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Travel Deals to Sunny Spots

By Cameron Huddleston, Contributing Editor, Kiplinger.com, Source: Kiplinger Consumer News Service

All eyes are on the Olympics in Vancouver, where you see snow, snow and more snow -- oh yeah, and some ice. However, my colleagues in Washington, D.C., have seen enough snow lately to last a lifetime. In fact, Kiplinger.com's art director has been listening to summer beach music just to get her mind off the snow. So taking a cue from her -- and the fact that spring break is approaching and that I, too, am tired of the cold -- I went in search of cheap fares to warm locales. Here's what I found:

American Airlines is having a sale on fares to the Caribbean and Latin America. SmarterTravel.com warns that the sale doesn't have a booking deadline so it could disappear at any moment. AirTran Airways has slashed fares to sunny spots, but you have to book by tonight (February 18).

Check CheapCaribbean.com, which is having a sale on all-inclusive packages at Riviera Maya (Mexico) resorts. For example, you can get a five-night stay at an all-inclusive resort and airfare starting at $649.

CFares.com has a long list of deals and packages in the Caribbean.

One Caribbean destination to consider in particular is Jamaica because low-cost carriers are increasing flights from East Coast cities to this island country. JetBlue introduced flights to Montego Bay from Boston in January and from Orlando in February. US Airways introduced a non-stop flight from Phoenix to Montego Bay recently and has sales on fares to Jamaica from several Western U.S. cities.

Hawaii is closer for people living on the West Coast, and you can find packages at Pleasant Holidays starting at $349. According to SmarterTravel.com, Aston Hotels are offering up to 45% off regular rates in April, May and June; Honua Kai Resort & Spa on Maui is offering 35% off on one- and two-bedroom suites through June 11; and for every night you pay the regular rate at Starwood Resorts, you get the next night at 50% off.

Airfarewatchdog.com is a good site to use if you don't have a particular destination in mind. You can find the cheapest warm-weather destination to fly to by using the site's "see low fares from your city" search. For example, I found a non-stop, roundtrip flight from Washington, D.C., to Miami for $158.

For alternative and affordable accommodations, try Airbnb.com. It connects travelers with people who are renting out their homes, apartments, a room in their house or just a couch to sleep on for a few nights. You can find lodging in nearly 3,000 cities in 115 countries. Airbnb.com lets you search for accommodations by neighborhood, price and space and includes pictures and reviews.

All contents copyright 2008 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc.