Ski season has already begun at most ski resorts in the US, but it’s still not too late to sign your kids up for a free season of skiing. To encourage more families to hit the slopes, many states are offering “Passport” programs, which allow middle school skiers and snowboarders to ride free for anywhere from a few days to an entire season. Some of the programs are only open to state residents, while others accept all children that meet the age requirements, no matter where they live. The following are some states that are currently offering this program:

Vermont

Vermont’s Fifth Grade Passport program allows fifth graders to ski at downhill and cross country resorts throughout the state for up to 94 days at no charge. There’s a $10 processing fee, and Passport holders must be accompanied by a full-paying adult.

Utah

Members of the Ski Utah Fifth Grade Passport program can ski free for three days at each of the 14 participating resorts. Utah also offers a Passport program for sixth graders, which allows members to ski free for one day at each participating resort. Passport holders also qualify for special deals on equipment rentals, lessons, and more. Currently, the application processing fee is $25, but it will go up to $35 after January 31, 2011. The Fifth and Sixth Grade Passport programs in Utah are only open to state residents.

Colorado

Colorado fifth graders can ski free for three days at each of 21 participating resorts. For a one-time fee of $99, Colorado sixth graders can ski free for four days at each participating resort. The deadline to sign up for the Colorado Ski Country USA 5^th and 6^th Grade Passport Programs for the 2010/2011 season is January 31, 2011.

New York

New York’s 4^th Grade Ski & Ride Passport program allows fourth graders from any state or country to ski free for three days at each participating resort. There is a $19 processing fee. Passport applications will be taken till March 1, 2011.

Idaho

The Fifth Grade Ski or Ride Free program in Idaho allows fifth graders, no matter where they live, to ski or ride for free at any participating resort for a $20 processing fee. Applications will be taken through March 15, 2011, or until printed passports run out.

Maine

Maine’s WinterKids Passport is available to all fifth, sixth, and seventh graders who reside in Maine. The Passport offers free and discounted tickets, lessons, and rentals at participating ski resorts, ice skating rinks, and snow tubing parks. Maine children in preschool through fourth grade are eligible for the WinterKids FunPass, which offers free trail passes at cross country skiing and snowshoeing areas throughout Maine. There is no application deadline or processing fee for either program.

Are you a winter sports fan? If you’re eager to hit the slopes this season while staying in a luxurious, ski-in/ski-out resort, don’t hesitate to snag one of these ski vacation deals in Lake Tahoe, California or Vail, Colorado.

Save up to 50% on Four-Diamond Ski Resort in Vail, Colorado – From $159

Photo courtesy of extrachrisb via Flickr

Vail Cascade is a luxury ski resort in sunny Colorado that boasts a breathtaking mountain setting. It is Vail’s only ski-in/ski-out, AAA Four-Diamond resort. It has a cozy ambiance, roaring fireplaces, and a fitness center/spa where you can enjoy pampering treatments or an invigorating workout.

Vail Cascade is located on Vail Mountain, the largest ski resort in the United States. Vail Mountain, which is consistently rated the #1 ski resort in the United States by SKI Magazine, features groomed terrain, seven bowls, and four terrain parks.

If you book by December 14, 2010 for stays at Vail Cascade between December 1, 2010 and April 24, 2011, you’ll save 40-50% off rates this winter. Rates start at $159 in December, $229 in January, $259 in February, and $229 in March.

Save 30% on Four-Diamond Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe, California – From $125

The Resort at Squaw Creek in Squaw Valley offers luxurious accommodations in an idyllic mountain setting just minutes away from North Lake Tahoe, California. This AAA Four-Diamond, ski-in/ski-out resort just underwent a $53 million resort-wide renovation and features opulent rooms and suites with resort-style kitchens, fireplaces, and LCD-screen TVs.

Conde Nast Traveler ranked the Resort at Squaw Creek among the top 50 ski resorts in North America. Facilities include an 18-hole championship golf course, a fly fishing center, heated swimming pools, an ice-skating rink, and hiking/biking trails. Other amenities include a full-service spa, a health and fitness center, and a comprehensive children’s program. If you book your stay at the Resort at Squaw Creek by December 8, 2010, you’ll get a 30% off discount. Rates start at $125.

Visit our ski vacation deals page to find more ski resort bargains.

