LONDON

Rule of thumb: Take advantage of favorable exchange rates now—who knows where the dollar is going in another few months.

Why here?: The greenback is stronger in the U.K. than it has been since way back in 2003. That means visiting this perennially expensive city is finally a bit more affordable. And so is getting there.

Best bang for your buck: Some of the best deals are to be found through packages put together by the airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and their U.S. counterparts. We found a great deal on Virgin that includes round-trip air, six nights in a three-star London hotel, and continental breakfast starting at $699 per person. Last year, that's what the flight alone would have cost you. At those prices, you could do some real damage at the fantastic after-Christmas sales (up to 75 percent off even at Harrod's) that go through January. Of if you would rather explore the countryside, you can get round-trip flights from Chicago to London and a weeklong car rental with unlimited mileage for as low as $769 per person, including taxes and fees. (Both of these packages expire December 22, but expect similar deals to crop up through the spring.)

Virgin Vacations
Tel: 888 937 8474

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