Where the Deals Are

Thinking about treating your family to a quick getaway for the holidays? Well, you are in luck, because there are many deals to be found. You only need to decide when and where you want to go.

Here's a quick look at five different packages/deals available now:

• Located in the Texas Hill Country, Horseshoe Bay Resort has a Fall Family Fun Package, good through February 29, 2009, which includes a “Fun Pack” for each child age 3-12, 50 percent off at the Kids Club and a $200 resort credit per room, per two-night stay.

  How about...drive into Austin, located about 45 minutes away from the resort. The capitol city is filled with tons of things to see and do. To get into the holiday-mode, take a walk through EmilyAnn Theatre's Trail of Lights, November 29 – January 1, 2009, or Trail of Lights at Zilker, December 14 – 23.

• The Holiday Shopping Package, good November 21 – January 4, 2009, offered by Sheraton Seattle Hotel includes a $100 Macy's gift card each night stay. In addition, if you stay anytime between November 28 – December 24, you can receive complimentary photos with Macy's Santa.

  Since you are here...head to the Seattle Center for Winterfest 2008 , November 28 – December 31. The event features an ice rink and carousel.

• Who says you can't swim in the winter? Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Michigan features a 15,000-square foot indoor water playground. The property is offering a Family Water Fun package that is good through April 16, and not only does it include passes to the indoor water playground, but also welcome amenities and breakfast for four.

  Don't miss..the very popular Festival of Trains, December 13 – January 1, 2009 at the Grand Traverse Heritage Center.

• Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Fla., is offering the Best of Florida Christmas Getaway featuring ICE!  If you aren't familiar with ICE!, this Gaylord-only exhibit features various ice sculptures designed from around two millions pounds of ice. The two-night package includes the opportunity to create your own gingerbread house and two tickets to ICE!

  While you're in Kissimme, why not...get in the car for a short ride to Snowing Nightly, Celebration's holiday event, November 29 – December 31. Activities include the Celebration Express, horse-drawn carriage rides and yes, snow.

• Book Sandestin (Fla.) Beach and Golf Resort's “Christmas on the Coast” package at either The Village of Baytowne Wharf or the Grand Sandestin. Do it before January 9, 2006 and upgrade to a one bedroom suite to receive a free ground of golf and two tickets for free ice skating at The Village of Baytowne Wharf .

  Don't miss...the Dickens Christmas Carol Performance at The Village of Baytowne Wharf occurring on Fridays and Saturdays, December 5-20.

photo credit: wrapping, flickr, creative commons by fille_de_photo