First discount travel

Leave the ice, cold and snow behind and enjoy a memorable winter getaway

DESPERATELY seeking a one-way ticket to warm Has the glistening snow lost its allure and the cold its crispness? Well just say no to the Hawk, catch a plane and let the sunshine beam. For that first vacation of the millennium, advance planning will chase away any lingering Y2K bugs. Internet-savvy shoppers can surf the 'net for travel discounts or contact a reputable travel agent to guide them through the many bargain travel deals. Southwest Airlines and other air carriers are offering discount rates to the sun, with special package deals that include hotel and car rental.

Southwest offers several special packages to one of the most popular warm-weather destinations for African-American travelers -- Las Vegas. Not only is Nevada home to many Black stars, the year-round balmy temperature (averaging 66 degrees), low humidity and light rainfall make it a retirement paradise. But not only retirees love Las Vegas. While Las Vegas was launched on a reputation of gambling, glitz and superstars, the area has matured into a one-stop, multidimensional resort destination. Visitors strolling the strip today witness an erupting volcano, pirate ship battles, roller coasters, virtual reality, a choreographed fountain ballet of water, music and lights, and replicas of imaginary realms and faraway places such as Mandalay, Renaissance Venice and Paris. The area is a popular honeymoon and wedding destination, with more than 50 wedding chapels in the city and natural attractions such as the historic Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon nearby.

Also enticing is the warm weather of the southern Florida region. African-American sojourners can celebrate in January at a popular family festival, the Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities, scheduled this year from Jan. 27-30 in her hometown of Eatonville, Fla., located approximately 10 miles northeast of downtown Orlando. This is the 11th anniversary of the festival, which is held to celebrate the life and work of the 20th century writer, folklorist and anthropologist.

While in the Orlando area, don't skip the Walt Disney World Resort, where revelers can welcome the millennium with a 15-month celebration. Too hot to cool down, the celebration that began Oct. 1, 1999, continues through Jan. 1, 2001. Although the millennium-celebration activities are centered at Epcot, guests will find something new in every corner of Walt Disney World, including the Magic Kingdom, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, the Many Adventurers of Winnie the Pooh and the return of the "Main Street Electrical Parade"; at Disney-MGM Studios, the high-volume fun of Rock `n' Roller Coaster; at Disney's Animal Kingdom, a whole new land -- Asia, a white-water rafting attraction; the opening of Disney's All-Star Movies Resort; and the launch of a second cruise ship, Disney Wonder.

Cruising is another pleasant pathway to the sun. Royal Caribbean International has great routes to the sunspots all around the world. In 2000, for the eighth year in a row, the cruise line and the National Professionals Network (NPN) are sponsoring the 21st Century Leadership Summit at Sea aboard the cruise line's Voyager of the Seas. This ship boasts a floating health and fitness facility with full-court basketball, ice-skating rink, in-line skating track, rock climbing wall, and a nine-hole, mini golf course. The NPNs nine-day conference, hosted by Kweisi Mfume, NAACP president and CEO, sails July 28-Aug. 6.

Jazz and blues buffs will find several warm island destinations to fit their musical and temperature tastes. In January, both Barbados and Jamaica are sponsoring festivals. The seventh annual "Paint it Jazz" festival in Barbados will be held from Jan. 12-16 and features Wynton Marsalis, Luther Vandross, Tito Puente and Regina Belle. Air Jamaica is sponsoring its fourth annual Jazz and Blues Festival from Jan. 20-23, featuring Gladys Knight, Al Jarreau, Mary J. Blige, Kool & the Gang, Kenny G, as well as local talent.

So seize this time to bask in the new millennium's sunlight.