Jetsettersblog

with some extra trimmings on top.

The “49 Hours of SF: Holidays” packages feature deeply-discounted rates on hotels when booked at www.49HoursofSF.com, beginning Nov. 1, 2011. These packages include a Westfield San Francisco Centre VIP Passport to Savings for holiday shopping at Westfield San Francisco Centre. Visitors who book a “49 Hours of SF: Holidays” package with an American Express card also receive a $50 Westfield San Francisco Centre gift card.

For additional holiday savings, regional residents who sign up for PIER 39’s “Locals Only” program will receive 50% off at participating PIER 39 merchants during the holiday season.

The “49 Hours of SF: Holidays” website will include itineraries featuring off-the beaten path events and unique San Francisco retailers to make visitors’ holidays in the city extraordinary.

Amtrak is also putting a bow on the holidays with “Kids Ride FREE” on the San Joaquin and Capitol Corridor routes for up to two children under age 15 per adult through February 29, 2011. Tickets must be purchased by December 31, 2011. Terms and conditions apply, visit www.49HoursofSF.com  for details.

The San Francisco Travel Association knows that 48 hours is just not enough time to experience all there is to see and do in the City by the Bay – especially during the holiday season. They have named their new campaign “49 Hours of SF: Holidays” with the goal of encouraging visitors to plan a 48-hour weekend getaway – plus an extra hour. The program is sponsored by American Express, Westfield San Francisco Centre, Amtrak and Pier 39.

The “49 Hours” theme invokes everything from the spirit of the legendary 49ers who came to San Francisco in 1849 seeking gold to the 49 Mile Scenic Drive that winds its way through the city’s 49 square miles.

Complete details will be available beginning Nov. 1, 2011 at www.49HoursofSF.com  or call 415-391-2000.

For general information on hotel packages and reservations; events; activities and transportation in San Francisco, visit www.sanfrancisco.trave l. For lodging reservations, call 800-637-5196 within North America or 415-391-2000 or 415-392-0328 (TTY/TTD) elsewhere.

The San Francisco Visitors Planning Guide is available at the Visitor Information Center, 900 Market St., at the corner of Powell and Market streets, lower level, Hallidie Plaza. A virtual edition of the guide is also available online: http://guides.weaver-group.com/sf/ovg/2011.   A visitor’s kit may also be ordered online at www.sanfrancisco.travel,  by phone at 415-391-2000 or 415-392-0328 (TTY/TTD), by written request to the San Francisco Visitor Information Center, 900 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94102, or via email to vic1@sanfrancisco.travel . Domestic and international shipping charges apply.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop links with more than 31 international points on 29 international carriers. The Bay Area’s largest airport connects non-stop with more than 70 cities in the U.S. on 16 domestic airlines. For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit www.flysfo.com. SFO was voted “North America’s Best Airport” by passengers for its outstanding customer service and amenities.

American Express® is the official credit card partner for the San Francisco Travel Association.