But we like Travel-Ticker’s Winter 2011 Where to go now, how and why guide.

1. Italy – Skip the tourist rush and the peak time rates.

Why Now:  Italy might be a little chilly during this time of the year, but as long as you don’t mind bundling up a little, you’ll have access to museums, palaces, and top archeological sites with little to no lines. Additionally, during the winter, the opera, symphony, and theater seasons are in full swing. For winter sports enthusiasts, Italy’s mountains offer fantastic fun. Take advantage of unique cultural experiences like midnight mass at the famed Basilica (tickets are free on a first come first serve basis), and the opening of La Scala, a world renowned opera house in Milan, which is an event in itself

• Value: An eight-day Italy trip in January or February 2012 currently costs $1,499, while the same trip in June 2012 can run as high as $1,899. By booking during the off season winter months, travelers can save up to $400 per person or $1,600 for a family of four. That doesn’t even include the savings that can be found at the attractions and museums.

• How:  Paris & Rome trip with air, hotel, and breakfast — from $999: The City of Light and the Eternal City in one low-priced trip. Get a round-trip flight, 3 nights each in Paris and Rome, daily breakfast, and an intercity flight from $999. Valid select dates, December 1-March 31.
• HTG NOTE: One thing to watch out for is that some of the attractions you really want to see might be closed. While we love traveling off season, there are a few down sides to it — specifically, what’s open and what’s not. For the most part, you won’t have a problem, but it’s something to watch out for.

2. Spain – Sun, Siestas, and Savings.

• Why Now: Probably the warmest part of Europe during the winter months, Spain offers a fantastic, budget-friendly off season experience. Opt to visit the Mediterranean region and the Balearic Islands for sunny, warm days with temperatures up to the mid-60’s during the winter months. And since it’s just a hop, skip and a jump away, check another continent off your list by taking a daytrip to Morocco for even warmer weather and a complete change of culture.

• Value: An eight-day Spain trip throughout winter currently costs $899, with trips in peak season summer months running as high as $1,589. Travel off-season for a savings of $690 per person or $2,760 for a family of four.

• How: Barcelona/Madrid trip with air, hotel & breakfast — $899+: You can get a round-trip flight from the U.S., 3 nights each in Barcelona and Madrid, a flight between cities, and daily breakfast from just $899*. Depart November 9-March 21.

 HTG NOTE: A HTG reader just returned from a week in Barcelona and absolutely loved it there. There’s lots of things to do, food to eat and wine to drink. The weather wasn’t quite that nice but still doable. Off season is one of the best ways to get a real feel for an area.

1. Dominican Republic – Peak season weather with off season prices.

• Why Now: Mid-December to early March is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic as they are just coming out of their off season, but not yet in their spring break peak season. This means the weather is optimal and the prices are still low. Take advantage of all the island has to offer – stunning beaches, a unique culture, whale-watching and their famed winter baseball.  – before the Easter crowds appear.

• Value: Rates during winter are close to the lows of the off season months, and much cheaper than going in the Spring Break/Easter seasons. Plus, you’ll be able to avoid the hurricanes and have good weather, which is definitely worth the average $20 splurge (average of $10 on hotel, $30 on packages). Hotel rates average $75 during this time of the year, with packages starting at $669 per person.

• How: 30% off Dom. Republic all-inclusive suite w/transfers, $99+:Oceanfront, all-inclusive, and now affordable. A junior suite at the beachfront Ocean Blue & Sand Resort in Punta Cana starts at $99 per person. Taxes, tips, and transfers are included. Valid now-April 7, 2012.

 HTG NOTE: This is actually in season and the weather is fine — especially if you’re in a place with winter. While there is still some damage from the earthquake, this has always been a place we’ve avoided. We probably should go there and check it out, but we’ve always ended up in other Caribbean places.

2. San Diego – Post holiday savings with activities to suit everyone.

• Why Now: San Diego has great weather and plenty of activity offerings all year round,  but in the winter this big city becomes more like a small town, which means great savings. The weeks between the holidays and schools resuming session offers fewer crowds, so many attractions, like the world-famous San Diego Zoo, are eager for business and offer better discounts for the whole family.

• Value: Visiting San Diego anytime from November to March will provide travelers with savings of up to 40 percent. During winter months, hotels average $100 per night, compared to $165 per night during peak season months.

