals at the hotel’s restaurant. In addition to the harbor, the 4-star hotel is close to the San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, and the trendy Gaslamp Quarter. The famous San Diego Zoo is only two miles away.

The Great Lakes: Let’s not forget about The Great Lakes’ massive coastlines, which border eight U.S. states, and one Canadian province. Travel to the region’s biggest city, Chicago, and stay at the opulent Millennium Knickerbocker, situated three blocks from Lake Michigan near the Magnificent Mile. Nightly rates start at $165, saving you 20 percent.

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At the 4-star Portofino Hotel & Marina on Los Angeles‘ Redondo Beach, enjoy 50 percent off current rates, and stay for $129 per night in February (excluding February 16-17) and $139 per night from March through June (excluding May 24-26). This oceanfront hotel sits on a private peninsula and overlooks the Pacific Ocean, making it a serene escape that’s also minutes away from the hustle and bustle of LA. Hurry and book ASAP – this offer ends Wednesday, February 13.

For more sun and sand within the U.S., head south to Miami and stay at the 4-star Sofitel Miami for $164 per night from February through mid-March, saving 20 percent on the current best available rate. The stylish Sofitel features signature Miami art deco decor and free shuttles to the beach, airport, and shopping.

Find even warmer temperatures in the Caribbean. The upscale St. Kitts Marriott & The Royal Beach Casino has rates for as low as $140 per night in March gives you a savings of 20 percent on the best available rate. Or, unwind at the Sandton Kura Hulanda Hotel & Spa in exotic Curacao for only $149 per night. This 4-star resort was featured on ABC’s “The Bachelorette,” and with rates this low, you can experience the romance and luxury yourself. Call 877-264-3106 to book or email the hotel directly at reservations@kurahulanda.com.

Finally, if Punxsutawney Phil was in fact right, it may be warm enough to travel to Washington, D.C. in March, when the famous National Cherry Blossom Festival begins. For $189 per night, stay at the centrally located The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel, and receive free extras like metro passes and a basket filled with goodies for a springtime picnic. Enter the promo code CHER13 when booking online or call 866-246-2203 and mention the same code. This deal is valid for travel March 21 – April 14.

So, no matter how the weather’s looking for you at home, plan on an early spring with these foolproof warm weather deals.

A number of notable musicians will be taking their talents to South Beach for the Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival in March. The festival, in its eighth year, has drawn several high profile acts from the pop, R&B, and, of course, jazz worlds. The bill will feature Earth, Wind, and Fire, Monica, Fantasia, Ne-Yo, and Najee. The festivities will run March 16 and 17 and be held at Sun Life Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins. Also returning is host Michael Baisden, a nationally-syndicated radio personality who played emcee at the 2011 event.
“I’m looking forward to inviting my listeners from around the country and the world to join me for two days of food, fun, and incredible music,” he said.

The Jazz in the Gardens Festival is not just another concert. The festival menu features dishes from across the culinary spectrum, with Jamaican, Haitian, Latin, Chinese, and Bahamian foods to be served. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available, as will various souvenirs such as arts and crafts, CD’s, and t-shirts.

Last year, the festival pulled in about 45,000 guests, both locals and out-of-towners, and hopes to pad that number this year.

“We want to make this the best entertainment experience anyone could ever attend in the U.S.,” said Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert. “It’s going to be an all the way live weekend.”

General admission tickets are being sold in advance at $75 for two-days, and $45 for one-day; tickets purchased at the gate are $95 for two-days and $57 for one day. Group ticket sales and flight packages are available. A quick tip about travel: Miami Gardens just as close to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport as it is to Miami International Airport, so check both hubs when booking your flights. If you’re planning to rent a car (which you should, since it’s South Florida and you need a car), you can also check out flights to Palm Beach International Airport, which is only an hour away.

So if you’ve got a love for music, food, and good company, plan on booking a trip as soon as possible.

With its surprisingly spring-like weather in the winter months, San Francisco makes for a great destination this season. The San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf starts from just $129 per night from January 10-15, and $142 per night throughout the month of February, which saves over 45 percent on rates in the spring. Enjoy local California cuisine and weekly wine and cheese receptions at this culinary-centric hotel, which is just two blocks from both famous Fisherman’s Wharf and the shopping and restaurants in Ghiradelli Square.

