Beachbound: Budget breaks on sunshine getaways to escape Seattle's rainy winter

With cooler temperatures setting in, it’s an ideal time to plan a beachbound vacation this winter.

As travel continues to rebound, it may seem like prices are surging — and they are. Yet at the same time, budget-savvy travelers will find great deals and discounts with a bit of planning and patience.

Enjoy a budget break this season with a sunny beach getaway by taking advantage of these limited-time offers in Florida, Hawaii, South Carolina and Puerto Vallarta. Then combine these promotional rates at hotels with current airfare deals to maximize your beach vacation budget.

Florida: Fort Myers and Sanibel Island

The shoulder season is a great time to visit The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, with lower prices and less crowds than peak travel dates. This destination in the southwest region of Florida features 100 barrier and coastal islands, nearly 100 parks and preserves and, of course, 50 miles of white sand beaches.

On Estero Island in Fort Myers, beachfront Pink Shell resort has a 15% fall savings promotion, alongside a stay and play promotion inclusive of breakfast, beach amenities and complimentary kayak or stand-up paddleboard usage, Wi-Fi and valet parking.

With its beachfront location, Pink Shell is an ideal destination for families seeking direct beach access, watersports, fishing excursions, yoga lessons and cycling. Sanibel Island is a bike-friendly destination where guests can pedal through history along the Sanibel Heritage Trail, discovering landmarks such as the Sanibel Lighthouse and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.

For families seeking a home-like getaway, Island Hideaway in Fort Myers offers one- and two-bedroom suites inclusive of a kitchen, dining area and living room. Amenities include private beach access, a swimming pool and hot tub, barbecue facilities and a social firepit area.

Visitors to the area can save even more on area dining and attractions with the Sun Saver Passport, a free downloadable mobile savings pass.

This month, Alaska Airlines resumed its nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. Nonstop flights start at $116 each way.

Hawaii: Waikiki Beach

With numerous airfare deals on flights to Honolulu, it’s a great time to plan a Hawaiian winter getaway. And especially true as Waikiki resorts are rolling out winter travel offers now through the new year.

Contemporary oceanfront hotel Prince Waikiki is making a seasonal sale even more enticing by extending applicable travel dates through the end of 2022. The hotel’s cyber sale is open for booking now through Nov. 30 for travel dates through Dec. 22, 2022. Plus, signing up for the free Prince Preferred Membership is rewarded with waived resort fees for even greater savings.

Guests booking with current promotions may save up to 30% off best available rates. Guests upgrading to suites will find additional promotions including resort credit or a third night free.

The upscale property is mere steps from Waikiki Bay and beach attractions, with onsite amenities including an infinity pool, spa services and fine dining. Guestrooms offer floor-to-ceiling ocean views from every room.

Further along the beachfront, ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach is inviting families to spend their holidays Hawaiian-style. Activities include appearances from Scuba Claus and craft activities for kids, holiday parties at the SWELL rooftop bar and Merry Malasadas and Mimosas, Dec. 20 through Jan. 2, in which guests can enjoy a flight of three holiday-themed mimosas paired with seasonal malasadas.

The resort’s Say No To Snow travel package includes up to 20% off accommodations, along with generous resort credit for enjoying holiday experiences and dining.

South Carolina: Myrtle Beach

Just in time for the holiday season, Myrtle Beach has revealed a variety of hotel and resort deals. The destination offers more than 60 miles of coastline, with the festive season promising to be packed with family activities, too.

Visitors to Myrtle Beach might spend the day splashing at the beach, but a winter wonderland is within reach, too, with a special outdoor ice-skating rink this season. The destination is also offering a drive thru light show with more than two million lights at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, Nov. 22 through Dec. 30. A full schedule of holiday events may be viewed in the Holiday Getaway Guide.

Save on your Myrtle Beach vacation with a stay at Island Vista, offering up to 25% savings now through the holidays. The all-suite resort is ideal for families with even entry-level guestrooms offering the comforts of home including a fridge, microwave and social seating area. Suites with one to four bedrooms provide fully equipped kitchens, dining areas and living spaces. Onsite amenities include three pools and two hot tubs, a lazy river and children’s splash pool, dining options and spa services.

Or take advantage of free nights or discounted offers at Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark. Current promotions include up to 45% savings.

The resort’s waterpark offers year-round family fun with three different waterslide options, including one dedicated to little ones. There’s also a lazy river, indoor and outdoor pools and whirlpools. Additional amenities include a Fun Zone with interactive and arcade games, fitness center, breakfast buffet and, of course, direct beach access for watersports and building sandcastles.

Mexico: Puerto Vallarta

If escaping to a tropical destination is your ideal ingredient for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation, consider the Detox for a Better You package at The Westin Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa.

This wellness-focused package deal offers a deluxe room with a private balcony overlooking Banderas Bay, where whale and dolphin sightings are common through the winter months. This package also includes complimentary breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks from the Detox Menus at onsite restaurants, along with non-alcoholic and detox beverages ranging from fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies, and energizing shots.

The detox promotional package starts at $185 per person per night, with promotional code ZJ1, and is valid for travel dates now through Dec. 22.

The Westin Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa sits on a former palm tree farm and hundreds of palms still surround the lush resort. Onsite amenities and activities include expansive pools, a private beach with pergolas and chaise lounges, walking trails, bike rentals and a tennis court.