If the stories circulating around company water coolers are true, frequent-flier miles are worse than useless. Why? Because, the story goes, every time a hapless customer tries to cash in his hard-earned miles for a free trip, airline reps just roll their eyes and respond mock-respectfully, "Sorry sir, we have no seats available for award travel on that flight."

The award challenge in perspective 

How hard is it, really, for frequent flier program members to get what's coming to them?

Unfortunately, there's no central repository of frequent flier data (as, for example, the DOT maintains for arrival and departure data). So there is no definitive answer to the question.

The airlines in recent years have included frequent flier program statistics on their websites, as part of their so-called customer care commitments. As an example, American, operator of the first modern mileage program and one of the largest, reports that AAdvantage members were able to redeem more than 165 billion miles in 2010 to claim almost 7.2 million awards for flights, upgrades and car rentals. Of those, 5,252,293 were free flights on American, and 590,374 were upgrades.

Those are impressive numbers, but they leave the crucial questions unanswered. How many times were AAdvantage members able to book their first choice of award flights? How often were they forced to revise their plans due to award bottlenecks. How many times did they have to redeem twice as many miles for an unrestricted award to circumvent those bottlenecks? And how often were they stymied completely, utterly unable to find any award flights that were both acceptable and available?

Except for the airlines themselves—and they're not saying—no one knows the definitive answers to these questions, either as they pertain to the program of American or to the programs of other airlines.

What we do know, anecdotally, is that miles are not readily redeemable for capacity-controlled awards. And for reasons that aren't difficult to discern—a combination of full flights and slim profits—redeeming them for award flights is harder than ever.

Award-seat allocation: Behind the scenes 

Before turning to specific suggestions for getting an award, let's take a moment to consider the reason award seats can be hard to come by.

On one hand, airlines want to deliver on the promise implicit in frequent flier programs: a free ticket after you've earned the required miles. Indeed, to break that promise too often, to too many customers, would incite a huge consumer backlash, turning a customer-incentive program into a customer-alienation program.

On the other hand, in the interest of fiscal responsibility, the airlines are loathe to give away seats that might otherwise be sold to revenue customers. The direct cost of flying an award passenger from point A to point B is essentially the cost of a meal and some extra jet fuel, less than $25 in most cases. But if that award passenger has displaced a revenue passenger, the cost to the carrier can easily multiply ten-fold or more.

Moderating between these two conflicting considerations is the arcane practice of yield management. The aim of yield management is to squeeze every last dollar of potential revenue out of each and every seat on each and every flight. To that end, airlines employ highly sophisticated software to make seats available for sale at different price points, depending on historical data, current demand, days remaining before the flight closes, etc. It's a dynamic process, with the number of seats available at different fares changing continuously.

Award seats are simply treated as another fare "bucket," albeit a non-revenue one. And because there's no revenue generated by frequent flier tickets, naturally they receive lowest priority in a program designed to optimize revenue. On a flight which might sell out—based on its past performance and current sales—the software will minimize, or eliminate altogether, award seats for that flight. If, closer to the departure date, the flight still has seats available, more award seats might be made available.

To the flexible (or lucky) go the awards 

As already intimated, the key to getting awards is the "F" word: Flexibility. So if at first you don't succeed, try the following, singly or in combination, until "No" gives way to "Yes, madam, we do have award seats on that flight."

Book early or book late 

As with revenue seats, award seats generally become available in CRSs (the computer reservations systems used by airlines and travel agents to book travel) 330 days before the flight date. That's your first window of opportunity and, in theory, the optimum time to request an award. As a practical matter, it's difficult for most travelers to plan a trip almost a year in advance.

At the other end of the advance-booking spectrum, it is sometimes easier to book last minute (within two weeks of the flight date, say), when award seats may be added back into inventory on flights which aren't selling out.

• FREQUENT FLIER DEALS: 

There are opportunities in the middle term as well. Many airlines manually review their seat allocations 120, 90, 60 and 30 days in advance. After each review, depending on the analyst's finding, more (or fewer) award seats may be made available.

Book on off-peak days 

Which days are peak and off-peak? It depends. To a predominantly business-oriented destination like Chicago, peak days will be Tuesday through Thursday, primetime for business trips. Las Vegas or Orlando, because they draw a leisure-focused clientele, see their traffic peak around the weekends.

In addition to the day-of-the-week ups and downs, there are annual cycles. The summer migration to beach cities. Spring break in Florida. Winter holiday getaways to Hawaii. Summer vacation trips to Europe.

The trick is to identify the lows and highs for the flight of your choice, and plan to book award travel during the former and away from the latter.

Travel on holidays 

While it typically ranges from very difficult to impossible to book award travel on the days just prior to and after holidays, you can often find award seats available on the day of the holiday itself.

I have used frequent flier tickets for travel on both Christmas and Thanksgiving. True, I sacrificed some of the time I might otherwise have spent with friends and family. But in both cases, the planes were relatively empty and the ground and cabin crew were in festive moods. And on the Christmas flight, the airline even waived the fee for the movie in economy class.

Be a contrarian destination-wise 

All things being equal, an award ticket to Omaha is easier to snag than one to Oahu. And mid-winter, the difference will be most pronounced. (You may also find that award trips to smaller, less-served destinations represent good value, since the price of a revenue ticket may be higher than on more competitive routes.)

Listen to the airlines 

Sensitive to the need to maximize program members' satisfaction, airlines are increasingly offering members award redemption advice proactively. Example: American, United, and US Airways all publish lists of recommended award destinations, highlighting city pairs with the most award availability over the upcoming months.

Also, it has become standard practice for the airlines to offer periodic award sales, discounting award tickets to selected destinations. The destinations are selected, of course, precisely because they're not in demand, so by taking advantage of them you enjoy both a lower mileage price and a better chance of getting a seat on your first choice of days and times.

Leverage your elite status 

Elite status confers a number of benefits when it comes to award time.

First, many programs systematically give elite members less fettered access to award seats.

• ELITE STATUS: The ultimate frequent flier perk

In addition to the published benefits accruing to elite status, there is the undocumented special consideration that airlines extend to their best customers. A reservations supervisor may be empowered to override capacity controls on award seats, and a caller's elite status might be sufficient reason to do so.

The old "It never hurts to ask" adage is especially true if you're elite.

