Now is the time to lock in great values for winter trips. The financial crunch has pushed tour operators, cruise lines, air carriers and consolidators to feature big savings for anyone who can devote dollars right now to a trip. Demand a senior discount, and you might be amazed at how much the cost drops immediately.

Here are some examples:

  • Oceana Cruises says guests can get complimentary airfare from select gateways, 2-for-1 cruise fares and $100 per stateroom shore excursion credit. The deals are on select sailings when travelers book between November 15 and February 28. Do a little Web hopping and values on ships owned by such “brand names” as Norwegian Cruise Line also pop up.
  • Recent weeks have seen a dramatic increase in the value of the US dollar against the Euro, and Wilderness Travel says it wants to pass the savings along. Those acting now to lock in the current favorable rates get a discount off our previously published prices of as much as $400 to $700 per person,depending on the trip
  • American Airlines has cut prices on its new service to Brazil. Cities include Recife, home of some of the best beaches, Salvador, and Belo Horizonte (capital of the southeastern state of Minas Gerais) Remarkably low prices can be found for January and February; flights booked directly on the Web are advertised as low as $287 each way (based on roundtrip purchase). Fliers can depart from cities such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York and Los Angeles, according to the Website Travelzoo.
  • For those who want a “London Escape,” Go-Today headlines a complete package for $549 per person including airfare but not tax. The deal includes 4 nights at a London hotel, continental breakfast daily, and all hotel taxes and service charges. Travelers must book by Nov. 30. Note that airline fuel surcharges are included in package prices but not airline taxes. The airfare portion is based on flying out of Newark (Liberty) International Airport.

Cycling Bargains

Vermont Bicycle Tours says cyclists can save up to $1000 per couple on 2009 warm winter tours to such places as South Africa. "Most of our January trips have already filled, which is why the bulk of our last-minute specials are now in February and March," says VBT spokesman Spencer Newman..