COMING AND GOING

Many resorts offer discounts early in the season, especially if they've opened only a limited number of runs. Before heading off, make sure the open runs match your ability: One resort might first open beginner runs, while weather conditions at another might mean they can open only advanced runs at high altitudes.

WALLET WATCH

Just the Ticket

New York and Boston have joined six other cities served by Goldstar Events ( http://www.goldstarevents.com/), which sells tickets to performances, sporting events and more for up to 50 percent off. If you're planning an outing in those cities -- or in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington or Las Vegas-- you can create a free profile and get e-mails about events.

Are bargains possible? CoGo hit bingo on the first try, tickets to a Dec. 5 Radio City "Christmas Spectacular." At Goldstar, we found seats for $40 each, plus a $6.50 service charge. At the Radio City Music Hall site, a comparable seat was $70, plus a $10.20 service charge.

One small downside: When buying, you know what section you'll be in, but you won't know the seat number until you get your tickets, which are either mailed or held at the box office.

BARGAIN OF THE WEEK

Dicey Holiday

With Delta Vacations, even Scrooges can spend Christmas in Las Vegas. The three-night package starts at $399 per person double and includes round-trip air from Reagan National and lodging at the Wynn Las Vegas resort. Book by Dec. 3 and depart Dec. 24. Add about $40 in taxes. By comparison, air to Vegas over the holidays goes for $360 and rooms at the Wynn start at $259. Info: 800-872-7786, http://www.deltavacations.com.

Reporting: Cindy Loose, Anne McDonough.

Help feed CoGo. Send travel news, road reports and juicy tattles to: cogo@washpost.com. By fax: 202-912-3609. By mail: CoGo, Washington Post Travel Section, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.

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