Fragment the family 

Award travel is flagrantly family-unfriendly. While there may be two award seats available on a given flight, the odds of there being three seats are much lower. Four seats? Not even on a Saturday-night red-eye to Peoria.

If you're a family of three, four or more, consider the following options:

• Divide the family into two or more groups, and try booking each group on separate flights timed to arrive within an hour or two of each other.

• Combine awards and revenue tickets.

• Combine restricted and unrestricted awards (see below).

Pay for help 

The airlines have done a masterful job over the past 10 years of training travelers to make their bookings online. For paid trips, that's fine, since seat availability is rarely an issue. But because of the capacity controls on award seats, and the limits of the reservations software itself, booking free trips online can be a challenge.

When attempts to book award trips online prove unsuccessful, consumers would do well to recall that most airlines still operate call centers, staffed by professionals who solve reservations problems all day, every day. A reservations agent may be able to override the restrictions on award seats on a particular flight, or create an itinerary that makes use of connecting flights via less in-demand airports.

Making award reservations by phone isn't free: there's a service fee ranging from $10 to $20. But that's a small price to pay if it makes the difference between failure and success in booking award travel.

A variation on the "pay for help" theme is to secure the services of a travel agent, preferably one who specializes in making frequent flier award bookings. Once again, there's a fee, but one well worth paying if the agent can get you where you want to go.

Pay the full price 

Lastly, and only as a last resort, consider cashing in more miles—typically twice as many—for an unrestricted award.

Most airlines divide their awards into two categories, restricted (sometimes called saver awards) and unrestricted (known as rule-buster or anytime awards). Reflecting the revenue fares on which they're modeled, restricted awards are cheaper but less flexible, while unrestricted awards cost more miles but have fewer restrictions.

Specifically, anytime awards, as the name suggests, are available without date constraints. And as well, capacity controls are either relaxed or lifted entirely.

While paying double miles effectively cuts in half the value of the miles redeemed, it may be the only alternative to just staying home. In the realm of mileage programs, the best deal isn't always a good deal.

By:Steve Kamb

“I have to tell you sir, this is easily the most ridiculous itinerary I’ve ever put together,” said the American Airlines operator the other night as I finalized plans for a worldwide adventure that would make Marco Polo blush.  “Welp, that makes two of us!”  I replied.

And just like that, I had committed myself to almost nine months of international travel.

Yes, that picture above is my actual itinerary.

Beginning this January, I’ll start an epic journey that will take me across four continents, through at least nine countries, and into more than fifteen cities.  I’ll fly on fifteen flights covering a total distance of 35,000 miles.  To put that in perspective, that’s almost 1.5 times the circumference of the globe.  While visiting these locations, I should be able to cross off over a dozen goals from my Epic Quest of Awesome.

Oh, and all of these flights are costing me a grand total of $418.36.

WTF?

Warning: I’m totally going to geek out on travel-hacking with this post, so if you have no interest in learning how to travel the world and visit awesome places for dirt cheap, check back in on Monday.

This post is also quite lengthy at over 2500 words: grab some coffee, get comfortable, and let me show you how deep the rabbit hole of travel hacking goes.

My Itinerary

Although I plan to get to Sydney much sooner should a flight open up (and in turn extend some of my SE Asia stops), here is my rough itinerary for 2011:

• The Rock Boat – Jan 6 – 10
• Los Angeles - Jan 14 – Feb 13
• Sydney, Australia – Feb 15-20
• Auckland, New Zealand – Feb 20 – Mar 20
• Brisbane, Australia – Mar 20 – Apr 9
• Alice Springs, Australia – Apr 9 – 12
• Perth, Australia – Apr 12 – 14
• Singapore – Apr 14 – 16
• Bangkok, Thailand – Apr 16 – May 9
• Hong Kong – May 9 – 12
• Shanghai, China - May 12 – 22
• Tokyo, Japan – May 22 – May 27
• San Francisco – May 26 – Jun 3 (yes I go back in time on the flight home)
• Portland – Jun 3 – 7  (World Domination Summit!)
• Boston/Atlanta – Jun 8 – Jul 30
• Chicago – Jul 30 – Aug 4
• Dublin, Ireland - Aug 5 – Sep 2
• Madrid, Spain – Sep 2 – Oct 10
• Buenos Aires, Argentina? – Oct 15 – Nov 30 (not booked yet, but I still have enough miles to make it happen).

Unreal, right? If I were to pay for this adventure with cash and book individual flights, it would cost almost $6,000 (using the cheapest option for each leg on Expedia.com).  The best part is, the dates of this adventure aren’t set in stone – as long as I don’t change WHERE I’m going, I can change the date and time of each stop without penalty.

Here’s how I got this incredibly flexible itinerary for only $418.

The Beauty of Travel Hacking

After buying travel guru Chris Guillebeau’s Frequent Flyer Master e-book last fall, I became addicted to travel hacking, acquiring TONS of frequent flyer miles for various airlines through an assortment of lucrative credit card deals.  I have excellent credit, generally get the first year fee waived, use the card for EVERYTHING, pay off each card in full, and receive a certain number of miles for spending enough money to receive the bonus.

In the past eleven months alone, I’ve earned without flying:

• 130,000 American Airline miles
• 105,000 British Airways Miles
• 40,000 Starwood Preferred Guest points
• 25,000 American Express points

I use these points to book insane trips around the world…like this one! To answer your first question, I didn’t buy ANYTHING outside of what I would normally purchase to get these bonuses – I’ve lived extremely frugally over the past year.  For example, to earn 100,000 British Airways points, I had to spend $2,000 in six months – after prepaying my car insurance for the year, and putting all of my other payments (gas, food, cable, gym, etc.) on the card for a few months I hit the bonus with ease.

For me to complete this particular trip, I had to use a combination of American Airline miles and Starwood Preferred Guest points. I had already used 32,000 AA points for my trip to Peru last month, so I simply transferred 40,000 Starwood Preferred Guest points into my AA account (complete with a 10,000 point transfer bonus), which gave me the 140,000 points needed to book my trip.

If you’re interested in learning more about frequent flyer credit card programs and last-minute deals, head over to Frugal Travel Guy and check out the different cards listed in the right hand column.  Rick runs THE best frequent flyer website out there, so start checking it daily if you’re looking to take some fun trips for dirt cheap – his site is one of the sites I make sure to visit every morning.

