Savvy travelers have long known about the amazing deals out there in the quiet-to-dead weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year is no exception. Scratch that — there are more deals than ever, as travel providers jump on board the growing Cyber Monday online shopping event (that’s next Monday, the 28th) in attempt to boost awareness in this very tough market. Don’t get sucked in by low rates alone; sometimes, there’s a reason this stuff is going for a song. Here, you’ve got 10 truly worthwhile deals to consider; some of them good enough to have you rethinking your entire plan to, say, go to work, during these next few weeks.
$199/night RIVIERA MAYA
The deal Get 30 percent off typical rates at the luxe Fairmont Mayakoba, one of the best addresses within driving distance of the airport in Cancun. Daily breakfast, a $50 credit, free drinks and a room upgrade are part of the deal.
Fine print Book 11/28 only, for travel through 12/23.
Book fairmont.com
$899/pp ROME
The deal A great rate for six nights including air and daily breakfast; available if you depart by Dec. 14, down from more than $1,200 per person over the holidays.
Fine print If you can’t commit now, this rate comes back after the busy year-end travel period.
Book go-today.com
$59/night NEW ORLEANS
The deal Toast the holidays in one of the most cuckoo-for-Christmas towns on the continent with the city-wide “Papa Noel” hotel deals, offered anywhere from quaint neighborhood B&B’s to big central hotels.
Fine print Starting rate, based on availability for December stays.
Book neworleansonline.com
30% off TUCSON
The deal Make like Oprah and the rest of the jet-set — book a stay at Miraval, a world-renowned destination spa up in the Santa Catalina Mountains, for as little as $375 per person, per night. Rate includes meals, most activities and a $130 nightly credit for spa and the like.
Fine print Book 11/28 only, use promo code HOLIDAY. For stays on included dates through 1/15; three-night minimum. Pay up front, no refunds. Taxes and resort fee (which includes tips) additional.
Book miravalresorts.com
$149/night LAS VEGAS
The deal It’s not the very best resort on the strip anymore, but a new room reno is helping the Bellagio stay competitive; a low rate in early December is helping us want to go there.
Fine print Good on select dates between now and Dec. 22; use the rate calendar on their site to get more specifics.
Book bellagio.com
$79/night COLORADO
The deal Book one night and get two free with Keystone’s White Sale. This is a savings of up to 67 percent. Stay in a Forest Studio Condo. Very convenient to Denver for anyone interested in a quick early-season ski trip.
Fine print Book by 12/1 for stays Dec. 17-23. Stays include free night skiing on day of arrival.
Book keystoneresort.com
$197/night WYOMING
The deal Buy two, get the third night free at the Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole, through December 14. A great deal, considering they’ll be skiing up there by week’s end. (Now, to find a cheap flight up.)
Fine print Calculated based on a rate of $295 per night for the first two.
Book fourseasons.com
$235/night JAMAICA
The deal Retreat 3,100 feet above sea level to the island’s iconic Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa, fresh off a major refurb. Rates skyrocket to $355 and up around the holidays and stay high until next spring.
Fine print Good through 12/19. Book three nights and each person gets a free de-stress spa treatment.
Book islandoutpost.com
50% off SAN DIEGO
The deal Thanks to that famous weather, it’s always a good time for San Diego, but it’s even better when it’s basically free. Which happens with rather surprising frequency these days, to be honest. To wit: The Hard Rock Hotel in the city’s Gaslamp Quarter will be offering savvy bookers rates as low as $99 a night into early 2012.
Fine print Follow the hotel on Twitter @HardRockSD; they’ll tweet a promo code at 12:01 a.m. for 50 percent off rates. The first ten people to book with that promo code will also have the option to book a $25 rate that includes a $50 hotel credit.
Book hardrockhotelsd.com
$95/night FLORIDA
The deal Marriott properties all over the Sunshine State are doing a Cyber Monday deal with savings of up to 25 percent on your nightly rate.
Fine print Book 11/28 only, use promo code DOD. Good for stays through 1/8.
Book marriott.com
All rates were accurate as of Nov. 21, are subject to availability and may change without notice.