Finish 2010 off with a bang at these hip hotels in the heart of the city.

Save 30% at Golden Gate Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas – From $20

Enjoy the intimate atmosphere of Las Vegas’ most historic hotel and casino, the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino. Located on Fremont Street, the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino is only a few steps away from the Fremont Street Experience, one of Las Vegas’ most popular attractions. If you book by December 29 for travel between now and December 29, you’ll save 30% off of your stay. This discount is valid for stays from Sunday through Thursday.

Low Holiday Rates at Amsterdam Court in NYC – From $127

Amsterdam Court is a chic and affordable art nouveau-style hotel that’s only minutes away from Times Square. Book by midnight November 29 to snag their low rates in time for Manhattan’s many holiday events. Nightly rates range from $127 to $359.

Stay for Breakfast Package at Tyson’s Corner Marriott in Washington D.C. – From $104

The Stay for Breakfast Package at the Tyson’s Corner Marriott in Washington D.C. includes accommodations and breakfast in the hotel restaurant for up to two adults and children under the age of 12. Use the promotional code S4B when booking your stay to qualify for this discount, which is valid through December 31, 2010.

Save 25% at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas – From $45

The Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino is a glamorous resort on the Strip that is a popular gambling, dining, and shopping destination. The rooms at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino are chic, plush, and afford breathtaking views of the Bellagio Fountains. If you book a 4-night stay by December 25, you’ll save 25%. This discount is valid for stays through March 3, 2011.

Don’t see any hotel deals in your city of choice? Find a hotel in your desired location on our US hotel deals page.

Whether you’d like to admire the city skyline from your hotel window or hang out in chic cafes, there is no shortage of things to do in the big city. You’ll be right in the thick of all the action if you stay at these centrally located hotels in major US cities.

Save up to 70% on the Strip in Las Vegas

The Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower, the tallest structure in Nevada, is offering discounts of up to 70%. Rates start at $24 for mid-week stays. Plus, you’ll get a $50 golf credit, a $20 spa credit, free tower view admission, and 2 for 1 thrill rides and shows. Book your stay by midnight November 9 to qualify for this rock-bottom bargain at the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower.

Seasonal Savings at the Ameritania Hotel in NYC – Rates from $143

The Ameritania Hotel in NYC is a mid-town Art Deco hotel that’s only five blocks from Times Square and located near renowned shopping and dining areas. If you book your stay at the Ameritania Hotel by midnight November 12, you’ll qualify for a seasonal discount. Nightly rates range from $143-$359.

Special Bundle Getaway Package at the Marriott San Diego Hotel & Marina – Rates from $249

Want to plan a family vacation in San Diego? Book a stay of two nights or more to qualify for the Escape Your Way package, which includes a deluxe guest room, free internet, complimentary self-parking, and a $60 food and credit beverage per day, all for just $249 per night. Use the promotional code ZJ8 at the time of booking to qualify for this special deal at the Marriott San Diego Hotel & Marina.

Stay at a Historic Hotel in the Heart of San Francisco for Only $60

America’s Best Value Inn and Suites Union Square is a historic hotel located in Union Square. For a limited time only, this hotel is offering a reduced rate of $60 (reg. $110) plus free breakfast, free wireless internet, complimentary coffee, and valet parking for only $15 per day. Book your stay by midnight November 7 to qualify for this deal at the Best Value Inn and Suites in Union Square.

Save Over 50% off a 4-Night Stay at a Luxury Hotel in Boston – Rates from $1006 for 2

This package for 2 at the Liberty Hotel in Boston includes a 4-night stay in the Luxury King City View Room, two welcome cocktails, and a full breakfast for two served each morning at CLINK. This package is valid for travel between June 1, 2011 and October 31, 2011. Click here to book.

To see more hotel deals in US cities, visit our US hotel deals page.

via Jannisri

Airport lounges are seemingly out of reach for economy class flyers.  These road warriors usually opt for the least worn out chair at their connecting flight’s gate or perhaps a table at the nearest food court.  Without a corporate expense account or trust fund, they think, there is little hope of sitting in a plush chair in a quiet lounge surfing the internet and munching on complimentary snacks.

But there are several ways to access these lounges without springing for a first-class ticket.  In fact, with credit cards, club memberships and a variety of pay-in lounges throughout the world, it is now easier than ever to spend your layover in a lounge.