The best deal right now - American Airlines Citi cards: first year fee waived, spend $4,000 within 6 months for 75,000 points. This used to be only $1500 as early as a month ago, but it recently changed.  Sign up for one (or two..or three) of those cards, hit the spending limit (by putting EVERYTHING YOU BUY on the card and paying it off in full), and you’ve just earned 75,000 points without ever stepping foot on an airplane.  If you’re a frugal spender, try doing things like pre-paying your car insurance, buying gift cards, or do a little research and to find out about some of the other methods for hitting spending limits.  My friend Tyler got mighty creative…

You just have to keep an eye out for special deals (which is where Frugal Travel Guy comes in handy). Worried about your credit score? If you carry no credit card debt, pay off your cards in full, and then negotiate for fee-free cards after your first year your score will not be affected negatively.  If you decide to cancel the cards after a year, depending on your credit history it can take a hit of a few points before rebounding.  Do the research; it’s not as terrifying as you’d imagine!

How to Use a OneWorld Award

As of three weeks ago, my plan was to book a one-way flight to Sydney and figure the rest out after that. However, after reading posts from Sean Ogle and Cody McKibben about Thailand, I knew I had to swing through Southeast Asia to check it out.  I calculated that using points to go from Los Angeles to Sydney to New Zealand to Thailand back to Los Angeles would cost me around 110,000 points.

After looking at these beaches in Thailand, I knew I had to go:

So it was settled – I was going to Thailand.

I then discovered OneWorld Awards and my plans for 2011 exploded.

OneWorld Awards are flights that are based on how many TOTAL miles you fly instead of dealing with individual flights. They also allow you to fly on most of American Airlines’ worldwide partners, and you can make a total of SIXTEEN STOPS.

According to their award chart, for only 120,000 points (10,000 more points than I would have used the other way) I could fly up to a total of 25,000 miles and make 16 stops anywhere along the way.   However, for only an additional 20,000 points, I could fly up to 35,000 total miles instead…

Which got the gears turning in my head.

Because I had 140,000 AA points at my disposal, I decided to tack on a visit to both Dublin and Spain for next fall!  Obviously it was a big decision to add a Europe portion to my trip, but it only cost me an additional 20,000 points, round-trip.  Considering a round-trip flight to anywhere in the states is 25,000 points…I’d say it’s a pretty good deal!

Now, there were some funky rules that I had to work around for my itinerary:

• I can’t stopover in the same city twice, which is why I’m flying out of LA, then back in through San Francisco.  It’s also why I’m flying out of Chicago and back in through Boston when going to Europe.
• I can only have one open gap on the trip, which counts as one of my 16 ‘stops’ but doesn’t factor into the mileage calculation – my open segment is a gap between San Francisco and Chicago.  I’m responsible for getting myself from San Fran to Chicago next summer.
• I can’t change what airlines I fly and where I stop, but I can change the dates and times of ANY of the flights free of charge (as long as there is availability).
• I have to complete the whole trip within 12 months.

I have to give a HUGE shout out to the incredible community over at Flyer Talk.com for helping me put together this trip and answering my questions. That is the place to be if you have any sort of interest in frequent flyer programs, travel hacking, and such.  It can be quite intimidating due to the sheer amount of information on there, but once you get your feet wet it’s easy to navigate and you can pretty much find an answer to ANYTHING.

How to Build Your Award Travel Flight

If you’re interested in seeing how many miles your dream flight would be, check out Great Circle Mapper. Simply plug in your airport codes (which you can find here) and it will tell you how long your flight is!  Here is my crazy itinerary.  I’m not kidding when I say that I spent probably more than 24 total hours in the past three weeks having a blast on this thing creating itineraries, checking mileage, and figuring out where the heck I could go without going over the limit.

Here’s another invaluable tool – OneWorld “Who Flies Where?”. This is where you can find out which OneWorld alliance airlines fly where, so you can put together a legitimate itinerary.

A few other tips:

• Try to book your trip either WAY in advance (flights open up generally 330 days in advance), or last minute like I did. If you NEED to go on specific days, book it as far in advance as possible, as each plane only has so many “award seats” available.  When booking last minute, you might need to be flexible with your dates as often the most popular legs have already been filled.
• If you sign up for a Qantas FF number (you don’t need miles or to fly them), you can search their database to see which flights have available award seats. You can also do the same for British Airways for flights that don’t show up on Qantas (and vice versa).  Between those two I was able to line up all of my flights before calling American Airlines to book them.
• When booking, it’s a crap shoot how helpful your phone operator will be. I had to call back three times to get an agent that could help me re-calculate a segment of the trip that AA’s computer had screwed up.  It’s not the agents’ fault, some just happen to be more knowledgeable with this type of flight than others.  If the one you have doesn’t help, simply hang up and call back!
• Flights change. New award seats open up last minute, and these types of itineraries are free to change as long as you don’t change the airline or destination.  I plan on getting to Australia much sooner than February 13th when a flight opens up while I’m in Los Angeles.

Now, if you have your points in other airlines like Delta or United, they are part of their one worldwide alliances who ALSO offer flights like these…visit their websites, look up their alliances, and start planning.

How I Am Able to Afford 6 Months of Adventure Travel

Next week, I will be moving out of my apartment in Atlanta, and I have no plans to actually RENT a place in the United States until at least 2012. I will also be selling my car, and I don’t expect to own a car until 2012 either.  Once I’m not paying rent, car insurance, car payments, or fuel…my financial ties will be minimal (just some student loans and health insurance).  When I don’t have my money promised elsewhere, I can use the rest of my money to live VERY CHEAPLY overseas (hostels, couch surfing, etc.).

I am certainly not rich, but I’m incredibly fortunate to be 100% in control of my time and location because I am my own boss. I can operate Nerd Fitness from anywhere with an Internet connection, so I’ll be working the entire time while traveling, connecting with readers, writing about my adventures, creating more awesome workout videos, and inspiring others to also do stuff that scares the crap out of them.

The Rebel Fitness Guide is still selling well, t-shirts are flying off the digital shelves, and I’m hard at work on my second e-book as well.

