All prices are per person and, if lodging is a component of the package, based upon two people traveling together (unless otherwise noted). See "What's Included" and "What's Not" for details about associated taxes and fees and "Complete Details" for information about travel restrictions and, if available, trip add-ons like sightseeing tours and meal plans. Base-prices, taxes and fees can vary based on point of departure and time of travel.
Destination: Cancún
Provider: Liberty Travel (tel. 888/271-1584; www.libertytravel.com)
Base Price: $945
Duration: Five nights
Additional Fees: $115
What's Included: Airfare, accommodations, airport transfers in Cancún, fuel surcharges, and local hotel taxes.
What's Not: Security fees and departure tax.
When: December 18.
Deadline: December 3, 2008
Why this is a Deal: Five nights at the Ritz-Carlton plus airfare for less than $200 per day is one of the more exceptional travel deals of holiday season.
Complete Details: For departures out of Boston, this special discounted luxury travel package includes five nights at the Ritz-Carlton Cancún. Marble floors, tasteful furnishings, and spacious rooms are complimented by a sprawling beach area, a full-service spa, tennis center, and a culinary center focused towards fine dining and the preparation of local foods.
Destination: Dominican Republic
Provider: Cheap Caribbean (tel. 800/915-2322; www.cheapcaribbean.com)
Base Price: $549
Duration: Five nights
Additional Fees: $110
What's Included: Airfare, accommodations, all meals and beverages, non-motorized water sports, and tips and gratuities.
What's Not: Security fee and departure taxes.
When: Until December 22.
Deadline: December 3.
Why this is a Deal: You can receive even an additional $100 discount off this trip and $100 off your next Cheap Caribbean trip when mentioning code NOWLATER.
Complete Details: Departing from Miami, this all-inclusive trip to the Dominican Republic includes accommodations at the Oasis Canoa 3 ½-star resort in the village of Bayahibe. The mid-size hotel has five pools, several restaurants, and a health spa. It's also close to the town of La Romana and several professional level golf courses. Leaving from Washington, D.C. or New York costs $619.
Destination: Quito and Ecuador
Provider: Intrepid Travel (tel. 800/970-7299; www.intrepidtravel.com)
Base Price: $1,000
Duration: 8 days
Additional Fees: $300
What's Included: Accommodations, sightseeing, activities, some meals, and professional tour guide.
What's Not: Local payment, some meals, and gratuities for tour guide.
When: December 13.
Deadline: Book as soon as possible to ensure availability.
Why this is a Deal: Save 20% on regular trip price.
Complete Details: This last-minute travel deal to Ecuador starts in Quito before heading southeast into the Amazon Jungle, Banos, and Cuenca. Highlights along the way include Incan ruins, jungle excursions, and the Cajas National Park. Accommodations are in comfortable local inns.
Destination: Killington, Vermont
Provider: STA Travel (tel. 800/705-8212; www.statravel.com)
Base Price: $442
Duration: Four nights
Additional Fees: $135
What's Included: Airfare, accommodations, and most fees and taxes.
What's Not: Lift tickets, security fees, and departure tax.
When: January 3 to 6, 2009
Deadline: Book one month in advance to ensure availability.
Why this is a Deal: Save $300 over booking independently.
Complete Details: Departing from New York and flying into Burlington, this package is available to students through one of the largest discount student travel groups operating today. Lift tickets are not included so students can ski, shop, and relax at their leisure. Accommodations are at the Inn of the Six Mountains, located on the Green Mountains along the Appalachian Trail just one mile from the Killington ski area.
Destination: Scottsdale, AZ
Provider: Travelocity (tel. 888/872-8356; www.travelocity.com)
Base Price: $512
Duration: Three nights
Additional Fees: $85
What's Included: Airfare, accommodations, local service taxes, and fuel surcharges.
What's Not: Security fees, departure tax, and airport transfers.
When: December 11 to 14.
Deadline: Book as soon as possible to ensure availability on this last-minute deal.
Why this is a Deal: Airfare alone would almost be this much if not booked well enough in advance.
Complete Details: Accommodations are at the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort Scottsdale for this special offer to one of Arizona's more beautiful regions in the valley surrounding Camelback Mountain. Set on 22-acres in the Sonoran Desert just two-miles from Old Town Scottsdale, the resort has a pool, tennis facilities, basketball courts, and a putting green.