Here are some ideas for getting both economy class airfares and a first-class layover experience.

Priority Pass

Priority Pass is a service that offers access to 600 lounges worldwide for an annual membership fee.  Most major airports around the world have at least one lounge that is part of the Priority Pass network.

The company has several membership levels.  For $99 annually, members earn the right to access the lounges in the Priority Pass network for $27 per visit.  For $399, members receive free unlimited access to any of the 600 clubs.  There is also a $249 level where members get 10 free visits per year and additional visits at the $27 per entry rate.  Though $399 is a bit pricey, frequent flyers can take advantage of the access regularly and the membership fee is still less than the cost of most first-class upgrades.  The value of the lower membership levels is debatable, especially since the number of public pay-in lounges (see below) is growing.

MJTR, Flickr

Credit Cards

Premium credit cards can also offer lounge access.  The most famous of these (because of its aggressive advertising campaign) is the American Express Platinum card.  The annual fee of $450 is steep, but it qualifies card-holders for a variety of perks, one of which is entry to clubs operated by American Airlines, Delta and Continental.  The catch: you have to fly one of these airlines in order to enter their lounge.  However, if you usually fly one of these carriers and also plan to use the card to earn airline miles and take advantage of AmEx’s outstanding customer service, this is a reasonable option.

The Visa Black card has similar miles-earning potential and perks.  The $499 annual fee includes a Priority Pass membership.  However, after the first two visits, the admission fee is $27, making it less potent than Platinum when it comes to lounge access.

Plaza Premium Lounge

Pay-in Lounges

For casual travelers who don’t think the above-mentioned options are reasonable, the proliferation of public pay-in lounges is a welcome trend .  Sure, they might not carry the elitist vibe of airline clubs, but they offer many of the same amenities, and, in some cases, more luxury than traditional clubs.  The idea is already successful in East and South Asia, where Plaza Premium lounges can be found in most major airports.  Prices start at about $25 for a two hour stay complete with wi-fi, snacks, a comfortable and quiet atmosphere, and, the kicker, access to private showers.  Plaza Premium also has locations in Toronto and Vancouver, but none in the US as of this writing.

US-based pay-in options include The Lounge at JFK ($40 entry fee, unless you are a Priority Pass member) and Relax Lounge at LAX ($10 for a one hour stay and $25 for three hours.

Capsule Hotels

A company called Yotel recently opened locations in England and the Netherlands.  Their novel approach to airport hospitality is half-inspired by Japanese capsule hotels and a half by first class airline cabins.  The small Yotel rooms include a bed, television and shower and plenty of modern chic.  Rooms can be booked by the hour or for the entire night.  Though no locations are open in the US, Yotel is currently in talks with several airports and industry insiders claim that it will fill a valid niche in between airport hotels and lounges and arguably will offer better value than both.

Annual Airline Club Membership

Airline club membership is quite expensive (Delta from $400, American from $400, for flyers with little or no frequent flyer status).  These legacy airlines also offer one time entry into their clubs for a $50 fee.  If you normally rely on one airline, the annual pass can be a good deal, because you can use airline miles to purchase yearly membership and flyers who gain higher levels of frequent flyer status often receive significant discounts on these yearly passes.  In addition, renewal fees are usually less expensive than the fee for the initial year of membership.

Spas

Space, quiet and the opportunity for some serious relaxation are reasons you would try to gain entry to an airport lounge.  However, lounges are not the only airport venues that offer a chance to relax.  Xpress Spa is a chain of full service spas located in airports around the US.  What could be more relaxing than a massage or facial in the quiet, designer surroundings of a spa?  Locations are in many major airports in the US, including JFK, SFO, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson, Boston Logan, and Orlando International.  A brief, seated massage is in the same price range as a stay in an airport lounge.

Of course, if all else fails, there is always the option of finding a restaurant with booths on your concourse, ordering an appetizer and zoning out with your iPod.

If you’re interested in traveling to the UK, Aer Lingus has announced transatlantic airfares to Ireland as low as $239 each way from NY or from $269 from Boston or Chicago for economy class for travel to Shannon or Dublin, from April 10 to June 15. Sale prices are slated to end on January 21 according to IrishCentral.com’s travel expert, Patricia Preston. She writes that Continental and Delta also have specials running for airfare to Dublin, and CIE Tours International has extended its discount on tours around Ireland as well.