Because I’m traveling so cheaply, I’ll be able to use the majority of my money to cross off some of the more expensive things on my Epic Quest list.  These are the things I hope to accomplish in 2011:

• Skydive in New Zealand
• Scuba-dive the Great Barrier Reef
• Something Lord of the Rings-related in New Zealand
• Visit Ayers Rock in Australia
• Exercise on the Skybridge of Petronas Tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia
• Visit the Great Wall of China
• Find the Ninja Warrior Course in Japan
• Kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland
• Party on the island of Ibiza in Spain
• Wear a Tuxedo and gamble in Monte Carlo
• Climb the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Now, a lot of these things are incredibly expensive, so I’ll be using any sort of connections or resources at my disposal to try and accomplish the goals as frugally as possible. If you happen to have ANY connection whatsoever with any of these goals and can help out, I would greatly appreciate it: specifically the NZ skydiving and Great Barrier Reef Scuba diving…those things will probably bankrupt me 

Why This Trip Scares Me

Eight months ago, I was sitting at a desk job dreaming about going to Australia “some day.” Last night, I booked a trip that will not only take me halfway around the world, but it will keep me on the road for pretty much nine months.   This scares the crap out of me.

Here’s why:

• I speak English and Spanish,  but I certainly don’t speak any of the languages used in Southeast Asia, China, or Japan. I envision lots of things getting lost in translation.  Looks like it’s time to start reading everything Benny The Irish Polyglot’s ever written.
• I’ll be traveling alone. So much for strength in numbers!
• I’m a picky eater.  Who KNOWS what kinds of situations I’m putting myself into!
• I have a feeling I will get mighty homesick, as I’ve never been out of the country for more than three weeks…which was my trip to Peru a month ago.
• I’m worried that something bad will happen that I can’t get out of. Not that I plan on doing anything illegal (I don’t use drugs and didn’t even start drinking until 3 months after my 21st birthday), but I REALLY don’t want to end up in a Cambodian jail strung up by my toes.

Now, fortunately the same reasons that I scare me also excite me. I don’t speak the languages in Asia, so I’ll have to start learning them.  I also have to become resourceful, rely on my instincts, learn to navigate foreign environments, operate outside my comfort zone, expand my horizons when it comes to food, learn to deal with homesickness, and talk my way out of various situations.  I have this vision in my head of me becoming a real life Jason Bourne (hopefully without the assassination stuff), and this is a fantastic way to find out what I’m made of.

I understand that not everybody can just pack up and leave for nine months, so I know this is the opportunity of a lifetime.  I figure I might as well do this now when I’m 26, no wife, kids, or mortgage, because who knows what will happen a year from now.  I plan on packing Nerd Fitness full of awesome stories, both good and bad, about the whole adventure.  I’m looking forward to working on the road, exercising in unique locations, meeting amazing people, and going on some pretty epic adventures.

If you happen to live in one of these cities, or know a good friend that lives in one of these countries, shoot me an email and maybe we can meet up.

That's the theme of a new ad campaign for IBEROSTAR's all-inclusive resorts, starring actor Antonio Banderas.

The Spanish chain aims to lure more Americans to its lodgings in the Caribbean and elsewhere by touting what savvy travelers know: Resorts where meals, snacks, booze and most activities are covered, often at jaw-dropping rates, can make budgeters feel like big shots. It's a vacation option that's better every year, as all-inclusives up their games with new properties, fancier rooms and meals that can rival those at chic hotels.

Even traditional chains such as Hilton have dipped their toes into all-inclusive waters, and à la carte resorts (Ritz-Carlton's Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica, for one) have added packages with meals and drinks to woo those who want to know the bottom line before they leave home.

"We see this as a growing market," says Hilton's Danny Hughes, senior vice president of operations for Latin America and the Caribbean. People at all income levels like knowing what a vacation will cost and having an "overall experience" at their fingertips without having to plan or pay extra, he says.

Another draw: You don't have to tip.

Here's advice from veteran travel planners and industry insiders on getting the most from an all-inclusive getaway:

Define your vacation goals

Do you want a gorgeous beach, an adults-only romantic interlude, a family vacation, a wedding that's easy to plan (Sandals Resorts has partnered with Martha Stewart Weddings), a party place? Different chains cater to various ages and proclivities, with everything from suites and butlers to nude beaches, casinos or infant day care.

Find the resort that fits your budget

Clients of Jim Hobbs' Cheapcaribbean.com ask: "Where's the best value?" he says. "People are looking for a high-end vacation at prices they can afford." Because most all-inclusives are in countries with cheap labor and low cost of living, you can stay for less than $100 daily per person.

Luxury lovers can be happy at an all-inclusive, says Arthur Mehmel, founder of TourScan Caribbean Vacations. He has sent wealthy clients to the AAA five-star Royal Hideaway Playacar near Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and booked the all-inclusive option at chic Half Moon Resort in Jamaica. Couples-only Sandals, whose slogan is "luxury included," offers butlers and private plunge pools for $1,000-plus per couple nightly. Its 74-suite Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World. Rates before Christmas start at about $700 a couple nightly.

Know when to go

August through mid-December is deal time, especially in the Caribbean. Fall rates at IBEROSTAR start at $158 a room per night (double occupancy) at IBEROSTAR Paraíso del Mar in Riviera Maya, Mexico. In winter high season, the lowest posted rate is $354 double, at IBEROSTAR Cozumel. Watch for grand-opening specials: SuperFun in Jamaica has a $154 nightly rate for two.

Know where to go

Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, St. Lucia and Mexico are crammed with all-inclusives. Up-and-coming destinations include Brazil and Panama. This year, Hilton made its Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa all-inclusive. It appeals to those seeking outdoor adventures. And for some, "the destination is less important if (the resort) has a great beach," Hughes says. That's the lure of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Negril in Jamaica. As for kids, the Beaches chain has partnered with Sesame Street— meaning mingling with Elmo.

Watch for sales

In this iffy economy, specials are everywhere. Even luxe Royal Hideaway Playacar has rates from $213 per person nightly for November and December, instead of $400.

Check before you check in

That's easy via traveler-review sites including TripAdvisor. Cheapcaribbean.com has a resort finder and thousands of reviews from its customers. Read the fine print: You typically pay extra for spa treatments, greens fees, motorized water sports, fine wine. Sandals includes scuba diving and offers free golf (but requires paying for caddies) at some properties.

Opt for air/lodging packages

Cheapcaribbean, TourScan, Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations and GOGO Worldwide Vacations have cut-rate deals. "Sometimes we can do a week for around $800 a person, including airfare" with a charter flight via Apple or one of the others, Mehmel says. Last-minute deals can be good, too.

