Top five bargain destinations for winter 2011/2012

ByABC News
December 1, 2011, 6:10 AM

— -- Travel is a surefire way to chase away the winter blues. If you know where to look, you'll find deals in popular beach and snow hot spots, as well as in places that fall slightly off winter's beaten path. Here are five destinations offering particularly good prices this coming season.

I've tracked trends, industry news, and sale patterns to point you in the direction of places currently offering great bargains for the coming season. Below, you'll find examples of deals presently available for winter trips. Like all deals, these are sure to expire; however, a bit of research on your part can yield similar results when you're ready to book.

Puerto Vallarta

Put a bright spot in the winter forecast with a trip to Puerto Vallarta. New air service makes the beach-and-dining destination even more accessible from the U.S. And a major hotel sale makes staying there more affordable, too.

Mood lighting at 30,000 feet will connect San Francisco and Puerto Vallarta when hip low-cost carrier Virgin America begins nonstop service on December 2. The airline will also offer connecting service to New York City and Seattle. Fares start from $129 each way (before taxes and fees) between December 2 and February 15.

Travelocity is discounting all-inclusive vacation deals to Puerto Vallarta, with prices such as $680 for round-trip airfare from Los Angeles and four nights at the Riu Palace Pacifico. Expedia is discounting 27 Puerto Vallarta hotels in its "Best Hotels of 2011" promotion. Book by December 5 for stays through March to get 30% off two nights, 40% off three nights, or 50% off four nights. Sample nightly rates on four-night stays include $71 at the Holiday Inn Puerto Vallarta or $84 at the Presidente InterContinental Puerto Vallarta.

Utah

Many popular ski destinations are hours from the nearest airport, but in Utah, 11 of its 14 major ski and snowboarding resorts are within an hour's drive of the well-served Salt Lake City airport. Utah also delivers on value with a variety of deals, discounts, and added amenities for winter stays.

The Quick Start program is back for another year, and it gives visitors a free lift ticket on the day they arrive by plane. From January 1 through February 29, the "Ski, Dine, and Stay" offer combines $20 off accommodations with other discounts and the chance to win ski passes or stays. A similar holiday package, available through the end of the year, offers lodging discounts and the chance to win shopping prizes.

Accommodations discounts and bundled ski-and-stay packages are the norm at Utah hotels in ski resort destinations. For instance, Park City's Chateau Apres Lodge offers nightly rates from $95 in December or $110 in January, including breakfast. Mention "December Special Offer" or "January Special Offer" to get the rate. With promo code "wonder," guests can get 40% off accommodations between December 1 and January 31 at the Hyatt Escala Lodge in Park City. And the Park City Mountain Resort has four-night stay-and-ski packages that include accommodations and lift tickets from $79 per person, per night on bookings made by December 1.