Need a few last-minute holiday getaway ideas?

Sure, it’d be great to get away with your significant other, the whole family or even friends. But you’re positive everything worthwhile books early and the cost of making last-minute plans would be a deal-breaker.

Not so, travel experts say, especially in today’s economic climate.

“In normal economic circumstances, warm-weather destinations might be out of [many travelers’) reach,” said Gabe Saglie, senior editor of Travelzoo. “That’s not true anymore. We’re seeing a lot of destinations taking a low-season approach to pricing and incentives.”

Said Travelocity Senior Editor Genevieve Shaw Brown: “Flexibility is key to saving money. You are going to get the best deals when you book air plus hotel — we call them vacations packages.”

Here are some far-off destinations to consider that might not have been on your radar screen.

Alluring Arizona

Ho, hum: It’s heat, cactus and not much more, right? Wrong. With seven climate zones and a myriad of topography, you can hike, bike, shop or relax. Don’t have time to drive? Choose Phoenix/Scottsdale, which is diverse enough to cater to both couples and families, said Kim Cole, director of public relations for Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North.

“One of the great things about Scottsdale is the diversity of activities,” she said. “You can go to the high desert and take a hot-air balloon ride, which can be extremely romantic, or you can get out and explore the desert in a Hummer or Jeep adventure tour.”

Resorts such as the Four Seasons have concierges on staff to help you plan your activities.

Also:

Look for airfare/hotel deals on the Web and consider flying out of an alternate airport, such as Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport to save.

Don’t dismiss resorts. Consider the “extras” they often offer such as special wine tastings and spa credit.

Charming Charleston

Golf, ecotours and plenty of adventure programs for kids are less than two hours by air from Washington. Groups love the diversity and couples love the romantic history in this jewel of the Deep South.

There are so many groups that want to experience downtown Charleston that resorts have put together a number of packages. Especially popular with groups of girlfriends are the packages that allow for shopping, dining and then a return to the resort. Wild Dunes and other resorts specialize in a sort of “one-stop shopping” for guests who want to arrive and enjoy an ocean front room without worrying about planning activities.

Also:

Don’t miss the plantations. There are plenty of tours of these historic homes.

Gardens abound. If you have a green thumb, these are must-see.

Go off the beaten path. Some of the best Southern cooking in the United States is in Charleston. Ask locals for tips.

Trendy Tahoe (Arizona and California)

There’s a reason so many skiers love Tahoe: It’s not just the slopes, it’s the scene.

There is plenty of nightlife with the casinos and clubs, so even if you travel with someone who never hits the slopes, they’ll have fun, said Kelly Wallace, a veteran skier and a travel adviser with ski.com.

“It has the incredible beauty and it also has casinos and nightlife right there,” Wallace said.

But know what you’re booking before you go. The south side of the village is the “party side” while the north is quieter, said skier Carmen Carrichio, of San Francisco.

Even though better deals can be had on the south, Carrichio chooses the north, which is more geared toward those who want to ski.

The best way to choose a resort that is right for your entertainment style and pocketbook is to talk to someone who has skied at them, Wallace said. “There’s a lot out there, but sometimes it’s difficult to find what you’re looking for,” she said.

Some tips:

Want to maximize your slope time? Go to Squaw Valley, just outside Tahoe, which is known for super-fast chairlifts.

Think of the kids. Kirkwood (Calif.) Mountain Resort is known for its children’s ski programs.

Talk to a travel consultant or avid skier before you book.