MONEY DATELINE This month's best bargains, cruises and more
By Debra Wishik Englander

(MONEY Magazine) – -- What you need to know in 35 cities. For a neighborhood restaurant or downtown jogging trail, try the new Business Traveler's Atlas by Chris Miles (Prentice-Hall, $9.95). -- Sail before Dec. 22. Carnival Cruise Lines (800-327-7373) offers a pre- holiday treat -- four days out of Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral for only $325 (without air fare). Cunard (800-221-4770) features a before- Christmas deal of 14 days for $2,995 that steams out of Malaga, Spain (including round-trip air fare from the U.S.). -- Roadside attraction. AAA provides more than emergency towing. Members can purchase American Express traveler's checks without any service charge and also get discount rates at Sheraton, Howard Johnson and other hotels (800-222-4357; $18 to $65 annual dues). -- License to party. The Chicago Mayfair Regent (312-787-8500) is marking its 10th anniversary with a weekend special of deluxe room, champagne, flowers and white-chocolate mousse cake for any couple also toasting a decade of wedded bliss. Just $75 -- $50 off the usual $125. -- Ace racket. Designed 20% lighter than older models, Wilson's new Profile Hammer tennis racket (about $300) has a higher sweet spot to improve everyone's game. - D.W.E.