 HTG NOTE: There’s really never a bad time to go to San Diego. Whether staying downtown, in La Jolla or any of those beach communities nestled along the ocean. One down side to winter travel in San Diego is that the ocean is freezing — well, not literally, but certainly in the 60s. That aside, between the food, the attractions and the wide open country outside the city, it’s a great place to visit.

• How:  San Diego-area luxury resort with over $100 in extras, $199: See what a $50 million renovation looks like – luxury living with extras. The 4-star La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, CA is offering $199 rates, now-January 31. Many extras like parking and breakfast are included.

3. New York City – Snow Flakes and prices are falling in the Big Apple.

• Why Now: While resident New Yorkers might not enjoy the winter months so much, December, January and February are perfect for any visitor to this wonderful city. Many hotels see a dip in visitors this time of year, so they offer deals worth wearing a heavy coat for. This is also a great time of the year to take advantage of discounted Broadway tickets for shows that often sell-out during the summer.  And don’t forget to enjoy the post-holiday sales and see the city in its picturesque, snow-covered form.

• Value: Save up to 35 percent on hotel accommodations  in winter, when prices average $119-$129 versus $169-$199 during peak season months.

·         How: NYC exclusive: 45% off 4-star hotel near Central Park, $94+: Midtown Manhattan for under $100? Believe it. Located near NYC’s best sites, the 4-star Park Central Hotel starts at just $94, December 11-March 15. Prices vary by date, but Travel-Ticker readers get an exclusive 45% off.

HTG NOTE: We visited New York City in January one year. It was blistering cold. The tall buildings create giant wind tunnels that blast arctic air everywhere. Plus, it’s really, really crowded — as millions of people live there.

NCL Caribbean cruise sale with onboard credits, from $399

Why TT love this deal

It’s peak season in the Caribbean and the Bahamas — now’s the time to set sail. Choose from many 7-14 day cruises from Norwegian Cruise Line. All cruises include $50 in onboard credit. Many destinations and dates are available for late fall, winter, and spring travel.

6-day Southwest U.S. hotel and rental car package — $449+

Why TT love this deal

Gate 1 Travel is offering this Southwest United States experience to Travel-Ticker readers for an exclusive $50 off the already low rate — just be sure to use promo code TTSWFD50. You’ll get a rental car for 6 days, 2 nights at the 4-star JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa, 1 night at Cable Mountain Lodge at Zion National Park, and 2 nights at the Radisson Woodlands Hotel in Flagstaff.

40% off Chicago luxury hotel near Magnificent Mile — $79

Why TT love this deal

This unbeatable price is only on Travel-Ticker — we double checked. Relax at the luxurious Millennium Knickerbocker hotel in downtown Chicago for 40% off. We also got exclusive discounted room upgrades. Superior rooms are $30 more, and Superior Corner Kings or Doubles with a view are $60 more.

Waikiki: 45% off hotel near beach w/double upgrade — $99

Why TT love this deal

Aqua Palms Waikiki is now offering Travel-Ticker readers a double room upgrade, which means you can stay in a partial ocean view room for only $99 per night. You’ll easily pay at least $50 more on other sites. And you’ll be just a short walk from Waikiki Beach, surrounded by dining and shopping.

NYC exclusive: 45% off 4-star hotel near Central Park, $99+

Why TT love this deal

At 45% off the best available rates, these are the lowest rates around for this hotel, and they’re only available on Travel-Ticker. The lowest rates are for a Superior King room, but discounted upgrades start at just $32 more. Hurry, sub $100 rates for a 4-star hotel in NYC don’t come around often, and rooms are sure to go fast.

This week’s Travelzoo’s Top20 included a different kind of travel: A trip to the movies. The travel website is offering two movie tickets through Fandango.com for $14.

It’s certainly the cheapest item on the list, which includes deals on airfares, hotel deals and more than couple of buffets in Vegas. Here are this week’s deals.

