Blackout Dates

Fall is typically bargain time in Mexico, but many 1999 values are being extended into 2000 because millennium madness hasn't sparked heavy year-end bookings. Thus pennywise travelers in search of sun and salsa should do well south of the border. Tour operator Travel Impressions has air-inclusive seven-night fall packages to Cancun starting at $568 and three-night packages at the deluxe Acapulco Princess for $565. Club Med for the first time has planned winter value packages rather than offering spotty last-minute bargains to areas that prove slow as winter wears on. Among deals it's touting are three-night Special Weekend Getaways on select dates (land-only rates start at $249 for Cancun)

Southwest Airlines is saying happy birthday to you with its 40th Anniversary sale offering fares starting at $40 one-way. For the next 72 hours or so, customers can purchase one-way tickets for $40, $80, or $120 to select destinations, based on length of travel. One-way fares are $40 for travel up to 450 miles; $80 for travel between 451 and 1,250 miles; and $120 for travel more than 1,251 miles, fares are $120 one-way. The fares are good for travel from Aug. 23 to Nov. 16. And it's a twofer for Baltimore travelers since Southwest is offering a parallel sale with its new subsidiary AirTran, with fares starting at $40 one-way.

Friends fly free to Orlando on Southwest Airlines What's the deal?: Every second person flies free when you book a flight plus hotel package at Southwest Airlines Vacations. Make your reservation by June 21 for travel through Oct. 30. What are the savings?: Round-trip fares from Baltimore to Orlando, Fla., on Southwest vary, starting at $49 each way. So figure savings of at least $98. Some taxes and fees will still apply. Southwest Vacations is also offering buy one night, get one free at selected hotels.

'Get More NYC' in winter and save on hotels and more What's the deal: Visitors to New York City can save up to 25 percent off room rates or other value-added offers when staying during January and February. NYC & Company, the city's official tourism and marketing group, has special offers at nearly 100 hotels throughout New York districts, neighborhoods and boroughs. What are the savings: Discounts vary. For example, The James New York is offering 20 percent off the best available rate when staying two or more nights.

What's the deal? Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort in Cambridge has a "Spring Fever" rate starting at $129 per night for stays Sunday through Thursday. The rate is $199 for Friday and Saturday. Children under age 18 stay free. What's the savings? Hotel rates can be squishy. For example, the Hyatt Chesapeake Bay has a "Mid-Atlantic Winter" escape that's about $179 per night for a midweek stay. So this is a $50 savings off that rate. I found regular weekend rates ranging from $299-$449 per night.