How to Beat the Winter Blues

Find out some of the best ways to ditch the cold and save some cash.

ByABC News via logo
January 31, 2009, 9:09 AM

Jan. 31, 2009 — -- Baby, it's cold outside! Whether it's escaping wicked winter weather or craving snow without the sludge, TV and magazines are filled with ads promising unprecedented vacation steals and deals.

But do these cheap travel come-ons deliver more hype than holiday? Mark Orwoll, senior consulting editor from Travel + Leisure magazine, revealed the best bargain getaways to beat the winter blues.

Orwoll told "Good Morning America" that in his 25 years of covering the travel industry, he's never seen deals this good. The vacation industry is desperate to get as many people as they can and has thought up some valuable deals to do so.

Ixtapa, Mexico

Club Med, $249 for Three Nights

One of the best deals out there right now is just north of Acapulco, says Orwoll. The club med in Ixtapa, Mexico is a half-mile long, and with miles of things to do, you may not even get to its beautiful beach. Meals, including alcoholic drinks, lodging, and activities like archery, sailing, tennis, and even circus training on a trapeze and tightrope are all included. The resort caters to the whole family with activities for kids ages 4 months to 17 years. Click here for more information.

Culebra, Puerto Rico

Club Seabourne, $169 per Night

Beat the winter blues with warm weather by heading south to Culebra, Puerto Rico. It's a small island with a dozen different beaches, it even has a nature preserve. Stay at the Club Seabourne hotel with an old world sophisticated, authentic Caribbean style rooms with A/C and balconies. And take advantage of their "February for Culebra Lovers." It includes free breakfast, drinks, kayaks, and ground transportation. $169 per night. Or, if you book four nights for $199, you get the fifth night free. Click here for more information.

Hot Springs, Va.

The Homestead, $199 per Night

If you want a winter wonderland vacation without all the sludge hassle, head to Hot Springs, Va. They have great ski slopes there without all the mess you'd get out West. Stay at one of the most historic hotels in America. The Homestead has been around since 1766, before America. Everyone from U.S. presidents to foreign princes has stayed there. The rooms are impeccable. Take advantage of their "Family Ski Free Package" from now until March 17 and get four ski lift tickets for free. This is a huge 50 percent savings. Click here for more information.