$199 — Bahamas 4-Star Getaway incl. Airfare
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1153755/
Source: CheapCaribbean.com

$51 & up — Midwest & Texas Winter Fares on Sale
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1155523/
Source: Major Airlines

$225 — SoCal 5-Star Coastal Escape Package, Half Price
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1154442/
Source: Terranea Resort

$799-$999 — Mexico Weeklong 4-Star Vacation from 17 Cities
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1154274/
Source: Apple Vacations

$549 — 10-Night Mediterranean Cruise, Save $370
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1155806/
Source: Travelocity Cruises

$165 & up — Vegas 2-Night Upscale Getaway w/Buffets & Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1155670/
Source: United Vacations

$189 — Michigan: Stay & Ski 2-Day Escape, Reg. $535
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1153368/
Source: Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa

$799 — Barcelona 6-Night Vacation incl. Flamenco Show & Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1154585/
Source: go-today

$39 & up — New York City Fares on Sale (each way)
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1155534/
Source: Major Airlines on Fly.com

$14 — 2 Movie Tickets at Theaters Nationwide (Reg. $24)
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1155380/
Source: Digital Doorstep

$69 — Coastal California Inn w/Breakfast (Reg. $249)
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1153232/
Source: Sea Otter Inn

$1385 — Luxury Bali 3-Night Escape for 2, Reg. $2685
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1154737/
Source: Viceroy Bali

$105 & up — Whistler Hotels incl. Ski Season, up to 45% Off
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1155817/
Source: Whistler.com

$674 & up — Asia New Year Fares on Sale (R/T incl. Tax)
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1155527/
Source: Air China

$99 — Scottsdale All-Suite Resort incl. Weekends, Reg. $179
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1153582/
Source: Chaparral Suites Scottsdale

$1982 & up — Europe Biz Class Fare Sale (R/T), Save $2500
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1155625/
Source: Lufthansa

$184 — Miami: Sexy South Beach Hotel, more than 60% Off
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1154725/
Source: Hotel Victor (Thompson Ocean Drive)

$129 — London: Upgrade at Elegant Mansion Hotel, 50% Off
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1155128/
Source: Millennium Hotel London Mayfair

$145 — Manhattan 4-Star Hotel incl. Upgrade, 45% Off
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1155359/
Source: Hotel Roger Williams

$739 — Balcony Cabin: 7-Night Caribbean Cruise on Princess
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1155475/
Source: CruCon Cruise Outlet

You be the judge. (We like the Costa Rica package for $599, as well as the six days in the French countryside for $899, but not sold on the $2899 Rhine River Cruise.)

$559 — Costa Rica 6-Night Vacation incl. Air, Save $600
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1129050/
Source: TravelByJen.com

$99 — Suite at Washington, D.C., Hotel w/Breakfast, 55% Off
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1129218/
Source: Capitol Hill Suites

$899 — Paris & Countryside Chateau 6-Night Vacation w/Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1129817/
Source: Sceptre Tours

$799 — Balcony Cabin: 7-Night Caribbean Cruise w/$80 Credit
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1129038/
Source: American Express Travel Services

$119 — Texas: ‘World’s Best Family Resort’ at 55% Off
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1128509/
Source: Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa

$999 — Vienna, Prague & Munich: 6 Nights incl. Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1128703/
Source: go-today

$799 — 14-Night Spring Transatlantic Cruise w/$150 Credit
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1129552/
Source: CruCon Cruise Outlet

$49 — Maryland 4-Diamond Resort incl. Holidays (Reg. $119)
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1127878/
Source: Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort

$378 & up — Europe Fares on Sale from Across the U.S. (R/T)
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1129668/
Source: Major Airlines on Fly.com

$271 — Bahamas Getaway w/Atlantis Access & Air, Save $580
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1128540/
Source: CheapCaribbean.com

$75 — Las Vegas 4-Star Resort incl. $25 Credit, 55% Off
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1128534/
Source: Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa

$99 — Hard Rock Vegas: Steakhouse Dinner for 2, Reg. $233
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1129245/
Source: 35 Steaks + Martinis

$179 — NYC: Times Square Hotel incl. Breakfast, 40% Off
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1129037/
Source: Wyndham Garden Hotel Times Square South

$1599 — New Zealand 8-Night Vacation w/Air, Save $800
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1129529/
Source: Gate 1 Travel

$69 — Arizona: Studio Suite at Sedona Resort (Reg. $139)
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1127879/
Source: The Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort

$680 & up — Fly to Frankfurt (R/T w/Tax); Sale Ends Today
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1129555/
Source: Lufthansa

$149 — Miami Beach 4-Star Resort w/$50 Credit (Reg. $373)
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1126404/
Source: Marenas Resort

$579 — Luxe Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Getaway incl. Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1129522/
Source: El Dorado Royale, A Spa Resort by Karisma

$69 — California Wine Country Hotel w/Tastings (Reg. $305)
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1127106/
Source: Best Western Dry Creek Inn

$2899 — Rhine River 7-Night Cruise incl. Air from 16 Cities
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1128642/
Source: Avalon Waterways

It’s a four-day trip to Costa Rica, with a partial view of the ocean (we’re not sure what that means) and a whole bunch of extras at Gaia Hotel & Reserve. 

