Economy Class: Ski Specials

— -- Autumn leaves are still falling, but it’s not too soon to think holiday and ski season travel if you want to scoop up bargains that are limited in availability.

Holiday dreams of American children can be filled with sugarplums and Santa Claus. Little ones in Iceland have visions of Gully Gawk, Window Peeper, Bowl Licker, Pot Scraper and Door Slammer — elf-like spirits who live in the mountains are collectively known as the Yuletide Lads. Beginning Dec. 12 (and through Jan. 6), they descend to the villages to create fun and mischief.

Icelandair Holidays offers Value Season packages to Iceland for December travel, helping to put these (and other) Icelandic traditions in your holiday scenario. Midweek Madness from $299 (roundtrip air travel, two hotel nights, daily breakfast and transfers) is the cheapest way to go. “Christmas in Reykjavik” (from $589 per person, double) departs from Icelandair’s North American gateways on Dec. 23 and includes many trimmings: accommodations; transfers; an excursion to the Kringlan Mall for last-minute shopping; a Preparing for Christmas City Tour of Reykjavik; and festive Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners. The tour ends Dec. 26 with late afternoon departure. Contact Icelandair at (800) 779-2899.

Away For the Holidays

Omni and LaQuinta are first to post holiday hotel specials. Omni’s “Holiday Haven” promotion offers a free second room with the purchase of one room. Guests will also receive a pre-paid $10 Charitygift.com card, which lets you donate to the charity of your choice. Holiday Haven is available weekends from Nov. 17 through Dec. 30. Contact Omni at www.omnihotels.com.

La Quinta’s “Home for the Holidays” program offers two rooms or two nights for $99 during the Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s holidays. The offer is available for stays from Nov. 19–26 and Dec. 15 through Jan. 7. Reserve two rooms for one night or one room for two consecutive nights for $99. Up to four adults can stay in one standard room with this promotion and daily breakfast is included. Call (800) 531-5900 and request the Holiday Special. Advance reservations are required.