Discount inclusive jamaica vacation

The Best in Winter Sun & Fun

The smart traveler can still find good deals for that special vacation salvation

If bone-chilling winds, cold temperatures and gray skies are getting you down, a vacation away from winter may be the perfect remedy.

Whether it's the U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, or a visit to Walt Disney World, an escape to the sun offers a refreshing antidote to the winter doldrums.

Due to increasing airline fuel costs, landing a vacation bargain will take more work this season than ever before. Cruises and select charters can be good vacation bargains. Travelers can also find discount airfares, if they are flexible in their travel times, plan in advance and purchase their tickets early.

A good travel agent can be a valuable asset in planning trips and finding the best rates. Vacationers can also check with individual airlines, Amtrak, Greyhound Bus Lines, charter groups and car rental agencies for available discount specials.

This winter may be the best time for a cruise. Premier Cruise Line, for example, offers a cruise and Walt Disney World package through February 28 for the all-inclusive price of $695 per person. The package includes roundtrip coach airfare, a three-night cruise to the Bahamas, a four-night stay in an Orlando, Fla., hotel, plus admission tickets to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Disney-MGM Studios and the nearby Spaceport USA, and use of a rental car with unlimited mileage.

The Carribbean islands are promoting a series of alluring attractions and events to keep travelers interested.

For example, the U.S. Virgin Islands, site of some of the world's most beautiful beaches, offers a wide range of activities from snorkeling in the clear waters of the National Park at St. John to the festive parties held during the Carnival on St. Thomas island in April.

In the Bahamas, tourists can kick off the New Year by participating in the country's New Year's Day Junkanoo Parade in which revelers dress in masks and colorful costumes. For those visitors who wish to learn more about the islands' rich culture and history, there is the "People to People" program, which matches visitors with native Bahamians for a more personalized view of the country.

Jamaica is at its most festive during its Carnival Time in April. The eight-day extravaganza, consisting of local Caribbean music, street parades, and costumed bands, is a joyous cultural celebration that adds to the charm and beauty of this scenic island.

Visitors to Antigua, Aruba and Curacao can enjoy the best of water sports, along with the tranquil beauty of the southern Caribbean.

Hotels in Curacao, located near the island's Underwater Park, offer seven-day and six-night packages to divers beginning at $463 per person. Antigua, which calls itself the "Sailing Capital" of the Caribbean, hosts one of the region's largest sailing regattas in April. Aruba's tradewinds make for some of the Caribbean's best windsurfing.

For the traveler who wants tranquility and unspoiled beauty, there's St. Kitts and Nevis islands, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the southern Caribbean.

Hawaii remains one of the most popular sun-escape destinations. Airlines are offering direct flights to Hawaii, and some packages include stopovers in California cities.

Closer to home, there are getaway bargains and winter vacation packages at a variety of hotels and resorts. Amtrak offers some surprising ski-resort treats to Colorado and six other states. Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Wisconsin are also offering ski and winter getaway deals.

If you prefer a taste of "winter soul," then a trip to New Orleans may be the best time to see the Crescent City in its true glory.

In February, there are Mardi Gras and the Black Heritage Festival, a two-week celebration that culminates in March with a jazz festival, a gospel extravaganza, soul food, Black art and dramatic presentations.

Wintertime need not be a season for freezing. With some planning and smart shopping, a vacation offers a rejuvenating break from the worst of winter.

PHOTO : Beating the winter blahs can be a fun and rewarding experience. Affordable fares and vacation packages--most notably cruises and select charter packages--to popular warm weather vacation destinations like the Bahamas (above) and Walt Disney World (left) are still available to the savvy traveler.

PHOTO : Whether it's a trip by train, plane or boat, a wintertime getaway is within easy reach of the traveling public. Amtrak (top) offers comfortable and convenient travel to sun and ski vacation spots in the continental U.S. Several airlines now offer direct service to Hawaii, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of Waikiki Beach (above). A cruise vacation (right) remains one of the season' best buys in winter travel.

PHOTO : St. Croix's picturesque harbor (left) is one of the many breathtaking views of the U.S. Virgin Islands. St. Croix, the largest of the three islands, is one of the many vacation resort areas in the Caribbean.

PHOTO : Shopping in the straw markets of the Bahamas (left) is a favorite pastime in this Caribbean paradise. Bargaining is a way of life here and provides a chance to buy beautiful straw and wood pieces.

PHOTO : New Orleans provides its own multicultural backdrop for its annual Black Heritage Festival. The festival, which follows the famed Mardi Gras celebration, showcases the region's rich Black experience.