According to TZ, this package includes:

• 3-course dinner for 2 including a bottle of wine (reg. $150)
• 90-minute hot stone massage for 2 (reg. $300)
• 90-minute terra massage for 2 (reg. $240)
• 2-hour steam therapy for 2 (reg. $340)
• Full breakfast daily
• Complimentary chauffeur service to the beaches, into town and to the local airport
• Personal concierge service
• Stay May 1 – Dec. 19, 2012
• Or travel now through Dec. 20 for four nights in a deluxe suite for $695 per person ($1390 per couple)

You can even buy the package now and pick the date later — though remember the Fall in Costa Rica is considered the rainy season. Nonetheless, it’s Pura Vida Baby!

But more than that, it’s also a stroll down memory lane, though I do believe I spent more than $799 on my trip to Ireland and never got to stay in a castle. (In particular, the cheap flights to Vegas is something that I should look into right now as I’m already planning on going there for the NCAA first weekend, but those dates aren’t available.)

Another thing I would love to do is cross the Atlantic Ocean in a cruise ship. I’ve never been on a cruise ship and imagine being stuck inside there like a sardine, though I realize that’s not so much the case any more, but it’s just what I think it would be like.

But there’s a certain amount of romance to the idea — and the idea always reminds me of Mark Twain’s Innocent’s Abroad.

So enough rambling, here’s TZ’s best this week:

$799 — Ireland in Spring: Luxe Castle Vacation incl. Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1116221/
Source: Sceptre Tours

$59 — Hip Las Vegas Palms Resort, 50% Off
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1116193/
Source: Palms Resort Casino

$299 — Puerto Rico 4-Star Escape w/Air, Save $600
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1115318/
Source: CheapCaribbean.com

$149 — NYC: Newly Renovated 4-Star Grand Hyatt, 40% Off
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1114992/
Source: EasyClickTravel.com

$499 — 13-Night Spring Transatlantic Cruise w/$150 Credit
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1116940/
Source: CruCon Cruise Outlet

$23 & up — Las Vegas Flights on Sale Nationwide (each way)
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1117235/
Source: Multiple Airlines on Fly.com

$899 — Ecuador & Amazon: 7-Night Vacation w/Meals & Airfare
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1116190/
Source: Gate 1 Travel

$99 — Suite at Wisconsin Indoor Water Park Resort, 65% Off
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1116030/
Source: Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark

$999 — Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome 9-Night Trip w/Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1116145/
Source: go-today

$399 — Cancun 3-Night Escape in 2-Bedroom Suite, 70% Off
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1117008/
Source: The Royal Cancun

$29 — Chicago: Willis Tower VIP Food & Drink Package
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1115228/
Source: Skydeck Chicago & Rivers Restaurant

$99 — Upscale Florida Keys Beach Resort w/Upgrade, 45% Off
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1116942/
Source: Hilton Key Largo Resort

$694 & up — Paris Nonstop Fall Fare Sale (R/T, incl. Tax)
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1116274/
Source: Air France

$139 — Paris: Upgraded Room at 4-Star Hotel (Reg. $348)
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1116893/
Source: Le Méridien Etoile

$183 — Whistler 4-Diamond Resort at 70% Off
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1117228/
Source: The Fairmont Chateau Whistler

$599 — Weeklong Christmas & NYE Caribbean Cruises
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1116831/
Source: TripRes.com

$79 — Chicago: Michigan Avenue Hotel incl. Holidays
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1116236/
Source: Inn of Chicago Magnificent Mile

$85 — Punta Cana 4-Star All-Inclusive Beach Resort
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1115389/
Source: BookIt.com

$69 — Orlando: Disney World Hotel incl. Breakfast, 40% Off
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1116950/
Source: BookIt.com

$54-$99 — Fall Fares from the Midwest & Texas on Sale
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1117010/
Source: Major Airlines

Though that may be the point of the new website and grammatically incorrect url: Girlsthatroam.com.

Tell the site about your deepest globetrotting wants, desires and annoyances and you could win a stay in Puerto Rico in 2012. There are actually a number of perks for taking the survey and free giveaways, including stays at Maui Sunseeker, Sheraton, or Westin resorts in Maui.