$469 and up for an Iceland Getaway with Airfare, Hotel & breakfast. Enjoy shopping for quality Icelandic products, delicious gourmet Icelandic cuisine (including Icelandic game), invigorating outdoor adventure, highland wilderness beauty, soothing spas and more. The Reykjavík City Library hosts a walking tour in downtown Reykjavík where Icelandic literature, from the Saga period to newly published books, is introduced. This is a fun introduction to Icelandic literature and the downtown area at an easy pace that suits everyone. Deal includes accommodation at the friendly Fosshotel Lind or Fosshotel Baron, both situated in the historic city center.

Truth.Travel is covering the last-minute Hyatt hotel sale of 30% off rates at 180 Hyatt Place and Hyatt Summerfield Suites hotels. Travelers must book no later than this coming Saturday (January 23, 2010) for stays from February 7 through April 5, 2010. Hyatt Place, a contemporary-style chain aimed at business travelers, while Hyatt Summerfield Suites are extended-stay hotels that come with a full kitchen and 24-hour in-house grocery markets (making them especially convenient for families). Both brands offer free breakfasts and free WiFi, and this deal is good at nearly every location.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, MSC Cruises is offering Caribbean cruise deals on bookings through January. The “Wave Season” offer is available on new bookings through Jan. 31 starting at $419. The sailings, from Fort Lauderdale, go to the Eastern and Western Caribbean and Bermuda.

Southwest Airlines’ Swing Into Savings sale is last-minute fares that start at just $49 for flights from over 40 U.S. cities, and cap at only $99 on cross-country routes like Chicago to San Francisco, according to Elina Vaysbeyn. Booking expires January 21 for spring travel between April 7 and May 25. Fares are one-way, and round-trip purchase is not required.

Tom Johansmeyer of Gadling is highlighting Five Valentine’s Day deals in New England in his post today, and features romantic vacation adventures in Chatham, Massachusetts, North Conway, New Hampshire, and Kennebunkport, Maine among others. Tom writes, “There are plenty of deals at your disposal through the New England Inns and Resorts Association, and a tough travel market is leading many properties to put together some amazing deals.”

And finally, NASA offers Out-of-this-World Space Shuttle Deals. Originally, NASA was asking for $42 million per shuttle, but now they’ll take $28.8 (or best available offer). The Smithsonian has already called dibs on Discovery, but Endeavor and Atlantis are still available, as is “The Enterprise,” which never took an actual trip into outer space. While this is probably out of most everyone’s price range, it’s not very often we get to point out a travel-related deal that’s $14 million off the regular price!

For more up-to-the-minute travel deals, be sure to subscribe to our RSS feed and follow us on Twitter at @bestraveldeals.

In some places winter is defined as the coldest season of the year, with the shortest days and the longest nights. In Corning & the Finger Lakes, winter is defined as a whole other kind of cool!

Snowmobiling, Ice-Fishing, Tobogganing, Cross-Country Skiing, Snow-Shoeing, Skating, are just some of the ways you can turn those short days and long nights into flat out fun! And although some people believe that winter travel lends itself most naturally with activities like those, there are other spectacular family-friendly opportunities in Corning & the Finger Lakes you probably won’t find anywhere else. Not only are these opportunities fun for the whole family, they’re also FREE for kids and teens (19 and under).

There are galleries like West End Gallery, showcasing the work of nationally-recognized regional artists, and Lime Berry, where everything is handcrafted by friends or family of the owners-from Navajo art to jewelry to rugs hand-woven by Afghan refugees. There are concerts that feature artists from all over the globe and that offer an eclectic representation of musical styles, not to mention the live music to be found weekly at a variety of venues including wineries, restaurants, and museums (many of these events are free and kid-friendly).  The Corning Museum of Glass is one of those places you have to see to believe. In addition to housing over 45,000 glass items, including pieces dating back 3,500 years, to the time of the pharaohs, the museum offers visitors the chance to watch master glassblowers create original pieces, then to make their very own one-of-a-kind works of art in one of the daily workshops (with hands-on glassmaking activities for all ages).  In addition to having one of the largest museum shops in the US, there’s also a special Innovation Center where you can bend light, bend glass, and bend your imagination!

