Get out of town and use up those vacation credits before they disappear

   One-Tank Trip for Dec. 15/12

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Anyone feeling vacation deprived can make a quick getaway to cash in those unused time-off days before they disappear.

Santa arrives at the Charles Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake where last-minute getaways are offered

   Getting out of town for a two-day girl or guy getaway – or even a day or half-day can do the trick for some much-needed relaxation.

   According to a recent Vacation Deprivation study by online travel company Expedia, Canadians are predicted to forego 17-million vacation days this year.

   In Ontario, it found 21 per cent of workers won’t be taking all of their allotted vacation days as work winds down for the year.

   BFF getaways

   “It’s high time to put those vacation days to use,” said Kate Hillyar, director of communications and media relations for Skyline Hotels & Resorts.

Dashing through the snow on a sleigh ride at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville.

   “Gather the girls (or guys) for stress-free BFF getaway for two days,” she suggested.

   This could be Deerhurst Resort’s Spa Getaway Package in Huntsville with overnight accommodations, a welcome tapas platter and cocktail in the Lobby Bar.

Horseshoe Resort in Barrie

   There is also a $100 a person credit for the Shizen Spa and glass of wine. Priced from $359 a night with 20-per-cent off for two to five nights.

   One-day options include escaping the city to Horseshoe Resort in Barrie for the Resort Adventure Your Way package.

Enjoying a girl’s getaway at the Shizen Spa at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Toronto.

   It provides overnight accommodations and $100 daily credit for activities and services, food and beverages from $179 a night.

   Half-day options include “getting prepped” for the season at Shizen Spa in the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Toronto.

Couples can enjoy a day at the Shizen Spa.

   Specials include the Holiday Glow Facial for “re-oxygenating and luminating tired skin,” from $75.

   Same-day options are the popular Tuesday night Mani and Martini sessions from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Pantages Hotel Toronto Centre.

   For $30, it includes a “Quick Fix Manicure” paired with the choice of French Mani Martini or Henkell Sparkling Rose.

   Hillyar suggests gathering the family for the King Edward Hotel’s traditional Sunday brunch in the regal Sovereign Ballroom priced at $53. www.skylinehotelsandresorts.com; 1-888-496-3986

   Let’s make a deal

   Time to get spontaneous with last-minute travel deals as Ontario's Finest Hotels, Inns and Spas has a variety of offerings.

   The association represents 34 properties from quiet country hideaways to elegant village estates offering “the warmth and charm of a bed and breakfast but with the luxurious amenities the discriminating traveller would expect of a quality inn.”

The historic Charles Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

   Last-minute deals are on the website up to 10 days ahead with current offerings including the historic Charles Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

   Available the night of Dec. 21 is relaxation in a deluxe queen guest room with continental breakfast, $50 credit for dinner at the Charles Restaurant and $25 credit at the Shaw Spa. Priced at $219. 1-866-556-8883

   A featured getaway is Movie Night at the Elm Hurst Inn & Spa in Ingersoll between London and Woodstock.
   This includes an overnight in a “sophisticated guestroom,” while indulging in wine, snacks and two movies.

   There’s a $40 credit for the Aveda Concept Spa and buffet breakfast in the Elm Hurst Restaurant. From $269 per couple, nightly. 1-800-561-5321

   Enjoy the “Quiet Night In” package at the Westover Inn in St. Marys near Stratford with an overnight, four-course a-la-carte dinner and full breakfast.

   To “snuggle up,” there’s a DVD player and movie library, popcorn, fizzy drinks and inn-made sweets. From $271 a couple. 1-800-268-8243.
   For more information: http://ontariosfinestinns.com; 1-800-340-INNS (4667)

   Check it out

   - Four Points by Sheraton London has the “Time for Romance” package with a night in a Jacuzzi suite, bottle of wine and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

   Have breakfast in bed or at Vic’s on Wellington with 4 p.m. late check-out for $190 a night. www.fourpointslondonontario.com; 1-866-716-8133

   - Shoppers can get a deal at the Sheraton Centre Toronto for Thursday to Saturday arrivals through Dec. 30 at $129 a night for up to four people in one room.

   There’s a shopping package from $160 nightly with a $25 Cadillac Fairview gift card and valet parking for Friday and Saturday nights. www.sheraton.com/tospecials; 1-866-716-8101

   - The Santa’s Helper package at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto includes an overnight, valet parking, a $50 mall shopping card and $25 credit for the hotel restaurants, priced from $229 nightly. royalyorkhotel@fairmont.com; 1-866-540-4489

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca