Puerto Vallarta for $898
The buy Transat Holidays is selling one-week, all-inclusive holidays out of Toronto at the 4-star Holiday Inn Puerto Vallarta for $898.
The savings $1,230 per person.
The catch This is available on the Dec. 22 departure, and taxes and fees of $271.75 are not included.
Why it's worth it Christmas is an especially festive and colourful time in the old town of Puerto Vallarta with its hundreds of restaurants and art galleries.
Book it Through a travel agent. For more information, visit www.transatholidays.com.
Hawaii for $759
The buy Fun Sun Vacations is selling a week in Honolulu for $759, including air from Vancouver. Add-ons are available from other major Canadian gateways.
The savings $100 per person.
The catch Taxes are an additional $105 per person.
Why it's worth it The hotel is two blocks to Waikiki Beach and across the street from the International Market Place. The hotel also offers a number of free amenities, such as in-room high-speed Internet, in-room safe and calls under 15 minutes to Canada and the U.S.
Book it Through a travel agent. For more information, visit funsunvacations.com.
GET AWAY, STAY AWAY
28 days in the Cook Islands
The buy Toronto-based Goway Travel pioneered the long-haul Snowbird package in 1994. In addition to long-stay programs in Australia and New Zealand, the operator has a 28-day air-inclusive package to the Cook Islands from $3,079 per person, twin share.
The savings This package includes four free nights and free transfers, an approximate saving of $550 per person. Book by Nov. 24 and travel by Feb. 28 and be eligible for a $212 rebate per couple. Book by Nov. 24 and depart Jan. 3 or 10 and save $244 per person and be eligible for $212 rebate per couple.
The catch The Snowbird vacation is valid for departures until March 31. Taxes, fees and surcharges are additional and are about $318 per person.
Why it's worth it The package includes round-trip airfare from Vancouver with Air New Zealand, meet and greet upon arrival, round-trip airport transfers, 26 nights' accommodation at Palm Grove Rarotonga and a black pearl pendant valued at $388.
Book it For more information, visit www.goway.com.
TAKE A MONTH IN THE SOUTH OF PORTUGAL
The buy JM Vacations is offering a wide range of apartments in Portugal's southern region of Algarve during the winter months aimed at snowbirds.
The savings A four-week package in a one-bedroom apartment starts at $1,479 per person including return air from Toronto to Faro, hundreds less than the cost during the peak summer season.
The catch Not included are air taxes of $267 and a $100 supplement for a return flight March 10 through April 14 if your departure is from Jan. 19 through March 16.
Why it's worth it The weather is mild and perfect for golf and the resort isn't crowded at this time of the year. The package also includes airport transfer to and from the apartment or car rental for the first and last week of the stay.
Book it For more information, visit www.jmvacations.ca .
Special to The Globe and Mail
