With airfares on the rise — up 4.5% over last year —  is there any way to take a vacation for less this year?

Yes!  Even if flights are more expensive, you can still get a deal by bundling your hotel and flight booking into a vacation package. Both airlines and hotels discount their rates for inclusion into vacation packages.  You can save up to $525 per person.

The other way to find a deal right now? Book a cruise!  It’s the middle of wave season when most of the major cruise lines offer an average of 65% off brochure rates and Travelocity is giving you up to $500 back in cruise cash!

Here are four travel deals* to jump on right now. 

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6-Night Family Cruise on Carnival’s Newest Ship the Carnival Breeze 

The Deal:  $840/person includes round trip flight and round trip cruise in balcony room (flight out of Newark)

Dates:  1/27-2/2

• If you want to take the whole family on a cruise in 2013, now is the time to book. We are in the middle of wave season when all the major cruise lines are offering an average of 65% off regular rates.
• This cruise is on the Carnival Breeze, their newest “fun ship” rated Best New Ship of 2012 by Cruise Critic.
• The ship has a breezy, casual feel, new restaurants like Guy Fieri’s burger joint and Bonsai Sushi, a comedy club called the Punchliner, curated by Geroge Lopez, 320 ft. water slide.
• Staterooms are sleek and airey — private balcony w/ table and chairs, ample closets and space for the whole family to spread out.

 

25% Off 7-night Luxury Beaver Creek Ski Package at Beaver Creek Lodge 

The Deal:  $1,677/person includes round-trip flight and 7-night stay (flight out of LAX)

Dates:  1/29-2/5

• AAA Four-Diamond Kessler Collection luxury property
• Every room at Beaver Creek Lodge is at least a two-room suite.
• Beaver Creek Lodge is situated right at the bottom of the escalator to the village
• Travelocity’s new concierge service can help with booking your restaurant reservations in town, ski passes, and tickets to the Vilar Center where bands, opera, dance and comedy performances are scheduled.
• Fun fact:  Every day at 3pm chefs roam the village with warm chocolate chip cookies.

 

7 nights of European Elegance at the Romanico Palace in Rome, Italy (35% off)

The Deal: $1,068/person includes round-trip flight and 7-night stay (flight out of JFK)

Dates:  1/29-2/5

• The hotel is centrally located just 5 min from Via Veneto, one of the most expensive streets in Rome, famous for designer boutiques.  Also close to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain!
• each room is different with beautiful frescos gorgeous decorated ceilings, rich linens and pure Italian elegance.
• Rome is further south than Milan, Florence, or  Venice so it will be milder during winter months.  It seldom drops below freezing.

 

7-night Escape to Paradise in the Bahamas at British Colonial Hilton Nassau 

The Deal:  $698/person includes round-trip flight and 7-night stay — Deal is after a $300 instant savings coupon code! (departs out of Houston, TX)

Dates: 1/29-2/5

• The British Colonial Hilton Nassau is close to the airport but feels like your miles away.  It’s situated on Nassau’s only private beach and after a multi-million dollar renovation, this hotel exudes all the charm and luxury of old-world colonial living.
• Gorgeous marble lobby, freshwater pool, views of the cruise ships in the port, and snorkeling right off-shore.
• Average temperature in February is 78 F and only about 1” of average precipitation!

*All deals subject to availability and may not reflect exact rate/dates as featured here.