THE SPLURGE
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES FOR $2,972
The buy
St. Vincent and the Grenadines boasts some of the most upscale island getaways in the Caribbean. Young Island Resort, on its own private island, has a special for those who want to splurge and still save.
The savings
Couples who book the seven-night Lover's package pay for five nights. The Lover's package starts at $2,972 per couple and also includes three meals per day and a foot massage per couple.
The catch
This special is valid for travel from Jan. 1 through March 31.
Why it's worth it
Not only is the island private, couples have a beachfront or hillside cottage with an ocean view. One of the resort's features is the floating Coconut Bar, jutting three metres into the Caribbean in two metres of water. Water-sports enthusiasts can snorkel in crystal-clear waters right off the shore, embark on a sailing trip to the neighbouring Grenadine Islands, or book a dive excursion to explore St. Vincent's underwater world.
Book it
For more information or bookings, contact Ralph Locke Islands at 1-800-223-1108 or visit http://www.youngisland.com. For more information on St. Vincent and the Grenadines, visit http://www.discoversvg.com.
$4,091 FOR A LAVISH TAHITI CRUISE
The buy
The ship Paul Gauguin, which has recently been sold to new owners in Tahiti and will no longer be represented by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has several special offers this winter.
The savings
Up to 50 per cent - plus on on select cruises, two-for-one round-trip airfare between Los Angeles and Papeete, an additional savings of up to $1,329 based on two people sharing a stateroom.
The catch
You must reserve and deposit by Dec. 18 to save up to 50 per cent off standard fares for departures from January to March, 2010, and up to 45 per cent off departures from April to December, 2010.
Why it's worth it
The 10-night cruise, priced from $4,091 for the March 27 departure, visits Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a as well as overnighting in Rangiroa, Bora Bora and Moorea. The ship is one of the highest-rated small luxury ships, according to readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine.
Book it
Visit http://www.pgcruises.com or call 1-800-848-6172.
All-inclusive
BOOK A FOUR-STAR VENEZUELAN EXPERIENCE
The buy
The holidays are among the most expensive times of year to book a holiday in the sun. Nolitours is offering the 4-star Lagunamar Hotel Resort and Spa on
Margarita Island, Venezuela, for $947 per person out of Toronto.
The savings
$740 per person.
The catch
It is only valid for flights Dec. 22 and 29, and taxes and surcharges are an additional $317.75.
Why it's worth it
Margarita Island is a prime attraction for both Venezuelans and international visitors, offering plenty of water sports as well as Spanish colonial architecture and history.
Book it
Through a travel agent. For more information, visit http://www.nolitours.com.
TAKE A WEEK IN HUATULCO
The buy
Signature Vacations is selling one-week, all-inclusive packages from Toronto to Las Brisas Huatulco in Mexico for $598.
The savings
$810 off the regular price of $1,408.
The catch
The price is available for the departures on Dec. 4 or 11, and taxes are an additional $272 per person.
Why it's worth it
The 41/2-star, 484-room Las Brisas Huatulco sits on four beaches in an area where 69 per cent of the land has been designated a national wildlife preserve.
Huatulco is Mexico's only Green Globe-certified destination, and claims to be the first sustainable tourist community in the American continent and the third in the world.
Book it
Through a travel agent. For more information, visit http://www.signaturevacations.com.
Cheap and cheerful
ENJOY THE PUERTO VALLARTA SUN 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 http://www.transatholidays.com.
SAY YES TO 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.
