New Year, New Economy, New Travel Deals

As is its wont, low-fare pioneer Southwest Airlines(LUV Quote) is discounting tickets for winter and early spring. Its start-of-year sale, running through Jan. 19, offers fares starting as low as $49 one-way on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and starting at $59 one-way on all other days.

It'll cost you $49 one-way between Houston's Hobby Airport and Salt Lake City, for example, $99 one-way between San Francisco International and Phoenix. That is before taxes and government fees, but Southwest is one of the few U.S. carriers that doesn't pile on fees of its own for checking bags or sitting in a seat with extra leg-room.

Tickets must be booked on the airline's Web site. Southwest requires 14-day advance purchase for travel from Jan. 15 through April 30.

Want to really get away? How about Tahiti? Micro-carrier Air Tahiti Nui is offering round-trip economy tickets between Los Angeles International and Papeete, the main town in Tahiti, for $860. That fare applies for departures from LAX on the eight-hour non-stop flight from Feb. 7 through March 11 and returns to LAX from Feb. 11 through March 16. Book here.

Want to enjoy a fine meal for less? San Francisco is rolling out Dine About Town discounts at participating restaurants from Jan. 15 to Jan. 31. About 100 San Francisco restaurants offer three-course prix fixe lunches for $21.95 and dinners for $34.95. Among the eateries are the lively French-themed bistro Jeanty at Jack's; the California Italian restaurant and after-work watering hole Kuleto's; the hearty brewpub Thirsty Bear; classy French brasserie Absinthe; and the Asian fusion palace Le Colonial. Reservations can be made online.