Corning Museum of Glass also offers a handful of concerts throughout the year (called 2300°) that feature artists from all over the globe. These 2300° events are FREE to the public and provide a unique combination of music, food, and art.  And for those adult families who like to vacation together, there are other wonderful adventures waiting for you in Corning & the Finger Lakes. With over 9,000 acres of vineyards and 117 wineries, the Finger Lakes region is the second largest wine producing area in the United States and is where you’ll find some of the best wines in the world.

Corning & the Finger Lakes juxtaposes small-town charm with big city culture (from antique shops with Tiffany windows to touring Broadway shows). The pace is as relaxed or as intense as you want, the amenities diverse (from town-square shops to department stores and malls, from kayaking rivers and days kicking up dirt to nights out under the stars or out on the town for fine dining and the arts). Winter is the perfect time to visit Corning & the Finger Lakes. The crowds are small, but the attractions and the activities are every bit as much fun!

For more information about February Family-Fun Corning & the Finger Lakes, visit CorningFingerLakes.com

The US Virgin Islands are a popular destination for travelers escaping the winter cold of northern North America.  Unlike many other Caribbean destinations, US citizens are not required to carry as passport to enter the US Virgin Islands.

Saint John, one of the three major islands of the USVI, is covered by lush tropical landscapes.  In fact, two-thirds of the island are within the boundaries of Virgin Island National Park.  Saint John is also home to the Maho Bay Camps.  This resort is the perfect place to experience the natural side of the USVI without sacrificing convenience of comfort.

Maho Bay is one of the Caribbean’s oldest eco-resorts.  It has been in operation for well over 30 years.  The accommodations consist of large tents that are placed on wooden platforms and connected via a series of wooden walkways. This creates something resembling the set of the movie Swiss Family Robinson.   High season rates start at $135 per night.  From January 4th to 31st, rates are discounted $5 per night (based on double occupancy).

The Estate Concordia Preserve is Maho’s sister resort.  Located on the Southeast portion of Saint John, Concordia features large, state of the art eco-tents starting at $155 per night and eco-friendly studio suites from $160.

The location of these resorts are their biggest asset.  The lush jungles of the National Park, the pristine, uncrowded beaches and some of the VI’s best dive sites are located within a few steps of both Maho and Concordia.

Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-392-9004 or by visiting the Maho Bay Camps web site.

The 3 Day Sale from Air New Zealand ends today. Save 20% on any fare from any city in the USA to anywhere Air New Zealand flies in New Zealand or Australia this Holiday Season.

Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa offers 2009/2010 Ski Package, which includes 2 adult lift tickets for Snow Valley Ski Resort, 2 $25 certificates to the Spa of the Pines, discounts on dining and more.

Speaking of skiing, Tom Robbins highlights the best ski deals in Europe, Canada, and the US in his article in today’s The Guardian. Check out what he lists as The Best December Ski Deals.

Toronto hotels offers deals up to 30% off when you stay for 3 nights or more and travel from now through Jan. 15th, 2010.

Romance in Aruba, from $2,100 for 5 Nights, featuring custom-designed Colonial West Indian furnishings including four-poster beds, marble bathrooms and spacious balconies and patios.

A Winter Caribbean Vacation for 40% Less at the Radisson Aruba Resort. Stay five nights and get a $150 beverage credit at the resort; stays of six nights or more get a $200 credit.

Support Canada in Vancouver in 2010 with Vacation Packages from C$689. Watch Canada go for glory next year! Stay in Vancouver where the action is, or, if you’re looking to save a bit, check Canadian hotel deals for the latest low prices in other areas.

Top five Christmas travel deals from USA Today. Highlights include London, Las Vegas, and Madrid.

$79 & up for 4-Star Downtown Los Angeles Hotels. Affordable areas near LAX with convenient freeway routes to key sights.

$149 & up for a luxury San Diego Hotel. The US Grant is located in historic downtown Gaslamp Quarter, and is near many top beaches, shopping, and dining.

$75 & up for 4-Star Washington D.C. Hotels near Capitol Hill. The country’s political epicenter is home to many national monuments easily accessible from where you choose to stay.

$200 Instant Savings on 5+ Night Curacao Vacation Packages. Travel to Aruba, Bonaire, & Curacao now through April 1, 2010, including holidays. Book now though, this Sale ends next Wednesday, Dec. 9th.