Where To Go Now & How Guide: Travel-Ticker Announces Top 5 Destinations For Winter

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The deal experts at Travel-Ticker® (www.travel-ticker.com), a leading inspirational travel website, today announced their Winter 2011 Where To Go Now & How Guide. Each season, the Travel-Ticker team uses its years of experience traveling the globe and hunting for great bargains to provide travelers with the inside scoop, identifying the destinations that offer the best overall experience and value for each season. To form the list, Travel-Ticker experts look at local trends like weather and tourist traffic, as well as entertainment options, cultural experiences, and the available deals in each locale.

"Many people only think of the winter months in terms of obligation holiday travel, but this is actually one of the best times of the year to find fantastic deals in leisure destinations around the world," said L. Jasmine Kim, General Manager of Travel-Ticker. "Whether you're looking for a true winter experience complete with snow, or an exotic locale that offers warm temperatures and sunny skies, Travel-Ticker's dedicated team of travel experts has selected the best locations to find a great experience at the perfect price."

From big cities on either side of the U.S. to international playgrounds, below are the top five destinations in Travel-Ticker's winter 2011 Where To Go Now & How Guide:

1.  Italy – Skip the tourist rush and the peak time rates.

• Why Now:  Italy might be a little chilly during this time of the year, but as long as you don't mind bundling up a little, you'll have access to museums, palaces, and top archeological sites with little to no lines. Additionally, during the winter, the opera, symphony, and theater seasons are in full swing. For winter sports enthusiasts, Italy's mountains offer fantastic fun. Take advantage of unique cultural experiences like midnight mass at the famed Basilica (tickets are free on a first come first serve basis), and the opening of La Scala, a world renowned opera house in Milan, which is an event in itself.
• Value: An eight-day Italy trip in January or February 2012 currently costs $1,499, while the same trip in June 2012 can run as high as $1,899. By booking during the off season winter months, travelers can save up to $400 per person or $1,600 for a family of four. That doesn't even include the savings that can be found at the attractions and museums.
• How: Paris & Rome trip with air, hotel, and breakfast -- from $999: The City of Light and the Eternal City in one low-priced trip. Get a round-trip flight, 3 nights each in Paris and Rome, daily breakfast, and an intercity flight from $999. Valid select dates, December 1-March 31.

2.  Spain – Sun, Siestas, and Savings.

• Why Now: Probably the warmest part of Europe during the winter months, Spain offers a fantastic, budget-friendly off season experience. Opt to visit the Mediterranean region and the Balearic Islands for sunny, warm days with temperatures up to the mid-60's during the winter months. And since it's just a hop, skip and a jump away, check another continent off your list by taking a daytrip to Morocco for even warmer weather and a complete change of culture.
• Value: An eight-day Spain trip throughout winter currently costs $899, with trips in peak season summer months running as high as $1,589. Travel off-season for a savings of $690 per person or $2,760 for a family of four.
• How: Barcelona/Madrid trip with air, hotel & breakfast -- $899+: You can get a round-trip flight from the U.S., 3 nights each in Barcelona and Madrid, a flight between cities, and daily breakfast from just $899*. Depart November 9-March 21.  

3.  Dominican Republic – Peak season weather with off season prices.

• Why Now: Mid-December to early March is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic as they are just coming out of their off season, but not yet in their spring break peak season. This means the weather is optimal and the prices are still low. Take advantage of all the island has to offer – stunning beaches, a unique culture, whale-watching and their famed winter baseball.  – before the Easter crowds appear.
• Value: Rates during winter are close to the lows of the off season months, and much cheaper than going in the Spring Break/Easter seasons. Plus, you'll be able to avoid the hurricanes and have good weather, which is definitely worth the average $20 splurge (average of $10 on hotel, $30 on packages). Hotel rates average $75 during this time of the year, with packages starting at $669 per person.
• How: 30% off Dom. Republic all-inclusive suite w/transfers, $99+: Oceanfront, all-inclusive, and now affordable. A junior suite at the beachfront Ocean Blue & Sand Resort in Punta Cana starts at $99 per person. Taxes, tips, and transfers are included. Valid now-April 7, 2012.

4.  San Diego – Post holiday savings with activities to suit everyone.

• Why Now: San Diego has great weather and plenty of activity offerings all year round,  but in the winter this big city becomes more like a small town, which means great savings. The weeks between the holidays and schools resuming session offers fewer crowds, so many attractions, like the world-famous San Diego Zoo, are eager for business and offer better discounts for the whole family.
• Value: Visiting San Diego anytime from November to March will provide travelers with savings of up to 40 percent. During winter months, hotels average $100 per night, compared to $165 per night during peak season months.
• How: San Diego-area luxury resort with over $100 in extras, $199: See what a $50 million renovation looks like – luxury living with extras. The 4-star La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, CA is offering $199 rates, now-January 31. Many extras like parking and breakfast are included.

5.  New York City – Snow Flakes and prices are falling in the Big Apple.

• Why Now: While resident New Yorkers might not enjoy the winter months so much, December, January and February are perfect for any visitor to this wonderful city. Many hotels see a dip in visitors this time of year, so they offer deals worth wearing a heavy coat for. This is also a great time of the year to take advantage of discounted Broadway tickets for shows that often sell-out during the summer. And don't forget to enjoy the post-holiday sales and see the city in its picturesque, snow-covered form.
• Value: Save up to 35 percent on hotel accommodations  in winter, when prices average $119-$129 versus $169-$199 during peak season months.  
• How: NYC exclusive: 45% off 4-star hotel near Central Park, $94+: Midtown Manhattan for under $100? Believe it. Located near NYC's best sites, the 4-star Park Central Hotel starts at just $94, December 11-March 15. Prices vary by date, but Travel-Ticker readers get an exclusive 45% off.

*Prices are per person or per night, based on availability, and do not include additional taxes and fees. Other restrictions may apply. Please see website for more details.

About Travel-Ticker.com

Travel-Ticker is an online inspirational travel website that is home to some of the best handpicked, insider deals at many of the world's favorite destinations. With an ear to the ground and an eye for the unique, Travel-Ticker's experts provide users with a geo-targeted platform and a weekly newsletter to browse for researched travel bargains, the latest travel trends, and editorial insight. Travel-Ticker is an independent business unit of The Hotwire Group. For more information, visit us at www.travel-ticker.com and join us on Twitter (@travel_ticker) and Facebook. In addition to Travel-Ticker, The Hotwire Group of websites includes: www.hotwire.com, www.travel-ticker.com and www.carrentals.com.

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