Cheap chocolate, cheap travel

Last week as reported on the Savvy Shopper blog, dailypress.com savvyblog readers had a chance to purchase tickets on Southwest Airlines for $30, $60 or $90 one-way. The prices were based on the number of miles to the destination, so tickets to Orlando, Fla. cost $60 one way, while tickets to Los Angeles cost $90 one way.It was a tempting 48-hour travel sale, and many people took advantage of it. We learned a few things, too.

First, don't assume that the sale price, as good as it sounds, is the best price available. Check around before you purchase, especially if your travel dates are flexible.Second, pay attention to the flight itinerary. Maybe it's worth a few extra dollars to fly straight through on another airline.

These rules are especially important to remember this summer, since fares are down by as much as 63 percent from last year, according to an analysis done by USA Today.As always, keep an eye on the Savvy Shopper blog for daily updates on how to save money. In the meantime, here are some deals to tide you over this week.

Chocolate on a budget
Hershey Co. announced last week that it will close down its Internet store at the end of July.
Until then, all of the products offered on the site are marked down by 25 percent.
Hershey's is making the strategic decision to exit the online retail business, Hershey spokesman Kirk Saville told the Los Angeles Times. The current business model is not sustainable.
The gift Web site offers everything from chocolate dipped pretzels to 5-pound Hershey bars to themed gift boxes. Prices range from $7.95-$144.

Virginia travel sale
The Virginia Tourism Corporation has spent much of this year promoting the 40th anniversary of the state's tourism slogan Virginia is for Lovers.So far, that campaign has included vacation giveaways and contests. Recently, the corporation rolled out a travel savings program that offers $40 off, 40 percent off or buy-three get the fourth free deals. Most of the deals are good through the end of the year.

Called Virginia's 40 Off Travel Deals, the savings apply to specific attractions, lodging, dining and tours. Here are some of the deals for Peninsula attractions.

Buy three American Heritage Annual Passes Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center and get the fourth free. Valid through Dec. 31.

Buy four tickets to the Virginia Living Museum and receive four free tickets to the Planetarium. Valid through Aug. 31 on Mondays only.

Buy three Mariners' Museum admissions and get a fourth admission free. Valid through Dec. 31.
All of the deals and coupons can be found at virginia.org/40off.

Don't forget As we reported last week, Long John Silver's is introducing it's newest dish, Baja Fish Tacos, with a free giveaway today.

According to the eatery, the tacos feature batterdipped fish layered in a soft tortilla filled with lettuce and Baja sauce. They regularly cost 99 cents each. The freebie will be available until 2:30 p.m. There are Long John Silver's locations in Hampton and Newport News.