For the second year in a row, Lake Tahoe is ranked the most popular ski destination in the US by Orbitz customers. To celebrate, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority is offering up a nice promotion at 17 hotels in South Lake Tahoe. Now through December 19, when you stay two nights, you'll get the third free at properties ranging from the boutique Inn by the Lake to the sprawling Embassy Suites (pictured here). When you do the math (a.k.a. our no. 1 recession travel rule), this translates to a very sweet 33% discount. You need to work for it a bit, though: Call the Visitors Authority at 800/AT-TAHOE, ask for the list of hotels participating in the “LTVA Special,” and then contact your choice directly. Note: There is a blackout over Thanksgiving.