The Deal Detective: Nine adults, seven kids, and a tight budget … help!
Nine adults, seven kids, and a very limited budget. Can our travel sleuth find this family a deal? Plus, become a deputy Deal Detective and get published in a future column.

Trip du Jour Caribbean hotspots - January 31, 2008
Discover affordable and memorable Caribbean destinations. Take an audio tour of Treasure Beach, Jamaica; Ambergris Caye, Belize; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Grand savings on Grand Bahama Island this winter
Simplify your travel planning with an affordable trip to the Bahamas, where you’ll find plenty of options for low-cost airfare and accommodations, all for under $500.

Baggage delayed? Ask for a stipend
Delayed baggage can really derail a trip. However, if you know where to look, you can find stipends to cover basic needs until your bags surface.

Airline mergers are bad news for consumers
The latest buzz says Delta will merge with either Northwest or United. And as with any airline merger, consumers tend to lose the most.

JetBlue adds new routes from Boston, fares from $89 O/W*
JetBlue is adding service to Chicago and New Orleans from Boston. Service begins on May 1.

Getaways in historic Columbus, Indiana, from $79/night
The Ruddick-Nugent House Bed & Breakfast offers family-friendly lodging with breakfast, complimentary snacks, and discounts for a local tour and at a restaurant.

Weekends in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley from $99/night
Civil War buffs, outdoorsy types itching to tackle the Allegheny and Blue Ridge mountains, or those just wanting to escape city life will find much to do in Shenandoah.

A family weekend in the Tennessee countryside from $150
Mountain City’s Cottage in the Woods, part of the Prospect Hill Bed & Breakfast, offers spacious lodging at affordable prices.

United winter domestic sale fares from $88 R/T*
Boston, Denver, Las Vegas, and San Francisco are featured in United’s domestic deal. Book tickets by February 1.

A romantic weekend in Bloomington, Illinois, from $89/night
The Baymont Inn & Suites has a romance package including sparkling wine, chocolates, and a discount for dinner at a local steakhouse.

U.S. and Mexico sale fares on ATA from $84 O/W*
ATA is offering good prices for travel to Chicago, Dallas, Honolulu, Cancun, and more. Book tickets by February 4.

Getaways in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula from $185
The ”Fireside Getaway” at Sequim’s Lost Mountain Lodge includes accommodations, gear for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, and hot cider or sangria in your suite.

A weekend in Palm Springs from $99/night
Head to Palm Springs this mid-winter for an affordable weekend of sun and relaxation in the desert. Our hotel picks offer limo service, complimentary breakfast, and more.

American matches Southwest, fares from $96 R/T*
Travel on American’s sale fares is valid through mid-March. Act fast because this sale will likely end tomorrow.

American Chicago sale fares from $84 R/T*
Fly between Chicago and Atlanta, New York, and more with American’s new deal. The sale will likely end on February 1.

Chicago sale fares on United from $84 R/T*
Fly between Chicago and San Diego, London, and more cities with United’s new sale. Book tickets by February 1.

Prepare for the low-cost airline sales pitch
Get ready for a constant stream of sales pitches if you fly ultra-low-cost carrier Skybus. The airline’s planes are plastered with advertisements, both inside and out.

Sunny destinations on sale from $124 R/T*
Continental’s deal includes flights to Florida, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Mexico, and more. Departures are available from the Northeast.

New Southwest sale fares from $48 O/W*
Southwest’s deal includes Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Book tickets by midnight CT on Thursday, January 31.

Cruises from $199 and extra perks with Expedia’s sale
Expedia’s sale offers low rates and freebies if you book a cruise through February 29. Fares start at $199 per person, and perks include upgrades, coupon books, and ship credit.

Latin America sale fares on Continental from $228 R/T*
Argentina, Brazil, Belize, and Guatemala are featured in Continental’s deal. Departures are available from Houston and Newark.

American Hawaii sale fares from $347 R/T*
American’s new Hawaii deal competes with a similar offer from United. Destinations include Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

$0.10 R/T Florida fares from Spirit*
Spirit has introduced service between Boston and Ft. Lauderdale with fares from $0.10. Book tickets by 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

Where to find the best Wave Season deals
When’s the best time to get cruise deals? Some people say it’s Wave Season, which is happening now. Here’s how to maximize your chances of getting a great deal in early 2008.