Get the best winter travel deals

There are thousands of people who anxiously anticipate the arrival of winter. Armed with gloves and boots, these winter enthusiasts can't wait to frolic in the drifts of snow. Still, there are many others who would much prefer sipping tropical drinks on sun-kissed beaches to freezing weather and down-filled coats.

Once the temperature begins to dip, fans of warmer weather may begin the anxious dance that is trying to find a winter travel excursion. While there are some deals to be had, the clever traveler is one who begins the process as early as possible.

According to Clem Bason, president of Hotwire Group, the winter season is ripe with travel deals. He offers that the first few weeks of December are the key times to get the cheapest fares all year long.

This is not the only secret to winter travel. Follow these other suggestions for saving on your next getaway.

* Book early. If you know that each year you start to get antsy around the middle of winter, then plan annual vacations around this time. Make sure you request the time off from work and buy your tickets several months before.

* Know peak travel dates. There are certain times during the winter when you probably will pay a premium for travel. The holiday season tends to be the most expensive time to travel during the winter. Be flexible with travel dates, and you could see your rate drop considerably if you travel just a day or two later.

* Sign up for a hotel reward program. Chain hotels frequently offer member incentives. By signing up for a rewards program, you can accrue travel points that can be used toward hotel stays and other benefits. Being loyal to a particular hotel brand can help you collect points faster. Plus, some chains offer nonadvertised deals specifically to their reward members.

* Think about booking a package deal. Many resort properties partner with car rental companies and airlines to put together packages. Packages may be less expensive overall than booking each individual element separately.

* Look into alternative accommodations. When planning a vacation, many travelers turn to hotels for their accommodations. However there are other avenues for affordable rooms. Web sites like Vacation Rental By Owner (www.vrbo.com) enable individuals with rental homes, condominiums or timeshares to sublet their properties to deal seekers. You may be able to find an affordable place at a fraction of the cost of comparable hotels in the area.

* Consider a timeshare. If you travel at the same time each year and want a designated place to stay without hassle, timeshares could be the ideal situation. A timeshare is typically an apartment in a resort property that is jointly owned by people who use it at different times. Sometimes it is possible to trade timeshares among others so that you can vary or upgrade where you stay.

* Still save with ski trips. If you're not jetting off to the tropics but in search of the perfect powder, land a deal by skiing at the beginning or end of the season. Also, keep track of the conditions at ski resorts. If the weather is questionable, you can probably book trips at a discount and avoid the crowds. If you like the atmosphere of a ski town but don't really like to ski, book a trip prior to the first snowfall when you can enjoy the shops and the town without the hassle of fellow tourists.

* Check with your credit card company about exclusive cardmember deals. Credit card companies can offer special members-only deals on travel. What's more, being a member of a warehouse store like Costco or BJs could entitle you to discount travel packages when booked through their own travel centers.

* Be flexible. Some of the best deals to be had come when you can depart at a moment's notice. If you're not hampered by schedules, check out the last-minute offerings of resorts and travel sites.

Wintertime is a season ripe with travel opportunities. Whether you're escaping the cold or flying directly to a ski resort, employ some strategies for getting the best prices possible.