According to shopping accounts in from Black Friday and the holiday weekend, shoppers are still spending but they are purchasing carefully and they want deals. When it comes to travel, would-be buyers are no different. I'm happy to report that I finally have some really good news in the department! We can actually start talking about deals again.

From a data report issued today, we found that if you priced out a December trip earlier this year and found travel was out of your reach this holiday season, it’s time for another look. Travelocity’s most recent data shows a steady decline in airfare over the last five weeks with an average price drop of $53. Softening travel demand is translating into lower prices for travelers. And, now, less than one month until Christmas, prudent travelers hoping to get away can snag falling airfares and stellar hotel deals. The catch is they're all based on availability and may not last much longer.

Just how can you score some of these deals? Here are a few pointers and some actual examples that are just a click away from yours...

TIP: Be on the lookout for good deals -- and be flexible on destinations to get the right deal for you. For example, right now you can get a $500cCash rebate for a limited time when you book a Flight+Hotel Total Trip Package with a minimum 7-Night Stay in any of the participating hotels. Book a three to six-night trip and get $250 Mail-In Rebate. Be aware that the offer is only good for bookings from now through December 20, 2008. Check them out: Nassau/Paradise Island; Grand Bahama; Bahamian Islands.

There's also a deal to Puerto Rico offering a $200 Resort Credit on a 4-night stay (Air+Hotel Package only) trip, for bookings made in December.

TIP: Keep an eye out for added value deals. For instance a hotel may offer an additional night stay or free breakfast or other added value deals such as cash-back for using a certain credit card. For example you can save $75 in a 3-night hotel stay in select cities by using a MasterCard when you book and the code BONUS75 at check out on travelocity. Or take $100 of your next 5-night ski vacation with the code SNOW100; or $100 off a 4-night Orlando vacation with the code ORL100.

TIP: Travel now, during the next two weeks immediately following thanksgiving, and take advantage of great bargains and last-minute offers. Visit lastminute.com for detailed offers from your city of origin.

TIP: Buy in a package (air+hotel) and take advantage of savings. The average package can save you over $300 vs. buying items a la carte.

Bottom line is that these deals are based on availability so you have to be ready to buy. Otherwise you could end up letting the best sale of the season pass you by.