Last-Minute Travel
Good News for Procrastinators

Fantasy: A powder weekend in the West
Tactic: Call Moguls Ski and Snowboard Tours (800-666-4857; www.skimoguls.com).
Reality: You're waist-deep in the Wasatch within 48 hours, thanks to FedEx and bulk airfares. You'll get four nights at Snowbird's Cliff Lodge; a nonstop flight on Delta Air Lines leaving Thursday night from LaGuardia and returning Monday; two days of lift tickets at Snowbird, one day at Alta; and transfers.
Caveats: Bring a snorkel.
Ballpark Cost: $899 per person, based on double occupancy
Extras: Meals, brews, duct tape for the Alta look

Fantasy: A weekend in a European city, with snow close at hand
Tactic: Check for American Airlines Net SAAvers International Fares (www.AA.com), posted every Monday at 5 a.m. CST, then contact Hotel Birger Jarl (011-468-674-1000/www.birger jarl.se) in Stockholm.
Reality: From Chicago's O'Hare, depart Thursday, return Monday. The Hotel Birger Jarl is centrally located and the rate includes a full buffet breakfast. Rent ice skates or cross-country skis and head for the lakes and trails of Hagaparken, 10 minutes away.
Caveats: You'd better like herring. And if Stockholm isn't available, Zurich probably will be.
Ballpark Cost: $298 for round-trip airfare, plus $433 for a double for three nights, for a total of $514.50 per person
Extras: Skate and ski rentals, smorgasbord dinners, and nine-dollar beers

Fantasy: Lolling on a Caribbean beach
Tactic: Call Moment's Notice Discount Travel Club (718-234-6295/www.moments notice.com).
Reality: Potluck, but what a meal. Three nights at a property like Anse Chastanet in St. Lucia.
Caveats: You pay a $25 yearly membership fee per family, and you'll need flexibility.
Ballpark Cost: $888 per person, based on double occupancy, including round-trip airfare from New York City
Extras: Meals, transfers, Coppertone — E.P.

Copyright 1998, Outside magazine