Fortunately, London has a number of cheap transport options to and from Heathrow, making the journey a much more pleasant—and wallet-friendly—experience.

Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect

Without a doubt, the Heathrow Express express train is the fastest—and most comfortable—way into the city. Heathrow Express departs every 15 minutes from the airport and takes just 15 minutes to reach Paddington station in the city’s West End. (The trains also leave Paddington every 15 minutes going the other way.)

To save yourself even more time, you can buy a ticket online before you leave the U.S. and have the actual ticket sent to your mobile phone—a bar code in the text message will be scanned when you board the train. Plus, another bonus starting this month: Free Wi-Fi on board! What could be better?

Well, the price, for one. A one-way ticket on the Heathrow Express costs a whopping £16.50 online (or £18 at Heathrow); a round-trip ticket will set you back £30 online (or £32 at the station).

A slightly cheaper option is the Heathrow Connect train. It takes slightly longer to reach Paddington (25 minutes), but the price is only £7.90 for a one-way ticket and £15.80 for a return if you purchase online. Watch which train you board—both the Heathrow Express and the Heathrow Connect stop at the same platform at the airport.

The Tube to Heathrow

Heathrow, mercifully, is also served by the Piccadilly line on the Underground. (Why can’t La Guardia be this well connected?) With an Oyster card, which you can buy at the Heathrow Tube station for £3 pounds, the cost of a one-way journey into central London is just £3.80.

The only major drawback is the travel time—allow yourself at least an hour to get to or from the center of the city; sometimes, the journey can even take an hour and a half. Another annoyance: Parts of the Tube are routinely shut down on weekends for maintenance, meaning you may have some difficulty reaching your final destination if it’s not on the Piccadilly line.

Car Service (also known as Unlicensed Minicabs) to Heathrow

This is the biggest secret in London when it comes to Heathrow connections. It’s actually how I suggest most of my out-of-town guests go to the airport at the end of their stay—it’s far less trouble than trying to figure out the train schedules and worrying about being late for a flight.

There are numerous car service companies in London that will take you to any destination of your choosing for a flat rate (no tipping necessary). Most companies charge around £30 per trip from central London (anywhere in Zone 1) to Heathrow, which is actually cheaper than purchasing two one-way tickets on Heathrow Express.

It’s simple to find a company if you have a cell phone that works in London. Just text the word “home” to the Transport for London’s information number (62967) and within minutes, you’ll receive a message with the numbers of several car companies near you.

If you aren’t that technologically savvy, fret not. Try calling Bloomsbury Cars, a reliable company that I’ve used before, at 020-7631-1334. They’ll pick up passengers from any location in Zone 1 and charge £30 per trip to Heathrow. The journey usually takes less than an hour.

TOP 25 EXCLUSIVE DEALS & PERKS

Save 40 percent off Telluride Mountain Lodge, from $71/night
Surrounded by the spectacular San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, the Mountain Lodge Telluride has spacious accommodations with working gas fireplaces, gourmet kitchens, and private balconies — all with stunning mountain views. Guests of this posh slope-side resort enjoy a prime location midway up Telluride Mountain with ski-in/ski-out facilities.

Deal details: Book three nights or longer by October 31 to enjoy 40 percent off on stays through April 4, 2010. Rates start from $71/night in November and go up to $85/night in February/March with the discount.

Book it: Visit www.mountainlodgetelluride.com and enter special promotional code SHERMANS.

Up to 40 percent off Vail Condos with late checkout, from $150/night
The resort town of Vail is a popular ski destination come winter — and hotel rates tend to be sky-high during the peak months. Luckily, Destination Resorts Vail has a limited-time early-bird special that will save you a bundle at one of their eight condo properties. Each condo unit has a full kitchen, private balcony, and gas fireplace.

