Sherman's Travel

Temperatures may be chilly at the moment, but the winter festival scene is certainly heating up. Across North America, outdoor adventurers can choose from all sorts of snow-centric gatherings that feature everything from ice sculpting to costumed ski jump competitions to a lively pub crawl – on skis, of course.

Choose from any of these fun, family-friendly festivals for the perfect antidote to cabin fever.

The action starts this holiday weekend, with the fourth-annual Estes Park’s Winter Festival in Estes Park, Colorado, held January 18-21, which has become one of the fastest growing festivals in Colorado. Read more

Now you have the perfect excuse to hit the slopes out West this winter. The upscale Mountain Lodge at Telluride, in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, is currently offering its Great Winter White Sale. Book any two-bedroom unit at the resort for three nights or more and save 30% on hotel rates. The resort also offers 30% off adult lift tickets as part of this deal.

The Mountain Lodge is ideally located halfway up Telluride Mountain, so it couldn’t be easier to start your day on the slopes.  The resort community, which also includes upscale condos for higher rates, offers an elegant lobby with a fireplace, a heated pool and Jacuzzi, a fitness center, and onsite ski rentals. Enjoy a drink at the rustic Tavern Bar after a day on the mountain, eat at the new resort restaurant, The View, or explore charming downtown Telluride.

THE VALUE: Save 30% on current hotel rates, along with 30% on lift tickets.

THE CATCH: Discounted lift tickets must be booked in advance. Also, this deal also only applies to stays through February 10 – so hurry!

THE DETAILS: Visit the Mountain Lodge at Telluride and enter the promo code WHITE.

WE’VE GOT MORE: For general trip-planning information, see our Telluride Travel Guide, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights to Telluride.

Get away to the 4-star Affina Chicago located in the center of the action. Rates at the hotel this winter begin at just $104 per night, which saves you over half on rates later in the season.

The Affinia Chicago is steps from the Magnificent Mile, home to famous modern architecture, world-class dining, and fantastic shopping. It’s also within walking distance to countless other Chicago attractions, including the theatre district, Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, and the Wrigley Building.

The hotel features spacious guestrooms with high-speed Internet and flat-screen TVs. Visit C-View at the top of the hotel, a rooftop lounge with incredible views of the city, then dine at the C-House restaurant, run by Top Chef star, Marcus Samuelsson.

THE VALUE: Save over 50% on rooms at the Affinia compared to rates later in the season.

THE CATCH: The Windy City is chilly during the winter months.

THE DETAILS: These rates are available on select dates between January and March. Visit the Affinia Chicago or call 312-787-6000 to book your stay.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on flights to Chicago.

For general trip-planning information, see our Chicago Travel Guide.

Escape to warm and sunny Saint Lucia this winter and stay at the intimate Bay Gardens Hotel for only $70 per night. This offer, which includes breakfast for two, saves 50% on current rates and is valid for travel through December 19.

The award-winning Bay Gardens Hotel is nestled in the heart of St. Lucia’s entertainment and recreation center, Rodney Bay. The charming 89-room property features two pools, free Wi-Fi in all public areas, room service, on-site car rental, and more.

The tropical island of Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a tropical rainforest and one of the world’s few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and more.

THE VALUE: Escape the winter and stay in beautiful St. Lucia for only $70 per night.

THE CATCH: Hurry, this offer needs to be booked by Thursday, November 10.

THE DETAILS: Visit the Bay Gardens Hotel website or call 1-877-620-3200 to book.

WE’VE GOT MORE: See our St. Lucia Travel Guide for more trip-planning information.