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THE gusts and gales of last season's hurricanes have prompted many winter travelers to look in their own back yard, or at least close to home, for vacation fun.

And for the savvy traveler, as the jazz standard goes--"Now's the time!" For vacation fun close to home, be sure to check airline carriers offering special low rates and discount vacation packages. Internet sites have skyrocketed in offering discount flight, hotel and car rental packages.

Skiers may be interested in attending the Summit, sponsored by the National Brotherhood of Skiers, a Black ski organization. This year the summit will be held February 5-12 in Vail Colo. The group's summit, which brings together more than 5,000 skiers hitting the slopes for a week of winter sports fun, is designed to support its NBS Olympic Scholarship Fund (that supports athletes of color who excel in winter sports).

From Colorado snow to Las Vegas sun, many vacationers lose themselves in the excitement of Las Vegas, including the world-famous Strip and downtown, concert events, dining, golf, and spa options and tours. For those not close to Vegas there are now many local casinos open from Atlantic City to Tunica, Miss., and all sites in between.

While exploring the Great Mississippi, don't forget to meet in St. Louis. For a warm welcome and some cool savings, St. Louis boasts more than 1,000 one-of-a-kind restaurants, a jamming live music scene and a great number of cultural, family and sports attractions. For those whose family vacation plans turn toward the sun, perhaps a week or two of no dishes, no homework and no carpools would suffice. Disney parks worldwide are preparing to mark the 50th anniversary of Disneyland in Southern California. Beginning May 5 and extending for 18 months through 2006, the "The Happiest Celebration on Earth" event will take place in all of the Disney theme parks around the world, with the premiere of many new shows and attractions at Disneyland Resort, California, Walt

Disney World Resort in Florida and the international Disney parks. Universal Studios Orlando Resort offers a unique vacation experience--with two theme parks, state-of-the-art entertainment and three on-site hotels to pamper and provide non-stop nightlife.

While in Florida don't forget to check out the annual Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities, scheduled this year from January 26-30 in Hurston's hometown of Eatonville, Fla., America's oldest African-American municipality, located approximately 10 miles northeast of downtown Orlando.

Travelers looking ahead to summer may want to plan to join the Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line and the National Professionals Network.com on their international Leadership Summit & Spa at Sea from Aug. 4-13, aboard the Splendour of the Seas. This year passengers will sail the Mediterranean and visit Barcelona, Spain, Marseille, Monte Carlo/Cannes and Nice, all in France; Florence/Pisa, Rome and Naples in Italy. NPN officials say the cruise already has 1,000 people booked.

And while making vacation plans, don't overlook the Caribbean, from Anguilla to the Virgin Islands, for gale-sized discounts from islands all-too-willing to remind vacationers that they are still open for business through the hurricane clean-up.

So set your sights high, and keep the costs low by booking now for a great adventure in the sun--whether close to home or wherever your imagination may lead.