Click here to take the survey. (You have to fill it out by Nov. 15.)

The site itself is not up and running just yet, but we love the idea — a site focusing on women travel and all the variations of that. Here’s the spiel that the publishers of the site say about it:

“Girls That Roam is an online travel magazine and community for independent globetrotting women who are either swinging it solo, traveling with their gal pals or girlfriends, trekking it with their tots, or road warriors closing the deal. Girl roamers seek and explore new adventures learning about the world and pushing boundaries, doing good and giving back, supporting women-owned businesses and organizations all the while having a great time rocking it through the continents, drinking and eating, sporting it up, sharing stories and tips, meeting new girlfriends – queer, straight, black, brown, white from America to Asia and everywhere in between – and having some fun and giggles along the way.”

We wish them luck.

With Fall in full bloom, there are still all of those day trips spreading around the country to watch the trees change, and ski season is kicking off out west.

$999 — Italy: Rome, Florence & Venice 6-Night Trip w/Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1107774/
Source: Gate 1 Travel

$20 — Las Vegas Hotel near The Strip incl. Breakfast
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1106730/
Source: Hooters Casino Hotel

$1799 — New Zealand Luxe 8-Night Vacation w/Air, Reg. $3274
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1106413/
Source: Down Under Answers

$499 — Cancun All-Inclusive Beachfront Getaway w/Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1107999/
Source: CheapCaribbean.com

$89 — Bahamas: Oceanview Cabin on 2-Night Weekend Cruises
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1106852/
Source: Celebration Cruise Line

$39 & up — New York City Fares on Sale (each way)
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1109225/
Source: Major Airlines on Fly.com

$127 — Niagara 4-Star Escape w/$140 in Credit & Tastings
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1109885/
Source: Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview & Spa

$499 — St. Lucia Luxe 4-Night Escape for 2 (Reg. $1100)
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1107660/
Source: Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa

$135 — Helicopter Flight over New York City
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1107923/
Source: Manhattan Helicopters

$2299 — South Africa Safari Vacation w/Game Drives & Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1107569/
Source: South African Airways Vacations

$299 — Luxe Vermont 2-Night Culinary/Spa Getaway, Reg. $800
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1107791/
Source: The Essex Resort & Spa

$299 — Royal Caribbean 4-Night Weekend Cruise
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1107990/
Source: Travelocity Cruises

$1099 — Turkey Escorted Trip w/4-Star Hotels & Nonstop Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1107959/
Source: Friendly Planet Travel

$679 — Balcony on 7-Night Caribbean Cruise w/$200 in Extras
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1109075/
Source: CruCon Cruise Outlet

$95 & up — Florida Hotels & Resorts incl. Westin & Sheraton
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1108890/
Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts

$519 & up — Hawaii Long Weekend Escape incl. Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1107960/
Source: Delta Vacations

$149 — NYC: Upgraded Room at Landmark Hotel (Reg. $279)
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1109209/
Source: The Roosevelt Hotel

$699 — Caribbean Last-Minute Weeklong Beach Vacation w/Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1109077/
Source: Apple Vacations

$129 — Trendy San Diego 4-Star Hotel (Reg. $299)
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1106848/
Source: Andaz San Diego

$699 — Ireland 5-Star Spring Vacation incl. Villa & Airfare
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78331253-1106978/
Source: Sceptre Tours

So enter HomeExchange.com — a site dedicated to helping connect people in far away places that want to trade places for a little while. The deal is pretty straight forward — open up your home while someone else opens up theirs. This way both groups can go through the underwear drawers in another place. It’s like couchsurfing.com for adults.

Now, HomeExchange.com has announced this week that it is adding Greece to its thousands of listings that include, now, 145 countries.

Ed Kushins, Founder and President of HomeExchange.com said in a release: “We are excited about adding HomeExchangeGreece to our family of sites. Greece is a very popular destination for our Members and HomeExchangeGreece will offer a “Passport” for free vacation around the world to all Greeks who love to travel.”

For good reason, the company points out: Lots of people are looking for a place to stay in Greece.

The system is pretty easy to use. Pay $119 (for an annual membership listing) and then find someone to swap houses with. You stay in theirs, they stay in yours. What you do with your underwear drawer is up to you.

Naturally, we cheat a little, as these particular travel ideas come from Travelzoo. But there are plenty of other places to look if you’re short on things to do.

Summer doesn’t last forever — in fact, in a month, it’s over.