Cheap flights

Alaska Airlines

Known for its marked down fares and low introductory rates, the airline now presents daily nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Columbia, South Carolina. Connections are available from Columbia to over 20 destinations in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America. One-way fares start as low as $82. Visit http://www.spiritair.com/ or call (800) 772-7117 for deals and reservations.

Deals on wheels

Budget

Hertz

In addition to "Deals by the Day" and reward programs, the car rental company is giving $10 off weekend one-way rentals and $25 off weekly one-way rentals on vehicles booked between now and December 31, 2008. The deal applies to all vehicles, including Hertz Prestige, Fun, and Green Collections. To reserve your rental, dial (800) 654-3131, or go to http://www.hertz.com/ and click on "Special Offers" and "Weekend/Weekly Vacation," respectively.

Low-cost lodging

Mayflower Park Hotel

Country Inn & Suites

The hotel brand has opened locations in Petersburg, Virginia, and Ithaca, New York. Guestrooms range from standard to extended stay suites. The new Petersburg location is only 30 miles from Richmond, and the Ithaca location is close to Ithaca College, Cornell University, and downtown. Nightly rates start as low as $99. To book, call (888) 201-1746 or visit http://www.countryinns.com/.