Sherman's Travel

This season’s bi-coastal airfare has hit rock-bottom rates, making travel from coast-to-coast more attractive than ever. From the Big Apple to sunny Southern California, here are some of today’s best hotel deals from East to West – and the cheap flights to get you there.

Fly to New York City for as little as $98 this winter, and then stay at the 4-star Millennium Broadway in Times Square for only $179 per night. You’ll receive $50 in “fun bucks” to be used towards your choice of city spending, like museums, theater, cab fares, or shopping. The Hotel Belleclaire, in the cultural hub of the Upper West Side (home to spots like Lincoln Center, The Museum of Natural History, and Central Park), starts from an incredible $89 on dates in February; choose the “holiday special” to book your room, which is valid for stays through March 31. Or, book a room in stylish Chelsea – known for its trendy galleries, bars, and restaurants – from just $161 per night in February at the 4-star DoubleTree by Hilton New York City. Read more

There are many wonderful things about Europe (e.g., the history, the architecture, the casual acceptance of Nutella as an all-purpose condiment), but one of its greatest attributes is the size of its countries. Unlike the Americas or Africa, Europe’s countries allow for quick and easy boundary crossings over the course of a relatively short trip. Rather than seeing one place on a vacation, you can enjoy a Guinness in Ireland, tapas in Madrid, and boiled foods in London (we kid because we love). Planning your country hopping trip doesn’t have to be full of headaches. First things first, of course, you need to get from place to place. Depending on your planning personality, you have two options when it comes to flying: scheduling a stopover or booking regional flights. There are benefits and downsides to both. Read more

We here at ShermansTravel hope you’re spending the long Labor Day weekend somewhere fabulous. But if you want to score the best deals and rewards perks for busy travel times in 2013, here’s a heads-up: Factor in some time over this holiday to start planning your next trip, especially if it falls during peak travel times like Spring Break and Thanksgiving.

If planning (or booking) so far ahead seems a little extreme, consider that scoring affordable airline seats – whether through rewards programs or good deals themselves – will require even more energy, savvy, and patience than ever before. Recent airline mergers have cut capacity and reduced routes; adding to the problem is the explosion of credit-card rewards programs. The bottom line is that there are more travelers scrambling for fewer seats these days.

Fortunately, there are some ways to help travelers score the seats and travel times they want. Here, a few tips that will have you headed for takeoff in 2013, without losing your sanity (or a chunk of your life savings) in the process. Read more

This summer, fly to Canada on Porter Airlines with one-way flights starting from just $67. These rates slash up to half on current airline pricing and include all taxes and fees. Enjoy ideal summer temperatures in Toronto, along with restaurants, art, and nightlife in one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. Or, fly to Montreal, where you can experience the unique French-Canadian heritage along with the famous Montreal International Jazz Festival from June 28-July 7.

Sample one-way fares from the U.S. to Canada:

• New York City (Newark)–Toronto: $67
• Boston–Toronto: $73
• Chicago–Toronto: $89
• Washington, D.C.–Toronto: $89
• New York City (Newark)–Montreal: $125
• Boston–Montreal: $162

Book fast, because this sale ends Friday, June 1. Travel is valid from June 14-September 3. Book online at the Porter Airlines website and enter the promo code AIR.

See our Canada destination guide for more trip-planning information.

Take-off to Toronto, our neighbor-to-the-north’s largest metropolis, during peak season for less. Fly round-trip to Ontario, Canada’s capital from select U.S. cities now through September 5 and slash 40% off seasonal rates. This deal from Porter Airlines, named an Official 4-Star Airline by Skytrax, ends Thursday, April 4. Some of the lowest fares, which factor in all taxes and fees, include departures from:

• Washington, D.C., from $233
• New York City, from $260
• Boston, from $260
• Chicago, from $276

Routes to other Canadian cities, such as Montreal and Halifax, via Toronto are also available at discounted rates.

Most large carriers fly to Toronto’s largest air-hub, Pearson International Airport, an expensive, 40-minute cab ride away from downtown. Porter Airlines conveniently flies to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, set upon an island just off the mainland. After a free five-minute ferry ride, Toronto’s city-center is a quick walk or cab ride away. Read more

Fall is the perfect time to escape to the Cayman Islands to enjoy warm weather, clear waters and serene surroundings. Now Cayman Airways makes it easy and affordable for travelers with its Fall Fun Fares promotion. Book now through October 1 for reduced round-trip airfare from New York, Miami or Tampa starting as low as $178 for travel through November 7. Situated in the Western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world, as well as tranquil beaches, state-of-the-art spas, and world-class golf. The Islands are also known for their wide range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to charming bed & breakfasts. Flights are selling fast, so don’t miss out on these incredible rates!

