Eileen Ogintz writes:
So what if your budget is tight and you've only got a couple of days off. I'm telling you — and the other travel experts I polled agree — it's not too late for a last-minute holiday getaway, especially if you focus on what you're doing, not where you're going. Take that trip to the in-laws. Turn it into a mini-vacation by staying at a hotel and showing the kids some city sights.
"Big cities are the best for getting a deal this holiday," said Chris McGinnis, author of Expedia's "TrendWatch."
Tip: Downtown hotels and those in suburban office parks that cater to business travelers can often be a good deal around the holidays. Check out Web sites like www.hotels.com, www.quickbook.com or check your favorite city for listings of special holiday offerings.
Boston, for example, draws a million people to its kid-friendly First Night New Year's celebration. Check out Boston's Warm Winter Specials at www.BostonUSA.com and, until Dec. 30, you can stay for $199 at the Liberty Hotel (www.libertyhotel.com), Boston's newest luxury enclave; the kids will love that parts of the hotel were once a jail. Seattle has a lot of hip, kid-friendly hotels with plenty of room (www.seattlesupersaver.com) and an aquarium (www.seattleaquarium.org) to die for.
Who cares if it's cold in Chicago when you've got your pick of museums, theater (how about the Second City, www.secondcity.com, where so many comedy stars got started), American Girl Place (www.americangirl.com) and bargain hotel rates (www.gochicago.com).
Pat yourself on the back for helping to contribute to New Orleans' recovery while enjoying all that the French Quarter has to offer over the holidays — more than 100 festivals and activities — and special Papa Noel rates starting at less than $100 a night (www.neworleansonline.org).
Certainly it will be easier — a lot easier — if you can drive, as the majority of us do during the holiday season, according to AAA. Maybe all you want is a couple of days at a country inn with the kids, one that touts special holiday discounts, treats and gas rebates (www.bedandbreakfast.com).
See if there is a cruise leaving from a port not too far from your home. (Carnival, www.carnival.com, still has room on several of its holiday sailings for under $700 a person.) Discounters like www.cruisesonly.com and vacationstogo.com sometimes yield last-minute gems, suggested guidebook author Pauline Frommer, also the mother of two young kids. It's not impossible either to score plane tickets even at this late date. Of course, the more flexible you can be, the better. Can you fly on Christmas morning? Go to an alternate airport a couple of hours drive from your destination?
"Shop by theme rather than destination — beach, snow, etc.," suggested Travelocity's Amy Ziff. Also, recognize a deal when you see one, she added. Because the average domestic ticket is roughly $380, grab them when you find some in that range.
Consider going to Europe, said Expedia's Chris McGinnis. Sure, the dollar is still as weak as ever, but you can score a business-class ticket for what coach costs in the summer and bargain hotel rates. Even better, "you'll be in Europe with the Europeans, not a bunch of American tourists," he said.