Book now for holiday bargains

Sun., Nov. 7, 2004

Tom Parsons The Dallas Morning News

The frost is barely on the pumpkin, but if you want discounts or something special in holiday travel, now is the time to book.

Hesitate, and early-booking discounts and the best airfares will disappear.

Montreal’s Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth (800-441-1414; www.fairmont.com/queenelizabeth) has a two-day Merry Family package (Dec. 24-25) for about $671. A family of two adults and two children 12 or younger receive gifts, Christmas Eve or Christmas night dinner (including a visit from Santa) and more.

If you like your Santa with sand and sunshine, the Belizean island of Caye Caulker has them with low holiday rates. Lazy Iguana Bed and Breakfast charges just $120 per night and includes breakfasts with treats such as lobster omelets. Auxillou Beach Suites has one-bedroom beachfront suites for $149 per night. Contact: www.cayecaulkerbelize.net.

Grand Hotel Russischer in Weimar, about an hour’s drive from Berlin, has two memory-making packages.

The Christmas Package (from $492) Dec. 24-27 at Grand Hotel Russischer includes a three-night stay, snacks, Mass in historic Herder Church, Christmas dinner, a theater performance and champagne breakfast.

The New Year’s Package (Dec. 29 to Jan. 1) features three nights of lodging (from $586 per person) plus guests attend an exclusive New Year’s gala featuring buffet, live music and a gift.

Contact: 011-800-0136-9999; www.deraghotels.de/english.

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Book now for holiday bargains

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