Consider pros and cons

If you're looking to explore a destination and its culture, think twice before going all-inclusive. Other than basic classes in local dances or crafts and nightly cruise-ship-like shows, there's usually little cultural immersion. In places such as Punta Cana, there's little to do outside your gated compound other than excursions. You might be ferried to a stable to ride en masse on jaded equines.

Independent sorts may hate wearing a plastic, hospital-style wristband (required at most all-inclusives). Staying and eating at one resort, even with its buffets and specialty restaurants, can be confining. Chains such as Riu or IBEROSTAR combat boredom by allowing resort-hopping when they have several properties in one locale.

Meanwhile, the everything-included concept keeps expanding its beachhead. All-inclusives "have come to realize if they offer better food than average and better service than average for less money, travelers will spread the word," Mehmel says. "And that's what has happened."

A GETAWAY FOR EVERY TASTE

A primer on some all-inclusive chains popular with U.S. vacationers:   SuperClubs: They range from high-end Breezes Grand Negril ($190 a night a person and up), to anything-goes, adult haven Hedonism II and more toned down adults-only SuperFun Beach Resort & Spa (once Hedonism III), all in Jamaica. SuperClubs also has all-inclusives in the Bahamas, Curacao, Panama, Brazil. 877-467-8737, superclubs.com   Sandals and Beaches: Sandals caters to couples starting around $200 a person (suites with pools can cost $1,000 daily for two and up and have butlers) in Jamaica, St. Lucia, the Bahamas and Antigua. Beaches targets families in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos, as do Sandals' new value-oriented "authentic Caribbean" Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts in Jamaica and Antigua. 888-726-3257, sandals.com   Club Med: The pioneering all-inclusive chain is 60 this year. Once famed as a singles haunt, it has clubs worldwide catering to families. Rooms are face-lifted; Florida's revamped Sandpiper Bay - billed as the only U.S. family all-inclusive - reopens soon. 888-932-2582, clubmed.us   Secrets and Dreams: In the AMResorts stable, Secrets (for adults) is in Mexico, Jamaica and Dominican Republic. Family-friendly Dreams is in Mexico and Dominican Republic. Secrets, 866-467-3273; Dreams, 866-237-3267; amresorts.com   IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts: The expanding Spanish chain is making a play for Americans with ads featuring Antonio Banderas. Locations include Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Spain, North Africa and Europe. 305-774-9225, iberostar.com   Paradisus: The high-end brand in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, with VIP quarters at higher cost, is from Spanish hotel giant Sol Melia, which also has lower-priced all-inclusives. 888-741-5600, paradisus.com   Occidental Hotels & Resorts: Its adults-only Royal Hideaway Playacar south of Cancun is favored by discerning travelers and highly rated by AAA. Cheaper Occidental Grand and Allegro resorts also are in the Occidental stable. It has lodgings in Aruba, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Spain. 800-858-2258, occidentalhotels.com

Finding a hotel in Las Vegas can be overwhelming. There are countless options to choose from, both on and off the Strip; some feature different types of accommodations within one location; some may be local brands you've never heard of. It's enough to cause all-out anxiety before you even hit the craps table!

Stress no more: Here are five hidden hotel values in Las Vegas. More than just sensibly priced, these hotels also offer a little something extra—be it a great location, distinctive room features, or value-added perks included in the room rate. To appeal to a broad spectrum of travelers, I've included hotels both close to the action (e.g., on or just off the Strip) and a little ways removed. Take a look at my five picks, and be sure to suggest your own Vegas hotel favorites in the comments section below.

Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon

Many of the entertainment, gaming, and hotel conglomerates on the Strip are known for their gargantuan size—and prices to match. Not so with Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon, an unassuming spot right at the heart of the Strip. Guest rooms have 42-inch plasma television sets; some also boast a view of the Strip. The property has a casino, a steakhouse, and a 24-hour restaurant, as well as a nightclub and a lounge. Additionally, all guests have access to the four pools, two hot tubs, and poolside amenities at the Flamingo, located next door, for no extra charge. Rates in autumn start at $60 for weeknights and $120 for weekend stays, based on double occupancy.

Desert Rose Resort

The Desert Rose Resort is a non-casino resort hotel, located a block and a half off the Strip. Ideal for travelers who want to be near the action but not stay in a casino itself, the Desert Rose offers suite-style accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, living rooms with sofa beds, cable television, high-speed Internet access, and balconies or patios. Complimentary breakfast is available each day, and a manager's reception with drinks and refreshments is offered on weeknights. Additionally, the hotel has a pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, and a barbecue area. Prices for autumn stays start at $105 for weeknights and $150 for weekends, based on double occupancy. Discounts are available for Arizona, California, and Nevada residents; government employees; UNLV alumni; and members of the military. The resort also offers multiple savings packages, ranging from free nights with minimum-night stays, pre-payment discounts, and more.

Suncoast Hotel & Casino

Want easy access to the action, but also be a bit removed from all the hustle and bustle? If so, consider the Suncoast Hotel & Casino, about 20 minutes away from the Strip. The hotel has both standard guest rooms and suite-style accommodations, each with coffee makers and refrigerators, cable television, and high-speed Internet access. There is also a pool, a 24-hour fitness center, several on-site restaurants, a showroom for live entertainment, a salon, and a video arcade. Additionally, Suncoast has a casino with over 2,000 slot machines, a bingo hall, and more than 30 table games. Autumn room rates range from $39 to $119 per night, based on double occupancy. Special offers, including golf stay-and-play packages, seasonal savings, and dining getaways, are available.

The Carriage House

It may not look like the traditional style of building it's named for, but the atmosphere at The Carriage House seeks to provide a non-gaming respite from the rest of the Vegas craziness. Located one block off the Strip, it has 155 suite-style guest rooms, each with a fully equipped kitchenette, high-speed Internet access, MP3 clock radios, and DVD/VHS players. The property has an outdoor heated pool, a whirlpool, tennis and basketball court, a fitness center, a business center, and a convenience store. Complimentary parking is available to all hotel guests. Per-night prices in fall start at $79 for weekdays and $94 for weekends, based on double occupancy; discounts are available for AAA and AARP members.