THE VALUE: This round-trip air costs $100 less than the average rate of fall flights to the Cayman Islands.

THE CATCH: Time is limited – you have to book this deal by October 1st.

THE DETAILS: Visit Cayman Airways to book your flights now.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Cayman Island Travel Guide to plan your beach getaway.

Search for your perfect hotel with our Hotel Search travel comparison tool.

Before prices rise for spring and summer travel, take advantage of this off-peak sale on nationwide one-way flights starting from just $53 on AirTran Airways. This sale offers flights to destinations across the country as well as the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Mexico. Travel to most locations is available through June 22. Travel to and from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle is available through May 18. Book your flight now, this sale ends March 24!

Sample One-Way Fares:
•    Baltimore–Boston: $53
•    Atlanta–Charlotte: $64
•    Jacksonville–Atlanta: $74
•    San Juan–Tampa: $84
•    Kansas City–Orlando: $99
•    Chicago–Nassau: $109
•    Orlando–Aruba: $129
•    and more!

THE VALUE: This sale can save you more than 35% on flights to the Caribbean.

THE CATCH: Some blackout dates apply: April 21-25; May 1, 26-28, and 30.

THE DETAILS: Click here to book your flight today!

WE’VE GOT MORE: Visit our Hotel Deals pages to book a room at your destination.

Sign up to receive more editor-vetted deals with our Top 25 Newsletter.

An airline expansion move finally reaps benefits for the consumer. Small-scale carrier Vision Airlines (formerly Vision Air) is launching 17 new routes out of Northwest Florida Airport, which previously served only Niagara Falls, N.Y., and Miami. Starting from just $19 each way (before taxes), these flights will connect Florida Gulf Coast cities Destin and Ft. Walton Beach with Little Rock, Ark., Baton Rouge, La., Asheville, N.C.,and more – the most western route lands in Houston, and the farthest north (besides Niagara Falls) is Louisville, Ky.. You’ll find fares from $19 between Destin and the following cities: Baton Rouge, Atlanta, Little Rock, Greenville, N.C., and more!

THE VALUE: Round-trip rates can skyrocket to over $300 between these cities on big carriers.

THE CATCH: These fares must be redeemed on flights through May 21.

THE DETAILS: Visit www.visionairlines.com and book by March 24!

WE’VE GOT MORE: Visit our Hotel Deals pages to book a room at your destination.

Check out our Top 25 Newsletter to find the best air, package, hotel, and cruise deals.

Need a relaxing spring vacation by the beach with the option to sail, windsurf, golf, or just play in the sand? What about a place where the whole family can have a good time? Book a 4-night, all inclusive stay at the Riu Emerald Bay in Mazatlan, Mexico before April 15 and get all of those options in just one place. For just $500 per person, receive airfare, accommodations, meals and more! In addition, kids 12 and under stay free with two paying adults.

THE VALUE: This deal includes air taxes which can cost an additional $123.

THE CATCH: This price is only available when leaving from Los Angeles. Other departure cities are available, but at higher prices. In addition,  prices were accurate at the time of this post but may prices may fluctuate. Book soon to reserve this rate.

THE DETAILS: To book click here or call 1-877-433-4378 before April 15;

WE’VE GOT MORE: Sign up to receive more editor-vetted deals with our Top 25 Newsletter.

Looking for more vacation ideas with the family? Check out our  Family vacation Blog.

California’s year-round mild climate reaches glorious levels of perfection in springtime. Unfortunately, high demand on travel during spring break and Easter makes a perfect case for airlines to charge markedly more for flights to the West Coast. Luckily, American Airlines’ American Eagle network is celebrating the launch of 10 new routes to and from Los Angeles by slashing fares on a number of West Coast destinations. Fares start at just $54 each way (Los Angeles to Phoenix). Fares are valid for travel April 5 through May 25.

Sample fares (before taxes):

• Los Angeles-Phoenix: $54
• San Jose-San Diego: $57
• Las Vegas-Sacramento: $60
• Monterey-Phoenix: $66
• El Paso-Las Vegas: $72
• Los Angeles-Tucson: $84
• Albuquerque-Reno: $92
• Boise-Los Angeles: $114
• Salt Lake City-Los Angeles: $114

THE VALUE: Not only do you save on springtime fares, but American Eagle (owned by American Airlines) is offering double AAdvantage miles for travel on the new domestic routes.

THE CATCH: Taxes and fees are not included, so expect to pay up to an extra $30 each way.

THE DETAILS: To book your flight, visit American Airlines’ website.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Decide what to see when you get there with our California Travel Guide.

Use our Travel Search price comparison tool for more great deals on airfare, cruises, hotels, and packages worldwide.