Soon to be full of sandals and straw hats.
AP Photo

by Beata Loyfman

If you're one of the millions watching your 401K plummet faster than a parachute-free skydiver, you might find it hard to tell what's worse: the economic downturn (cough, meltdown, cough) or the fact that even the nation's brightest minds have no clue what's going on.

Sadly, investment strategies are not our specialty, but we can help you with a money-saving deal on a great escape: 

With the Viceroy Palm Springs' appropriately named Breathe Easy package, you can hide out in the balmy California valley and receive 25 percent off everything--including rooms, spa services, meals, and drinks. Plus, use of the gym, townie bicycles, and WiFi is free. What does this mean for you? A Regency King room at this chic resort for just $149 per night on weekdays. And with round-trip airline tickets from the east coast hovering around $250, this can be your most cost-effective investment all year.

If Palm Springs isn't your cup of tea, not to worry. Check back here for more travel deals every week.

Further reading:
* Take comfort in Harvard's Brief History of Recessions
* Just In: Breaking travel news