Element Summerlin

Perhaps you're heading to Vegas not just for gambling, but also for hiking in nearby Red Rock Canyon. If so, the Element Las Vegas Summerlin may be a good home base, as it's located close to the natural attractions of the region, and is also about 15 minutes away from downtown and the Strip. The eco-friendly hotel features guest rooms with kitchenettes, high-speed Internet access, high-definition flat-screen televisions, and DVD players. Complimentary breakfast is available daily; there's also an evening manager's reception three times a week. The hotel also has a pool and a fitness center. Room rates start at $124 per night for weekend stays and $145 per night for weekdays, based on double occupancy. At publication time, a host of seasonal specials were available, including an offer where if you stay one night, you'll get the second for 50% off.

There's some great deals to be had right now in America's Playground (Las Vegas) with some high end hotels practically giving rooms away you'd be smart to take a look at las vegas for your spring getaway. Here's a few of the best deals to be had right now.

Stay at the Mandalay Bay Hotel for $66 or at THEHotel for $86 - book now and receive One Fly Back Free Voucher* for your next visit! Book by Sept. 9

Stay at The New Luxor Hotel for $36 per night, book by May.12 and recieve free upgrades

Check out the NewYork NewYork Hotel - Book NOW and receive:
Rates from $42

How about a Luxury Suite Package at The Venetian from $109 - You Must Book by Friday,May 7

• Luxury Suite at The Venetian or The Palazzo
• 40% off tickets to Blue Man Group
• $30 off a purchase of $60 or more at Dos Caminos
• 20% off your food bill at Lagasse's Stadium
• $50 pocketcasino gaming credit
• 2-for-1 tickets at Madame Tussauds
• $25 in Grazie Slot Credits

There's also great deals to be had at The Monte Carlo Hotel with rates from $39 and suites from $77. You will also receive these great inclusions

*two for one Buffet
*two for one appetizer at d.vino or Dragon Noodle
*two for one drinks at Brand

expires May 25 so Book NOW

There's much more deals to be had in sincity so check back often as we'll post them as we hear about them.

These spring bargains are just the thing to rouse you from your slumber. Our top picks represent closer-to-home destinations where providers understand vacationers may be getting back out on the road, but still aren't willing to spend a lot.

Whether you're looking to replenish your vitamin D supply with a beach vacation, get outdoors, or jump into the bustle of an urban escape, these destinations deliver. This spring, the name of the game is affordability, and these hot spots know how to play.

Jamaica

While the majority of the Caribbean has struggled to attract vacationers during the slow economy, Jamaica hit on the magic formula of increased air service and affordable prices to keep a steady stream of visitors sun kissed and happy. The trend should continue this spring, as AirTran and JetBlue introduce new service, and hotels around the island entice visitors with lower rates.

Low-cost carriers are boosting the direct links from East Coast cities to Jamaica. JetBlue introduced Jamaica flights from New York City last May with great success, and has been expanding service ever since. New routes between Boston and Montego Bay started in January, and between Orlando and Montego Bay in February. On February 11, Air Tran launched new service between Montego Bay and Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, and Orlando. Legacy lines are increasing service as well: In December, US Airways introduced a nonstop route between Phoenix and Montego Bay, and has expanded seasonal service from Boston through mid-April.

In addition to US Airways' new service, the airline has released sale fares to Montego Bay from the Western U.S., with round-trip prices like $310 from Los Angeles or $384 from Seattle for travel through late May. Delta is also running a spring sale that includes flights to Jamaica, though the booking deadline is February 15. Air Jamaica has discounted rates for spring travel booked by February 18 or 28 (depending on your route), with round-trip fares such as $138 from Orlando or $238 from New York City.

Pleasant Holidays has posted three-night, air-and-hotel packages to Jamaica from $495 per person for stays in April and May. CheapCaribbean also has discounted vacation packages for spring dates. Sandals Resorts is offering $250 spa credits on seven-night stays booked before February 15, and other hotels around the island are running sales or offering added value to spring stays.

Toronto

Vancouver may be basking in the spotlight right now, but come spring, Toronto will have plenty of reasons to shine. New air service will totally transform how easy it is to reach the city, sales are putting it within reach of more travelers, and affordable hotel rates and attraction packages mean that visitors can live large even on small budgets.

Air Canada is making it seven times easier to get to Toronto with new daily service between seven U.S. cities and Toronto this spring. Flights from Orange County, California, begin on April 6; in May, the airline begins service from Memphis, Cincinnati, Syracuse, and Portland, Maine. In June, Air Canada launches new routes from San Diego and Portland, Oregon.

Airfare sales on Toronto flights make the city more affordable to reach as well. Air Canada has a sale on spring flights booked by February 16, with fares such as $231 round-trip from Orlando. And United is running a sale from Chicago, Denver, and Washington, D.C., to Toronto and other Canada destinations for travel through the end of April, with fares like $390 round-trip from Washington, D.C.

Air service providers aren't the only ones conspiring to make Toronto an appealing bargain destination this spring. A drop in visitor numbers last year seems to have put Toronto hotels in the mood to woo travelers with affordable options. For instance, Tourism Toronto has a list of weekend rates from $99 per night, plus "hot deals" on themed packages that include sports, theater, and sightseeing activities.

Hawaii

Jamaica is great if you're headed there from the Eastern half of the U.S., but the Caribbean can seem awfully far away if you're traveling from other parts of the country. Luckily, Left Coasters and Western Staters have a closer tropical bargain option this spring, one that delivers increased air service, plenty of hotel sales, plus hula dancing, volcanoes, and buckets of sand. That's right, we're talking Hawaii.

This spring, travelers can take advantage of new service from Alaska and Continental from the West Coast to Hawaii. Alaska starts flights between San Jose, California, and Maui on March 11, and begins a San Jose-Kona route on March 12. It rounds out its offerings with service between Sacramento and Maui on March 26. Meanwhile, Continental launches new routes between Orange County and Maui, and Orange County and Honolulu, on March 7.

Looking for a vacation package to keep costs to Hawaii low? At press time, Pleasant Holidays was advertising a three-night stay on Oahu and round-trip airfare from San Francisco from $349 per person.

