One long weekend and two agonizing breakups prompted my friend, Jamie, and I to go on a vacation therapy getaway. Much like retail therapy, which I'm also a huge fan of, vacation therapy aims to drown your sorrows in worldly comforts. However, our pitiful decisions for the weekend leave my travel expertise up for debate. Let's just blame that on the heartache that ensued.

Since our final destination was a good 10-hour drive from San Francisco, we decided to stay the night somewhere in the middle. Our choice: Weed, Calif. A stone's throw from Mt. Shasta National Forest, this area of upstate California is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor pursuits...something that I can do without.

Over the past few months, I've booked four star hotels in Las Vegas for $32 per night, in Portland for $89 per night and in New York City for $212 per night - all through Travelocity's Top Secret Hotels. This has become my first stop when I'm looking for a hotel deal - usually.

Being a Travelocity editor, you may expect me to unabashedly sing the praises of our product, but I realize hitting that buy button before you know the exact name of the hotel isn't right for every single trip. While everyone's comfort level is different, I've found the Top Secret Hotels offering helpful in a number of circumstances.

Consider booking a Top Secret Hotel if...

Dear Editors,

This is the first summer that my husband and I haven't taken our kids on a family vacation, and we feel guilty that we haven't gone anywhere. We're on a tight budget but would like to do a quick trip within the next few weeks before the kids go back to school. I've done some research...and last minute trips are expensive! Is there anything I can do to find a cheap last minute vacation?

Meryl

Dear Meryl,

The old adage "a picture is worth a thousand words" is never truer than when you're traveling. Nothing tells the stories behind the places you visit and the people you meet along the way better than a photograph. So, how do we best capture the story behind a destination through our camera lenses? I asked Ewen Bell.

As a travel journalist and professional photographer, Ewen provides "inspiration and information to help you make the most of your travel and photography." On his website, Photography for Travellers, he shares practical philosophies for amateur photographers. When I asked him about his top photo tips, this is what he told me:

Unlike travelers who loathe slapping down extra cash for baggage fees, I am thankful for them. Yes, thankful. It's as if the airlines were speaking to me when they began charging for those checked bags. They were saying to me, "Jennifer, stop packing so many shoes." You call it an inconvenience. Nickel and diming. Poor customer service. I call it tough love. Really, do you need anything more than a carry-on bag? I'm currently on a 10-day trip that includes stops in San Diego, Phoenix and Dallas, and I say, "No checked bag needed."

Kelly Vrtis, resident packing guru at The Container Store, would agree that you don't need anything more than a carry-on bag -- if you create a plan and invest in products that make packing easier. I asked Kelly to share her top packing tips with readers, and here's what she tells us.

This week couldn't go by fast enough, could it? In fact, you're already starting to pack for your Memorial Day getaway, aren't you? But, do you really need all of those shoes? Well...do you?! It's only a three day weekend. I say, pare down, and spend the $50 you would end up paying on roundtrip baggage fees on a nice dinner instead. Here's how:

10 Great Packing Tips

Dear Editors,

I am looking for a cruise line with Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Any help would be great.

Thanks,
Ron

Hi Ron,

Great question! Many travelers (including me!) are surprised to discover that cruise lines do indeed hold AA meetings on their ships. In fact, almost every major cruise line hosts these meetings, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Princess and Holland America. Once you're on board, just look on the daily schedule for an activity called Friends of Bill W. - named after the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Before you book your cruise, Travelocity agents would be happy to confirm that the cruise line will be holding the meetings during your sailing. You can call them at 1-877-815-5446.

Happy Travels,

Jennifer

Dear Editors,

I've heard that it's a great year to go to Europe because there are so many deals out there. Is this true?

Monica

Hi Monica,

With everything that is happening economically in Europe right now, there seems to be a tiny misconception that prices to Europe have taken a plunge. That is simply not the case. Last year was THE year for deals to Europe with both airfare and hotel rates tanking. Overall, prices for this summer are up over last year, but Europe is still a good deal when compared to two years ago. That said, the economic crisis in Europe does have its advantages for American travelers. Have you taken a look at the value of the greenback these days?

Editor's Note: It's Earth Week on the blog! In honor of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, The Window Seat editors are blogging about our favorite ways to go green while globetrotting. Ask us your eco-questions, join in the green conversation, and help us celebrate Mother Earth.

According to a study by Cars.com, drivers across the country are making the choice go green when they're on the road. The consumer advice site named the top cities for hybrid car shoppers, with San Francisco taking the number one spot. As an Earth-loving traveler, I always encourage other road warriors to think green not just when they're at home, but when they're traveling, too, and the growing number of eco-friendly car rental options makes that challenge easier.

Want to get outside and play this weekend? Hop in the car and explore a national park - for free! From April 17-25, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees to all 392 national parks in celebration of Earth Day.

Check out a park within driving distance, or visit one of these less traveled national parks recommended by AARP Magazine. The magazine delved into fun facts about America's great outdoors to find everything from the most prehistoric park in the country to the most isolated. Here are just a few from the collection:

Smallest - Hot Springs, Arkansas