There's no better time to travel than during a global financial meltdown. Price wars between airlines have led to plummeting ticket prices, and posh hotels are practically giving away their beds. Promotions on all kinds of products – ranging from hot chocolate to haute couture - make it possible for even unemployed bankers to get a taste of the good life. We asked our local bloggers to uncover the best deals, and to tell us about the simple and inexpensive pleasures that can always be found in their cities. With cheap tickets and insider advice, there's no reason why a shrinking economy should stop you from expanding your horizons.

New York

Photo: Tiseb

There's an old joke that it costs twenty dollars just to walk out your front door in New York, and it's funny because it's true. New York has always been an expensive city, and every one of my fifteen years of living here has been marked by a struggle to keep up with the rent, bills, and assorted random expenses that seem to come out of nowhere. It often stresses me out, and during moments of weakness, I sometimes wonder why I do it, but it always comes down to one point: it's worth it.

New York is worth every penny we pay for it. In fact, New York is a bargain. Even during a recession. Especially during a recession. Because while New Yorkers pay through the nose for everything from food to clothing to professional dog-walkers, we get even more for free, just by being here, and the recession helps us appreciate it. As it happens, New York is down right now, making it better than ever.