Travelers looking to book their accommodations separately will find plenty of hotel and resort sales as well. Aston Hotels around the island are offering up to 45% off regular rates in April, May, and June. Through June 11, the Honua Kai Resort & Spa on Maui has discounts of 35% off one- and two-bedroom suites. At Starwood Resorts, for every night guests pay the regular rate, they'll receive the next night at fifty percent off. Sales at hotels and resorts in Hawaii are still common, so wherever you stay, check for discounted rates.

Panama City Beach

Though it hasn't moved an inch, Panama City Beach is about to seem a whole lot closer to most travelers. This spring, the Florida panhandle beach city will welcome not just a brand-new airport but service from low-cost giant Southwest.

The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is gearing up to open in May, and Southwest has announced daily service between Panama City Beach and Baltimore/Washington, Houston, Nashville, and Orlando starting May 23. Airfares start at $49 each way from Orlando, and $69 each way from the other cities. Delta will connect Panama City with Atlanta and Memphis.

Already known as an affordable beach destination, the major boost in accessibility will put this bargain vacation city within reach of more people. When you're comparing prices on accommodations, be sure to check vacation rentals in addition to traditional hotel and resort options. Look for free nights, spring specials, and other sales on lodging by entering your vacation date on the Panama City Beach tourism website.

Gatlinburg

Want a vacation that combines small-town charm with outdoor adventure, all at an affordable price? Gatlinburg, Tennessee, might be just the ticket, with recently introduced air service to two nearby airports, plus new attractions for spring and a flower festival ready to bloom.

On April 6, American Eagle will start seasonal nonstop service between Dallas and Asheville, North Carolina, about a two-hour drive from Gatlinburg. And in 2009, AirTran started flying between Orlando and Asheville. The airline also began service between Orlando and Knoxville, Tennessee, just an hour's drive from Gatlinburg. Accommodations sales and specials keep the destination affordable.

New attractions and seasonal celebrations make this spring the ideal time to visit. March brings the grand opening of a new $5 million penguin exhibit at the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. In April, the Nantahala Outdoor Center will open its doors, offering a climbing wall, rope bridge, outdoor gear, clinics, classes, and even an outdoor concierge to help guests choose from among the activities in the region. The new Carousel Gardens, a shopping, dining, and cultural complex, opens in March. And the Smoky Mountain SpringFest and 60th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage celebrate the season and Gatlinburg's natural surroundings.

ASPEN, COLO.

Lay of the land:  The historic mining town turned tony resort enclave sits at the base of Aspen Mountain, one of four ski areas owned by Aspen Skiing Co. The others, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass, are nearby and, with Aspen, accessible via a single lift ticket.

Back story: Aspen's roots as a 19th-century boom-and-bust silver-mining town were supplanted in the late 1940s and '50s when the ski resorts took shape. The stars soon followed. Homeowners include Lance Armstrong, Jack Nicholson, and Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. But as site of the Aspen Institute and Aspen Music Festival, the town has cultural roots that run deep. Beyond the chichi shops (Prada, Gucci, Dior) and stratospheric real-estate values, long-timers maintain that at its heart, Aspen remains a classic mountain town.

The deal: Book four nights and get the fifth night free with the Perfect Storm package, good at various lodgings (valid March 26-April 4; book by Monday). Sample cost: five nights at the Annabelle Inn with breakfast and après-ski wine reception is $523.60 per room, with tax. The deal also includes a fifth day of free skiing when purchasing a four-day lift ticket, plus other discounts. 800-262-7736; stayaspensnowmass.com.

Getting around: Free shuttles ferry passengers between town and the four mountain resorts.

Après ski: Longtime favorite Little Annie's Eating House draws raves for its burgers ($8.95 with fries). The Double Dog Pub serves inexpensive fare with live music Tuesday and Thursday nights. The colorful J-Bar at the historic Hotel Jerome features Prohibition-era drinks such as the Aspen crud (a bourbon-spiked milkshake).

Budget tip: Many fine-dining restaurants have bar menus with smaller portions at lower prices.

For free: The First Tracks program on Aspen Mountain and Snowmass puts guests on the slopes with ski school pros before lifts open to the public. (Sign up the night before.) Admission to the Aspen Art Museum is gratis.

Information: 888-290-1324; aspenchamber.org.

DEER VALLEY, UTAH

Lay of the land: The upscale ski resort is about 40 miles from the Salt Lake City airport, 1 mile from Park City and close to Park City Mountain Resort and The Canyons ski areas.

Back story: Television and hotel magnate Edgar Stern (who owned San Francisco's Stanford Court) envisioned a ski resort that would operate like a five-star lodging. In 1981, he opened Deer Valley, featuring amenities such as ski valets. Besides the perennial five-star/diamond Stein Eriksen Lodge, on-site digs include a new St. Regis resort and, opening next winter, a luxury Montage resort. Deer Valley is one of only three U.S. ski areas that ban snowboarding.

The deal: Late-season packages knock 25% off lodging and lift tickets (800-558-3337; deervalley.com), but staying in Park City is a better bet for skiers on a budget. Sample deal: The Yarrow Resort Hotel has a four-night package (valid through March 20) that includes three-day lift tickets for Deer Valley and breakfast, from $585 per person, double. 800-908-5000; ski.com.

Getting around: Free bus service runs between Park City, Deer Valley and The Canyons.

Après ski: Park City's lively Main Street boasts a range of reasonably priced eateries. Locals line up for the $11.75 buffalo burgers at the No Name Saloon. At the no-frills El Chubasco, diners fill up on heaping $7.95 bowls of posole, a spicy corn stew, and other hearty Mexican fare. Squatters, Red Rock and Wasatch pubs serve local brews. At Deer Valley Resort, the Royal Street Cafe at the Silver Lake Lodge offers an array of appetizers for $6-$16; a bowl of the resort's signature turkey chili is $8.50.

Budget tip: March 28 to the end of ski season, redeem your airline boarding pass for a free lift ticket at any of the three area resorts (parkcityinfo.com/quickstart).

For free: Watch the pros train on the ski jump and luge, bobsled and skeleton tracks at the Utah Olympic Park. The Kimball Art Center has free admission.

Information: 800-453-1360; parkcityinfo.com.

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO

Lay of the land: The name refers to an area consisting of Sun Valley Resort with its two ski mountains and Austrian-style village, the neighboring historic mining town of Ketchum, and the valley stretching south to Bellevue.

