Where would you go this month or next that won't cost a mint? That's the question from reader Linda in Atlanta:
Does anyone else have close-to-home November or December vacation ideas for Linda?
"Hi Wendy, my husband and I cannot decide where to go. We live in Atlanta and would like to go somewhere in November or December (around 10 days) but be home for the holidays. Don't want to spend a fortune either. Maybe somewhere in the U.S.? Thanks, Linda"If you prefer to drive rather than fly, some obvious options for culture vultures are Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, Georgia. But if you're looking for a beach-resort-style break, since you've got a good chunk of time, consider the Caribbean: Several of the islands are a pretty quick flight from Atlanta, and pre-holiday prices are about half what they'll be in peak season (mid-December through mid-April). The travel agent I'd recommend for help finding the right affordable Caribbean resort for your particular needs is Becky Veith of Becky Veith Travel. She's the person on my annual list of top travel agents who is best for all-inclusive Caribbean holidays. There are also a ton of affordable Caribbean cruises sailing out of Fort Lauderdale and Miami that you could nab at the last minute. The person to call for help with such a cruise is Linda Allen at Brownell Travel.
Does anyone else have close-to-home November or December vacation ideas for Linda?
Two extremes -
Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado which has nonstop jet service from Atlanta to Aspen Airport (ASE) - 5 minutes from town!; All sorts of deals including the NEW luxury ski in/ski out option Viceroy Snowmass offering opening rates from Nov. 25 - Dec. 23, 2009; Buy 1st night at rates that start at $150 for an elegant studio and get all additional nights at 50% off. There is a gorgeous spa and slopeside pool as well as fabulous restaurant, lounge and bar. So even if you are not a fanatic skier, you can have a great stay. www.viceroysnowmass.com
Oher option; Tierra Atacama hotel & Spa in chile. Delta also flies non-stop to Chile, and you can then fly north to Calama and San Pedro de Atacama.
www.tierraatacama.com. Special offers include one free night at Ritz Carlton Santiago; Tierra Atacama offers soft to more extreme guided adventures and all meals including wine included in price. The rooms are absolutely gorgeous. Pre-Christmas is just before their high season.