Or, for even warmer weather, hit the beach in Miami while staying at the Sofitel Miami, an Art Deco hotel located on a lagoon, for as little as $110 per night on select dates in April.

If you can handle the cold, you’ll find plenty of great deals in cooler weather destinations this winter. At the Hotel Monaco Chicago, A Kimpton Hotel, you can stay for as little as $133 per night on select dates from now through March when you book three nights or longer, saving you 30 percent on current rates (use the promo code SP9). The hotel, located in the downtown Chicago Loop, overlooks the Chicago River and is within walking distance to major Windy City attractions like Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park.

In historic Boston, choose from a number of upscale and centrally located hotels under $200, like the Omni Parker House on the Freedom Trail from $159 per night and the boutique Copley Square Hotel from $175 per night. Or travel to Philadelphia and stay steps from picturesque Rittenhouse Square at the Sofitel Philadelphia from $154 per night.

Oh, and did you want to lose weight while you travel, too? Well, you’re on your own with that one.

Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on hotels, flights, vacation packages, and more.

Fares for many of North America’s regional train lines are available for less this season. Here’s some of our favorite deals on rails.

New York City  to Albany: Board Amtrak’s Empire Service, which runs along the Hudson River between New York City’s Penn Station and Albany, and save 30 percent on current rates. Head up to the capital region for a weekend retreat at nearby Lake George, or hit the slopes at Belleayre Mountain. Sample round-trip weekend fares start at $86 per person. Enjoy views of the Palisades and the Hudson Valley during the quick 2.5 hour ride. Travel is available March 1-31. Book by January 31.

New York City to Boston, Washington, D.C., and More: Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line, which provides service to major cities between Washington, D.C. and Boston, is offering 25 percent off current rates when you book travel at least 14 days in advance. One-way fares between New York City and Baltimore, Boston, or Washington, D.C. start at $49 per person. Travel is also available to Philadelphia, Providence, New Haven, and more. Rates are valid on select dates throughout the year.

Saint Louis to Kansas City: Allow Amtrak to whisk you across Missouri with rates between Kansas City and St. Louis with one-way fares starting at $29 per person, a savings of 20 percent on current rates. Travel along the scenic Missouri River on select dates through March 31. Marvel at St. Louis’ impressive Gateway Arch, or indulge in Kansas City’s savory barbecue while listening to live jazz. Book by March 30.

Miami to Orlando: Soak up the sun on glitzy South Beach, or plan a family getaway to Walt Disney World, with fares to two of Florida’s most popular cities for less. One-way tickets between Miami and Orlando start at $42 per person. Comparable airfare costs at least twice as much.

Atlanta to New Orleans: Save 40 percent on current rates for seats on Amtrak’s Crescent, which will take you to Atlanta from New Orleans, and visa versa. Party the night away in the Big Easy’s French Quarter, or enjoy Atlanta’s southern hospitality. Plan your trip on select dates this winter or spring. Rates start at $72.

Canada: Travel to Major Cities between Vancouver and Toronto: Via Rail, which operates service across Canada, has slashed current rates on many of its routes by 75 percent. One-way fares start at $32 (found for travel between Edmonton and Saskatoon). Head to Edmonton to shop in the world’s largest shopping mall, take in the splendor of the Canadian Rockies in Jasper, stroll Vancouver’s pristine streets, or immerse yourself in Canada’s largest metropolis, Toronto. Get away for less on select dates now through late-February.

As long as you’re not visiting Orlando over Christmas or New Year’s, you’ll find much lighter crowds and shorter lines in the weeks surrounding the major holidays. Stay at one of the area’s newest hotels, the Wydnham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, and save 35 percent when you stay three nights or more, on starting rates as little as $139 per night. Enter the code DISCYB when booking, and enjoy 500 acres of lush woodlands while being minutes from the theme parks. Or, skip over to the Angler’s Boutique Resort in South Beach, Miami, where rates at this stylish 4-star property begin from $219 per night – a 25 percent savings (booking code is CYBER25, or call 866-729-8800).

Is Florida not far enough south for you? A number of Marriott hotels in the Caribbean are offering incredible rates with their Cyber Monday sales, like the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and the Royal Beach Casino from $129 per night (booking code: D51) and the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino from $132 per night (booking code: D3Q). These prices are some of the lowest you’ll find in the Caribbean during the area’s high season. You can also enjoy the bio-diversity, rain forests, warm temperatures, and beaches of exotic Costa Rica at hotels like the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose from $99 per night or the Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort from $119 per night (booking code for both: PRO).

Do your holiday shopping on Chicago‘s Magnificent Mile and stay at the central, 4-star MileNorth for $159 per night – and receive a $50 credit to a nearby spa (booking code: CYBER). Or head west and save over 50 percent at the Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles Airport, with rooms from $89 per night and extras like a free beer every night at the onsite craft beer bar (an added bonus: you can book this deal for three days, from November 26-29. Use the promo code CYBERMON).

Finally, our beloved New York City needs serious love right now after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Help the city recover during the holiday season and stay in Midtown Manhattan, near all of the major seasonal attractions like the tree at Rockefeller Center, the holiday windows on Fifth Avenue, and the Rockettes at Radio City. The Wolcott Hotel offers three nights for the price of two, with rates as low as $240 for all three nights – an amazing price, considering many Manhattan hotels cost about that for one night’s stay (use the promo code “STEP3” when booking). Affinia Hotels throughout Manhattan are offering rooms for as low as $143 per night – until November 2013 (booking code: CYBER).

So set an alarm now for midnight on November 26 – these amazing rates will sell fast.

See our Destination Guides for more trip-planning information, then use our TravelSearch price comparison tool to book your flights.

Today’s Miami is vastly different than the Miami portrayed in nostalgic films, but bits and pieces of that old world remain. If you’ve come to South Florida in search of bona fide Cuban cuisine, you owe it to yourself (and your clients) to head over to Miami Beach. If you’re already in the area due to a meeting at the Miami Beach Convention Center, you’ll be happy to find Puerto Sagua Restaurant, which has become something of a landmark as the years have passed. The more Miami changes, the more this place stays the same. It’s set up like a diner, is almost always busy, and utterly lacks a “relaxed” atmosphere. In other words, it’s the perfect place to turn for a lightning lunch.

If you’re aiming for a bit of homestyle cooking situated in Midtown Miami, Morgan’s Restaurant is a top choice. Serving up brunch, lunch, dinner, and a host of world-class desserts, this place is about as scrumptious as it gets for the price. You’ll also feel right at home in your casual wear – useful for those times when you just can’t spend another dinner wrapped up in your business attire. Miami is sometimes disassociated with the “Deep South,” but one bite of of the grilled cheese or meatloaf will take you right back to grandmother’s kitchen.

If you find yourself with a free evening and a yearning to see something other than condos, office buildings, and flashy automobiles, Key Biscayne is just a few miles away. You’ll need a rental car, but once you arrive, you’ll find Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, as well as the northern tip of Biscayne National Park. The entire key is a magical place to watch the sunset, and it’s a wonderful place to interact with some of the outstanding nature that surrounds one of America’s largest cities.

Aside from the obvious – beaches! – those with one full day to spare in Miami should do everything possible to reserve a convertible at the rental car desk. The trek from Miami to Key West on Florida’s historic Highway 1 is easily one the best day trips in the entire country. Unlike most roads in Florida, this one is devoid of tolls. Just head south to Homestead, and keep pushing on US-1 until you leave the mainland and approach Key Largo. From there, you’ll hop from one key to the next, finally approaching Duval St. at the very end – some 90 miles from Cuba. As charming (and bustling) as Key West is, it’s hardly the destination that’s the focus. Take your time and enjoy the serenity on the drive there and back.

For those looking to blow off steam after a long day of meetings, Jazid is a solid option in Miami Beach. You’ll get live music every night of the week while downstairs, but the upstairs section is reserved for those just looking to converse, enjoy a drink, and talk smack about one’s rivals.

This is a recurring feature exploring must-visit locales in a variety of cities. If you find yourself traveling to a place for business, why not venture out and enjoy your surroundings?

See our Miami destination guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights.