These days, you can almost here purse strings tightening all around the world. But that shouldn't keep you from making travel plans around the holidays. In fact, this may be the perfect time for you to jump on a plane and head somewhere tropical. This might even be a great time to get a deal on airfare if you strike now.

Southwest Airlines is one of the few airlines not charging prices for every little thing. You can also fly anywhere in the country, including five locals in Florida and seven in California, for pretty reasonable prices. The airline doesn't fly everywhere in the US but they are adding destinations all the time. Airtran also offers some great deals on domestic travel and, if all else fails, try CheapTickets.com. AOL Travel has more tips on how to travel well.

If you'd like to take the party overseas, try OpenSkies. This international airline flies between New York City and Paris or New York City and Amsterdam. A trip from NYC to Paris would run you as little as $745 around Thanksgiving. Or if you prefer the nightlife in Amsterdam, a trip around the same time would only be $744.50 (50 cents less than Paris, interestingly enough). You could even crash at the local Yotel.

Of course, the Yotel should be used more as a short term solution to vacation lodging. You should plan ahead and dig up some deals on places to stay. Some spots are offering amazing deals on stays. The new Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino is offering a "sneak peek" rate of just $299 from December 20 through 30, 2008. When the new year begins, guests can stay for as little as $199 from January 1 through 15, 2009.

You can also score free nights at certain places. If you travel before December 19, 2008, the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is offering four night stays at just $223 per night with the fourth night free.

Other great deals will also be available during the holidays. The Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux offers 15% off their best rates to international travelers around New Year's Eve. If you love the idea of heading to Barbados during the holiday season, check out Turtle Beach Resort and get 25% off the price of a room through January 4, 2009.