Deal details: Simply book by October 31 to receive 20 percent off a 3-night stay, 25 percent off a 4-night stay, or 30 percent off  stays of five nights or longer. Rack rates for 2-bedroom condos in early December start at around $215/night, but you’ll pay as little as $150/night by booking early. This offer is valid for travel   between November 25 and April 18, 2010. Plus, Top 25 subscribers receive a late, noon, check-out  — just in case you want to fit in  a few extra runs   on the morning of your departure.

Book it: Visit www.destinationresortsvail.com or call 970-476-1350 and mention Sherman’s.

Hudson Valley packages with free spa access, from $195/night
Celebrate the arrival of autumn in New York’s Hudson Valley, an area praised for brilliant fall foliage, up-and-coming wineries, and dramatic white stone cliffs. Located on the scenic Shawangunk ridge just 90 miles from New York City, the historic Mohonk Mountain House has over 85 miles of trails tailor-made for hiking or snow-shoeing, along with breathtaking lake views, and a brand-new 30,000-square-foot spa. Choose from two special seasonal packages for an outstanding fall escape with all meals included.

Deal details: The Apple Festival package celebrates the apple harvest with midweek rates as low as $195 per person. Book your stay from September 7-30 for tasty perks like apple pancakes at breakfast and apple cocktails in the evening. Or, visit during the Pumpkin Festival from October 1-November 24 for midweek rates as low as $252 per person. Plus, Top 25 readers receive free access to the spa’s heated mineral pools, sauna, and solarium.

Book it: Visit www.mohonkexclusives.com or call 1-866-666-3146 and mention ShermansTravel to receive free spa access.

Up to 30 percent off at Aspen’s Gant Resort with late checkout, from $195/night
Located at the foot of Aspen Mountain’s powder-packed slopes in Colorado’s picturesque high country, The Gant Resort provides an ideal base for an ultimate winter ski getaway. This posh mountain lodge boasts 140 upscale condominiums with luxurious amenities like wood-burning fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, and daily housekeeping.

Deal details: Rack rates in December start at around $195/night for a standard 1-bedroom suite, but you’ll save up to 30 percent with the early-bird special. The Summer Snow Saver promotion entitles guests to a 30 percent discount on stays of 4 nights or longer, or 15 percent off a single night’s stay, for travel between November 26 and April 11, 2010. Plus, Top 25 subscribers enjoy perks like guaranteed late check-out and a complimentary bottle of wine upon check-in. Book by November 15.

Book it: visit www.gantaspen.com and enter special promotional code SHERGT.

MORE EARLY-BOOKING MOUNTAIN DEALS

Third night free at Seventh Mountain Resort, Oregon, from $139/night
Experience the stunning scenery of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains with a fall or winter stay at the Seventh Mountain Resort. Bordered by the Deschutes National Forest and Mt. Bachelor, this upscale lodge offers a wide range of seasonal outdoor activities from whitewater rafting trips to high-altitude treks, ice-skating lessons, and guided tours by snowmobile. With the resort’s Two and Free special, you’ll get your third night free and a $50 voucher to use towards activities or dining. Rates for standard 1-bedroom suites start at just $139/night this September 8 through March 31, 2010. To book, visit www.seventhmountain.com or call 1-800-452-6810.

Two-night hiking package in the Catskill Mountains, from $543
Whether you’re an avid hiker or just enjoy taking leisurely strolls, the varied trails of New York’s Catskill Mountains will let you experience nature at its best. The I Like to Hike package available year-round at the Roxbury Motel provides guests with maps and a personalized itinerary for a trek through the forest, including packed gourmet trail lunches for two and a flask of Bordeaux wine. If the hike causes your muscles to ache, don’t worry: This deal also includes complimentary 2-day passes to the hotel’s Shimmer Spa with a relaxing 2-hour couple’s massage. Package rates start at $543 for a 2-night weekend stay in one of the motel’s uniquely furnished studios, and prices are even lower on weekdays. To book, visit www.theroxburymotel.com or call 1-607-326-7200.

The dollars
Based on double occupancy. Taxes and fees are additional.

The catch
Skis and hiking boots aren’t included.