Winter getaway guide 2005

The high demand for hotel rooms - especially in places like Cancun, the Caribbean, and Florida, where hurricane damage has decreased overall room capacity - has been a boon for hotel operators. "This booking pace has given hotel operators the confidence to increase their room rates," says Berman. According to PwC and Hendersonville, Tenn.-based Smith Travel Research, the national average for room rates in the U.S. was $86.24 in 2004; it will increase to $90.70 in 2005 and is forecast to increase to $95.21 in 2006.

Of course, Berman adds, "The cost of operating a hotel has gone up as well, particularly as it relates to energy costs. And that's being passed on to the consumer as well."

Despite the cost, winter is the best time to go to the beach. Our Winter Getaway Guide highlights wonderfully warm destinations that allow you to do just that. Like your beach sports with a side of sunset? Head for Wailea in Hawaii, Maui's best-known resort and a favorite with families and couples. In the mood for all-night raves? India's bohemian town Goa has a beach -and a party - for everyone. And if you're craving something more serene, opt for Indonesia or Mauritius, where some of the world's most beautiful beaches are the site of luxurious resorts with private villas and enough pampering to last a lifetime. As an added bonus, many of the destinations on our list are actually best experienced during the winter, when temperatures are reasonable and not as oppressive as they can be in summertime.

So stock your suitcase with a good beach read, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen. Just don't forget the scarf, mittens and thermal underwear - we hate to remind you, but you're going to need them when you get back.

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