A sampling of some holiday travel bargains this seasion

A recent survey by Travel Business Roundtable shows that one in five travelers still has not decided how they feel about traveling over the holidays.

In the meantime, the Travel Industry Association of America's latest forecast projects a nearly $43 billion loss in spending by domestic and international travelers during 2001. Total domestic travel volume by Americans is expected to decrease 3.5 percent and total inbound arrivals are projected to decline nearly 13 percent for all of 2001.

So, with hotel occupancy running 20 percent below normal, many destinations are offering discounted rates during the prime vacation week between Christmas and New Year's Day.

Sampling the sites

From golf resorts to Caribbean cruises, here is a sampling of some of the best holiday week vacation deals in the United States and beyond:

Arizona: The Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Villas is offering a Christmas Package for $99 per night, based on single occupancy, from Dec. 21-29. Information: http://scottsdaleresort.hilton.com.

Bahamas: From December through Jan. 2, Grand Bahama Vacations is offering three-, four- and seven-night packages at The Resort & Casino at Bahamia with airfare departing from select East Coast cities beginning at $449 per person, double occupancy. Packages include round-trip airfare and overnight accommodations. Details: www.gbvac.com or (800) 545-1300.

Bermuda: Cambridge Beaches resort has a four-night package (one night must be Dec. 25) beginning at $1,250 per person. The price includes breakfast, afternoon tea, gourmet dinner, three spa treatments per adult, a three-day attraction pass, cooking classes with Chef Jean Claude, and airport transfers. Information: www.cambridgebeaches.com.

Canadian Rockies: The Fairmont Jasper Park's "Festival of Christmas" package includes four nights' accommodations, an in-room Christmas tree, Christmas Eve reception, Christmas Day brunch, and Boxing Day (Dec. 26) dinner. Rates begin at $891 for two adults; supplemental charge for children 5 years and older. Dates are Dec. 23-27 or Dec. 24-28. Information: www.fairmont.com.

Cruise Lines: Carnival Cruise Lines is offering special prices on three cruises departing Florida during Christmas week. A four-day Bahamas cruise on Fantasy, departing Dec. 23, starts at $299 per person; a seven-day southern Caribbean cruise on Destiny, also departing Dec. 23, begins at $599 per person, and a five-day western Caribbean cruise aboard Jubilee begins at $479 per person. It departs Dec. 24. Information: Contact your travel agent or visit www.carnival.com.

Two Holland America Christmas Cruises begin at $799 for the eight-day eastern Caribbean sailing of the Westerdam departing on Dec. 21, and the seven-day western Caribbean sailing of the Zaandam departing Dec. 20. Details: (877) SAIL-HAL or http://www.hollandamerica.com and click on "Best Values."

Just for Florida residents, Disney Cruise Line has a seven-night eastern Caribbean cruise starting at $999 person, double occupancy. Children ages 3-12 can be added to the adults' cabin for $299 each. The ship departs Dec. 22. Information: (888) DCL-2500.

Florida: In Orlando, Travelodge Orlando North-Altamonte Springs has golf packages starting at $99 per night between Dec. 24 and Jan. 4. Details: (407) 862-7111 or http://orlandotravelodge.com.

The Grand Bohemian Hotel has a $129 room rates from Dec. 21 to Jan. 2. Go to www.grandbohemianhotel.com for details. The Rosen Plaza Hotel has rooms for $59 per night for guests arriving on Dec. 24 and departing Dec. 28. Price includes a buffet breakfast for two. Information: www.rosenplaza.com.

Hotel discounts

Four Marriott properties in the Orlando area are offering "Remember When" packages. three-day, two-night-night packages begin at $159 and four-day, three-night packages begin at $215. Prices include two tickets to your choice of Universal Studios Islands of Adventure or Sea World. Packages are good through Jan. 2. Information: (888) 890-0072 or www.mariott.com. Mention the rate code "RWHG."

The Sombrero Reef Inn in the Florida Keys has a five-night Christmas package featuring three days of guided fishing (two days bone fishing, one day sail fishing) for $1,795 for two people. Price includes a one-bedroom villa and use of all equipment -- fly rods, tackle, etc. Regular price is $2,500. Add $50 per night for each extra person. Call (305) 743-4118 or go to www.blackghost.net for more information.

California: On the high end, Hotel Oceana, Santa Monica, a boutique property atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is offering a Golfer's Delight package that includes a one-bedroom pool suite, Continental breakfast and a round of golf for two people at the Malibu Country Club. Rates for this two-night minimum package begin at $325 per night.

New Orleans: The Fairmont New Orleans, renowned for his decorations, offers a "Christmas New Orleans Style" package for $129 per night during Christmas week.