Christmas is Monday, and you know what that means: It's time to start planning for Spring Break. I know what you're thinking -- that I've gone crazy. It's only December!

Sure, I'm crazy -- like a fox. After all, you're the same person who was overheard remarking that Christmas just snuck up on you this year. Planning a spring trip now is an excellent idea for a few reasons: First, booking your trip now takes yet another task off your to-do list; second, resorts are anxious to know they'll have plenty of visitors during the school holidays, so they're offering incentives and discounts.

Sandestin, a favorite destination for Mid-Southerners, is a prime example. The resort in Destin is offering 20-percent discounts and eight new packages just for spring, with rates starting at $149 per night at the just-renovated Bayside Inn. The Family Fun package includes accommodations in a two-bedroom condominium and breakfast for four daily at the resort's Another Broken Egg Cafe; those rates start at $279 a night.

Call (800) 470-7389 or go to to make reservations. Hip holiday: It's not too late to book an affordable last-minute getaway to New Orleans. Five Marriott and Renaissance Hotels Resorts in the Big Easy are offering 'Papa Noel' rates starting as low as $89 per night.

The city's Papa Noel celebrations last through the end of the month, and include street festivities, Cathedral Christmas concerts, and the Celebration of the Oakes walking tour through the beautifully lit City Park. The rates are valid through Dec. 31, and are offered at the Renaissance Pere Marquette and the New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center, among others.

Book online at or by calling (888) 236-2427. Seven wonders: What are the Seven Wonders of Tennessee? That question was put to readers of The Tennessean, Nashville's daily newspaper, who responded that Great Smoky Mountains National Park was their top choice.

Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Beale Street, the Grand Ole Opry, Graceland, the Mississippi River and the Parthenon in Nashville all made the list. In Pigeon Forge, Wilderness Week will kick off Jan. 13, with more than 100 experts leading programs about nature photography, wildlife, outdoor recreation and the cultural history of the Smokies.

A full list of programs and hikes is available at or by calling (800) 251-9100. Foodie fun: Fans of the Food Network can book a Food Network package at 11 Hilton Hotels nationwide, including the Hilton New York, The Beverly Hilton and the Hilton Chicago. Packages offer regional tasting menus with wine pairings, a welcome package packed with Food Network goodies including a cookbook and DVD.

Book online at , or by calling (800) 774-1500. Click it: Book golf packages at top U.S.

, Canadian and European resorts at . Gear Up: I once had a dog that jumped out of a car window -- and it wasn't a pretty sight. Luckily, little Molly survived, although she hated riding in the car after that.

Keep your pooch in place on road trips with an adjustable leash that features a universal seat belt connector. The Quick Control Collar with built-in leash starts at $19.99 at or call (888) 839-9638.

Get Outta Town runs every other week, with news of great deals, luxury finds, cool gadgets and more. For more great travel ideas, contact Sally Walker Davies at .