Just in Time: Five Winter Vacation Bargains

The slowing economy doesn't mean you have to be holed up at home. With the global travel industry discounting like mad to heat up business in this winter of our discontent, there are great bargains to be had, domestically and overseas, in the sun and in the snow.

Here are five great winter vacations that won't break the budget.

Whistler/Vancouver, Canada: The Canadian dollar has retreated from parity with the greenback to 82 U.S. cents, making British Columbia's winter wonderland a bargain once again. Vancouver glistens with brand-new hotels such as the stylish boutique Loden and the luxury high-rise Shangri-la. The latter offers a sumptuous, Asian-inspired CHI Spa. Only 75 miles away, Whistler sits amid the sites of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Those facilities are being test-driven now during World Cup winter sports competition. Whistler sporting events continue into March, and tickets are available at great rates. An all-day pass for the four-man bobsled competition on Feb. 7 goes for just US$4. If you'd rather be out there yourself on fresh powder with skis or snowboard, this Canadian mountain redoubt features 200 marked runs, 13 alpine bowls, three glaciers and five terrain parks, serviced by 38 lifts. ...