Travel Tip: Daily Deals for Cities You Travel To

Group buying sites such as Groupon and LivingSocial are sweeping through the web offering steep discounts to consumers, while driving in heavy traffic to local businesses. These sites work by offering 1-day only deals - such as 50% off a rafting trip in the Sierra, or highly discounted restaurant and entertainment deals. The high response to these discounts allows businesses to offer such deals. In addition to activity deals, recent hotel and airline deals have been offered. For example, on the Atlanta Groupon page, Delta Airlines was offering a One-Visit Pass to Delta SkyClub Lounge (a $50 value) for just $22. On the Las Vegas Groupon page, the Clarion was selling for just $21 a night for a King-bed Junior Suite - valid any day of the week.

So, if you are planning a trip outside the Bay Area, it's probably worth signing up (free) for the daily emails offered by these sites, which can be customized to the cities you are traveling to.

Groupon sign-up

LivingSocial sign-up (earn $5 toward first purchase)

Big Southwest Airlines Sale - Fares from $39

Every few months Southwest slashes prices to all the destinations they serve (and often other airlines will match these discounted fares). Today, Southwest announced such a sale - this time in celebration of their 39th Birthday. Prices have been reduced to 3-pricing tiers: $39/$79/$119 each way; The specific pricing depends on the flight distance; up to 450 miles/up to 1000 miles/and over 1000 miles respectively. According to the terms of the offer, travel is valid September 8 through November 17, excluding Fridays and Sundays. Book by June 24th.

JetBlue $10 Sale on All Remaining Seats May 11-12

Valid for bookings today only

JetBlue has launched a sale today sure to fill up those birds with passengers. Just $10 gets you a one-way, nonstop flight anywhere (including international destinations) in the JetBlue network. Valid for travel May 11-12th only. You can combine two one-ways for a $20 roundtrip flight + taxes and fees. I also noticed some 1-stop flights, such as Sacramento-Long-Beach-Las Vegas for $20+ each way.

Don't forget JetBlue is one of the few remaining airlines that also lets you check one piece of luggage for free, and does not overbook their flights. Plus they have comfy leather seats, Direct-TV and tasty munchies on board.

Click here to book this very limited time offer.

HOT! San Francisco to Cabo San Lucas $175 RT, Incl Tax

Mexicana Airlines is offering a $68+ tax roundtrip fare from SFO to Cabo. Total comes to $175 "all in". Valid on most days through May 2010, including several dates throughout April. Visit www.mexicana.com to book.

Six Free Issues of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine

(Thanks to saveatmsu on fatwallet)

Chevy is running a promotion whereby people can receive six free issues of select magazines, including Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Fill out this form by January 7, 2009 to take advantage of this offer.  Use offer code: 85924565