Exploring the Yangtze on Victoria Cruises.
Savings on the Yangtze
The buy: Victoria Cruises is offering off-season prices throughout 2012 on some departures of the three- or four-night Three Gorges Highlights and six- or eight-night Grand Yangtze Discovery itineraries.
The savings: 30 per cent.
The catch: You have to pay in full at least 90 days prior to departure.
Why it's worth it: After the discount is factored in, private balcony superior staterooms start at $616 a person, based on double occupancy. The discounts also apply to shore excursions booked 90 days prior – a package with all standard excursions costs $63 a person on the Three Gorges Highlights program or $168 a person on the Grand Yangtze Discovery cruise.
Book it: Visit VictoriaCruises.com
Family Day special
The buy: The Sheraton Centre Toronto has put together a special package for Ontario's Family Day holiday for $149 a night.
The savings: 25 per cent.
The catch: It is available only Feb. 17 to 20.
Why it's worth it: The hotel is offering a variety of free activities including swim classes in the large indoor/outdoor pool; family yoga classes; art classes in the lobby on Saturday and Sunday with interactive arts and crafts; and movies in a theatre setting.
Book it: Call 1-866-716-8101 and mention the DEAL100 rate plan or visit sheraton.com/tospecials
. $49 deals for 49 hours
The buy: Panorama Mountain Village in Invermere, B.C. is holding a 49-hour sale with $49 pricing on a range of items.
The savings: 30 to 35 per cent.
The catch: You have to book between 4 p.m. (MST) Feb. 12 through to 5 p.m. (MST) Feb. 14 for travel through April 15. The price is based on a double occupancy minimum and a two-night stay.
Why it's worth it: With more than four metres of snow on the ground, conditions are fantastic and the $49 price is available per person for accommodation, lift tickets, ski or snowboard lessons, equipment rentals for two days, childcare and dining.
Book it: Call 1-888-776-7730 or visit 49hoursale.com
Havana plus the beach
The buy: Cuba specialist Hola Sun is holding a Sun and City Combos sale.
The savings: 20 per cent.
The catch: It only applies to departures in April.
Why it's worth it: The trips combine the long white beach of Varadero for four days with three days in Havana, one of the most historic cities of the Caribbean. A range of hotels is available in each destination with prices starting at $558 for Club Acuario and Brisas Del Caribe, up to $938 for the Nacional and Melia Varadero and $1,108 at Hotel Parque Central and Iberostar Laguna Azul. Prices include flight from Toronto, all-inclusive resort in Varadero and breakfast and dinner in Havana.
Book it: Hola Sun sells only through travel agencies. For more information, visit agency sites such as redtag.ca/hola-sun-holidays.php or selloffvacations.com/Holasun
Special to The Globe and Mail