Shop around for bargains to winter sunshine

Escaping winter is a priority with many Canadians and if they can save money on a getaway to the sunshine, so much the better.

As always, there's plenty of competition for your business and before investing that hard-earned cash in a winter holiday, it's a good idea to shop around to see what's out there in the way of affordable packages.

Sunflight Holidays, for example, has put together what it calls "an array of dollar-stretching destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean." Accommodation is described as "clean, no-frills hotels and resorts, some with all-inclusive meal plans and some with kitchenettes," which can be the perfect solution for families looking to save on meal costs.

Its offerings include a selection of 29 hotels and resorts on the east and west coasts of Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Antigua, St. Martin and St. Kitts. In addition, Sunflight has one- and two-week apartment and hotel stays in Agadir, Morocco.

Starting in January, seven-night rates to the Agadir properties start at $1,149 per person, double for seven nights and range upward to $1,469 for two weeks, including return airfare.

Sunflight offers a choice of four hotel properties in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Expect to pay from $689 per person for seven nights to a high of $1,269 depending on travel dates and accommodation choices. Or, you might do a two-in-one holiay combining Cancun and Cozumel starting at $1,529 for seven nights.

If you opt for a week in Varadero, Cuba, you'll pay anywhere from $899 to $1,379 with a choice of two properties. A Cuban holiday at Cayo Coco ranges from $829 to $1,269.

Travel agents can supply further details on these Sunflight Holidays winter getaways.