During these challenging economic times, many families are searching for ways to buy holiday gifts that won't sit around and collect dust but will give lifelong cherished memories and exciting new experiences.

Studies have shown that despite an economic downturn, Americans are still unwilling to give up their vacations and no matter what our income level is, we want a good value for our travel dollar.

There are so many travel bargains available - and just about every type of vacation imaginable is on sale. (Believe me, this is when you need the expert advice of a trusted travel agent.)

Here are a few of my favorites:

For busy couples needing a break -
How about the gift of total relaxation with a luxurious spa getaway -f or a day or a weekend - at the AAA 4-Diamond Hotel Hershey, www.hotelhershey.com ; or a "Couples Pampering Package" at the beautiful Inn at Leola Village, complete with breakfast, dinner and couples massages, another AAA 4-Diamond property, www.theinnatleolavillage.com.

For crazed wives, moms and girlfriends -
Bedford Springs Resort is hosting a "Women's Wellness Weekend", Jan. 23-25, with expert advice from renown health professionals, including lodging, workshops, meals, etc, www.bedfordspringsresort.com - or various themed "Girlfriends Beach Getaways" throughout 2009 at The Golden Inn Resort, Avalon, NJ with lodging, meals, cocktails, spa services & movies, www.goldeninn.com.  

Baltimore's Inner Harbor and the newly renovated Hyatt Regency has 4 new value-added packages - Awaken, Amour, Balance & Explore and, if you are an active duty or retired military personnel, the Hyatt just launched "Operation Escape" with a $75.00 per night rate, plus 50% off hotel restaurants, www.baltimore.hyatt.com.  

The 25% Off Harbor Magic Gift Card is a great value and good at either Pier 5 Hotel, Brookshire Suites or the historic Admiral Fell Inn. Call 410-522-7380, mention Holiday 25. www.baltimore.org

For the family -
There are several Pocono Winter Ski Packages that include lodging, lift tickets, meals, lessons, etc., in all price categories, www.800poconos.com.

And as someone who loves giving (and receiving) the gift of travel, Skytop Lodge has been an ongoing Fenton family tradition for 20-years. Skytop has several theme winter weekends and a particularly good value is the "Hot Winter Sports" package with overnight accommodations, 3 meals per person per day and full use of all winter activities equipment and facilities. www.skytop.com

Of course we can't forget Disney, and Disney is on sale with a special Buy 4 Nights, Get 3 Free promotion and a celebrate your birthday offer available now. (I would contact a AAA Disney expert for all details.)

We just returned from one of my favorite multigenerational family vacations in St. Simons Island, Georgia. We stayed in a beautiful, spacious and beachfront 3-bedroom/3bathroom luxury condo at St. Simons Grand. These vacation rental homes are currently on sale. Go to www.hodnettcooper.com or vacations@hodnettcooper.com for all details. (Also ask about renting a golf cart while you're there - we loved it!)

Cruising - There are sales galore! Cruising is considered the best vacation value for the dollar and is one of the most affordable ways to see the world - particularly where the dollar is weak. There is a cruise for every family and every budget.

For ultra-luxury, all-suite and all-inclusive cruising, Regent Seven Seas is offering 30-40% off, plus free air to Europe & Alaska for select 2009 dates, deposit is due by Dec. 15th....or...how about a Caribbean Christmas Cruise Dec. 18-29 with up to 40% savings, and kids sail free when sharing a suite with adults, www.rssc.com    

For Philadelphia sports fans, Holland America has the World-Series Phillies onboard the Jan. 4th Caribbean Westerdam sailing and the Philadelphia Eagles are onboard the March 21st Eurodam cruise (for confirmed players and exclusive onboard activities, contact AAA.)

Do you need a sunny & warm island vacation -
Bermuda is on sale with the "longer you stay-the less you pay" promotion with cash credit towards your visit, stay 3 nights, get a $300.00 credit, www.bermudatourism.com

In the Bahamas, Nassau has two resort packages - Sheraton Beach "Love Your Family" and the Wyndham "Family Fun under the Sun" , www.bahamas.com

If it's all-inclusive you want, Sandals resorts throughout the Caribbean and Bahamas have savings up to 55% off.

As always, there are certain restrictions on all listed travel specials and using a trusted travel agent is your best bet.

And if it's travel books or merchandise that you are interested in giving for gifts (or yourself) - I really like the fun books & travel journals from Peter Pauper Press @ www.peterpauper.com (I give the journals to my in-studio travel guests) and the clothes, outerware and luggage @ www.magellans.com and www.travelsmith.com.  ISLANDS Magazine and ISLANDS Calendars are always big hits as are the Rick Steves European Christmas gift sets...and AAA memberships make great stocking stuffers!

For more great "Gift of Travel" ideas, you can download the show on this website.

Don't wait another year to give your family the best holiday gift ever - the gift of travel!