THE gusts and gales of last season's hurricanes have prompted many winter travelers to look in their own back yard, or at least close to home, for vacation fun.

And for the savvy traveler, as the jazz standard goes--"Now's the time!" For vacation fun close to home, be sure to check airline carriers offering special low rates and discount vacation packages. Internet sites have skyrocketed in offering discount flight, hotel and car rental packages.

Skiers may be interested in attending the Summit, sponsored by the National Brotherhood of Skiers, a Black ski organization. This year the summit will be held February 5-12 in Vail Colo. The group's summit, which brings together more than 5,000 skiers hitting the slopes for a week of winter sports fun, is designed to support its NBS Olympic Scholarship Fund (that supports athletes of color who excel in winter sports).

From Colorado snow to Las Vegas sun, many vacationers lose themselves in the excitement of Las Vegas, including the world-famous Strip and downtown, concert events, dining, golf, and spa options and tours. For those not close to Vegas there are now many local casinos open from Atlantic City to Tunica, Miss., and all sites in between.

While exploring the Great Mississippi, don't forget to meet in St. Louis. For a warm welcome and some cool savings, St. Louis boasts more than 1,000 one-of-a-kind restaurants, a jamming live music scene and a great number of cultural, family and sports attractions. For those whose family vacation plans turn toward the sun, perhaps a week or two of no dishes, no homework and no carpools would suffice. Disney parks worldwide are preparing to mark the 50th anniversary of Disneyland in Southern California. Beginning May 5 and extending for 18 months through 2006, the "The Happiest Celebration on Earth" event will take place in all of the Disney theme parks around the world, with the premiere of many new shows and attractions at Disneyland Resort, California, Walt

Disney World Resort in Florida and the international Disney parks. Universal Studios Orlando Resort offers a unique vacation experience--with two theme parks, state-of-the-art entertainment and three on-site hotels to pamper and provide non-stop nightlife.