Back story: In the mid-1930s, railroad tycoon Averell Harriman, seeking to beef up passenger business on his Union Pacific trains, created the USA's first destination winter resort. He built buzz by inviting celebrities such as Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, Lucille Ball and Ernest Hemingway (who completed For Whom the Bell Tolls in suite 206 of the Sun Valley Lodge). The area remains a hangout for A-list regulars including Tom Hanks, Jamie Lee Curtis, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Springsteen.

The deal: Get a free lift ticket (regular price is $82) for every night booked at the Sun Valley Lodge or Sun Valley Inn though March 25 for $109.50 per person, double. (Blackout dates apply.) Additionally, from Feb. 22 through the ski season, one child 15 and under stays and skis free for every adult booked at participating lodgings at Sun Valley Resort. Not in the mood for skiing? Multi-day lift tickets of three days or more can be exchanged for other resort activities, spa and meal credits. 800-786-8259; sunvalley.com.

Getting around: Mountain Rides buses, equipped with ski and bike racks, operate freebetween the ski area and Ketchum.

Après ski: Grumpy's is a favorite for burgers and beer (a 32-ounce schooner costs just $5). Try Apples Bar & Grill near the Warm Springs Lodge for casual, tasty fare. Most menu items are less than $10.

Budget tip: Local cognoscenti scour the racks at Ketchum's Gold Mine Thrift Shop for deals on high-end designer labels.

For free: A winter concert series in the Ketchum town plaza runs from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays through March 25.

Information: 866-305-0408; visitsunvalley.com.

I'm perched in a wooden treehouse lazing on a cushy double mattress atop a white sand beach along Mexico's Riviera Maya. Overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, I'm about as far away from holiday hoopla and craziness as I can get when the beach butler comes by to see if I need anything.

No one is bickering or complaining. In fact, it is that rare vacation moment when everyone is happy at the same time. I'm not dreaming. We're at the small Azul Beach Hotel, a short walk along the beach from the Azul Sensatori Hotel, where we've been spending the holiday week. Kids play happily on the beach and splash in the water and I don't have to do the dishes after a sumptuous holiday feast -- in this case a beach barbecue featuring freshly caught grouper and snapper.

We've spent Christmases hanging stockings in ski condos from Vermont to Colorado and sailed a chartered boat around the British Virgin Islands. We've watched baby sea turtles make their way to the ocean one Christmas Eve along Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula and swam with the sea lions another year in the Galapagos Islands.

As the kids got older, these trips became their holiday gifts -- the memories and experiences, I reasoned, would last a lot longer than a new sweater or video game and they agreed, though they finally made me stop buying holiday ornaments every place we went. "No more room on the tree!" they groused, at about the same time they gave up posing for those ubiquitous family vacation pictures.

If you're thinking holiday trips are guaranteed budget busters, think again. In this economy, hotels, resorts, adventure outfitters and ski areas need our business as much as we need a break. They understand that if they don't offer families great value for their vacation dollar, we'll stay home.

For the first time, the all-inclusive Azul Beach Hotel is offering 25 percent off at the holidays, for example, and throwing in a massage. And if you can beg off family commitments, it's not too late to snare a deal for Thanksgiving weekend.

"Historically, holiday travelers would have to abide by minimum-night stay requirements and also pay a premium to vacation during the holidays," said Dan Sherman from www.ski.com. "This year we're offering more sales, bigger discounts and we have them available earlier than we did last year."

The trick is scoring a decent airfare. You need to be as flexible as possible, shop around and be ready to book seats when you find a deal you can live with. If you can travel after January 2, for example, the FDR Resorts in Jamaica -- where you are assigned a dedicated vacation nanny -- is offering a $700 air credit.

All the better, of course, if you can drive. Look for resorts with hotel rooms as low as $100 a night (or less). Try Horseshoe Bay Resort in the Texas Hill Country, or the Omni San Diego where you get personalized holiday stockings. Even in tony Beverly Hills 11 hotels are offering "And to All a Free Night" packages (book two nights and receive a third night free www.lovebeverlyhills.org.) Or book three nights at a Loews Hotel and get 30 percent off the entire stay through the end of January with their "Home for the Holidays" offer.

Even during the holidays, you shouldn't have to pay rack rate, even at the ritziest places. For example, The Four Seasons Resort Lana'i is touting a second room at half-price, free baby-sitting and kids program and no resort fee -- a savings of more than $300 a night for those who can afford the freight. Or get a free night at Destination Resorts luxe Hawaii condos on Maui (www.drhmaui.com).

CoCo Key Indoor Water Resort in Ohio -- winner of this year's best of aquatics award -- sports a 50,000-square-foot indoor water park and a holiday deal starting at $149 a night, including four two-day water park passes, as well as goodie bags for the kids. Look for deals at other CoCo Key resorts and check out the Snowland festivities -- complete with indoor snow, a story-telling reindeer and Santa's workshop at the Great Wolf Lodge Resorts that also include free admission to their water parks and room discounts.

If you've got a favorite destination or hotel chain, follow them on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook and you might score an especially good deal, suggests Erik Torkells, editor of www.tripadvisor.com. "Don't get hung up on the hotel rate," he advises, but be ready to wheel and deal for extras that can add up to a lot more than a few dollars less on room-free nights, free food, free lift tickets, air credits and kids' activities.

If you want to head to ski country, for example, Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado promises a free plane ticket after you have purchased two, while Breckenridge, Colorado, is touting 20 percent off lodging. The Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah, will throw in two adult lift tickets each night and credits you can use for the kids ski school. Book four nights or more at the small Treasure Mountain Inn in the heart of Park City and pay less than last year while the kids (12 and under) ski for free. Web sites like www.liftopia.com can save on lift ticket costs too.

Join the "Grinchmas" celebration at Universal Studios Orlando where there will be a nightly Christmas tree lighting, special holiday-themed shows and deals that give you four hotel nights for the price of three and unlimited theme park admission for under $1,000 for a family of four. Or book an entire house in Orlando from www.homeaway.com for less than $200 a night.

Check out The National Christmas Tree and National Menorah when you stay at The Fairmont Washington DC where you can snare a holiday deal for $142 a night. Check Web sites like www.getaroom.com for deals in cities across the country.

In Mexico, my daughters Mel, Reggie and I settle in for an afternoon in our treehouse. My husband Andy and son Matt are next door. For once, they don't have to rush off anywhere and are happy to hang with Mom and Dad. Thanks, Santa!