The Real Deal: Round-trip flights on Southwest, two nights' accommodations, 24-hour traveler assistance, and hotel taxes, from $189 per person — plus about $35 in airport taxes and fees.
When: Departs Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, July 6–Aug. 13, 2009.
Gateways: Birmingham; add $16 for Dallas, Houston; $44 for Nashville; $59 for Tampa Bay; $152 for Chicago.
The fine print: Does not include about $35 per person in airport taxes and fees. Based on double occupancy; single supplement starts at $100. Kids under 18 stay free at the hotel. Requires a five-day advance purchase. Read before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: Aug. 9, 2009.
Contact: Southwest Vacations, 800/243-8372, .
Why it's a deal: A recent Kayak search turned up a $126 round-trip fare in mid-July (Continental). The hotel will cost about $205 per person for the two-night stay, including taxes. Booking independently, you could expect to pay about $331 per person, whereas is $224 with all taxes paid. You'll save over $100.
Lodging: Two nights at the along the Mississippi River. It's near the , an area with more than 100 shopping and food outlets, and within walking distance of the French Quarter and Jackson Square.
More: You can add nights; prices will depend on date of departure.
Before you go: The package does not include transfers; there's an airport shuttle you can take for $15 per person. For more ideas on what to do, visit New Orleans's or the .