40 Best Vacations

United States

Honolulu for $524
Northwest Airlines flights from Seattle and five nights at the Ohana Maile Sky Court, near Waikiki Beach. When: Nov. 2-15 and Nov. 30-Dec. 13 ($524); Jan. 11-31 ($600). Other Gateways: Detroit ($696/$815), Minneapolis ($735/$812). Details: Extra nights from $41. Single supplement from $152. Upgrade to the ResortQuest Pacific Monarch, starting at $90 more. Contact: NWA WorldVacations, 800/800-1504, nwaworldvacations.com.

Maui for $640
The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel's "Best of the Beach" package includes a six-day car rental, five nights in an ocean-view room, breakfast daily, and dinner for two at the hotel's Tiki Terrace restaurant. When: Until Dec. 17. Other Gateways: None. Details: Does not include airfare. Extra nights with car from $122. No price for singles. Contact: The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, 800/262-8450, kbhmaui.com.

Orlando for $343
Air from Chicago or New York, a five-day car rental, and five nights with breakfast daily at the Sleep Inn Maingate near Disney. When: Until Dec. 18 and Jan. 4-31. Other Gateways: D.C. ($392), Boston ($402), Dallas ($492), San Francisco ($515). Details: Extra nights $18. Single supplement $79. Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.

Phoenix for $549
Air from Chicago, Dallas, or Kansas City, a four-day car rental, and four nights in a suite at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort. The hotel has a three-acre water park with a 40-foot waterfall, four restaurants, a full spa, and an 18-hole championship golf course. When: Nov. 1-Dec. 31 ($549), Jan. 5-31 ($728) Other Gateways: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, ($599/$778). Details: Extra nights with car $101. Single supplement $325. Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.

San Diego for $239
Southwest Airlines flights from Oakland, Sacramento, or San Jose and four nights (fourth night is free) at the Dana on Mission Bay Hotel, with two pools and restaurants, a spa, and free shuttle to SeaWorld. When: Tuesday and Saturday departures Nov. 1-Dec. 10 (from $239). Other Gateways: Amarillo, Omaha (from $349); Detroit, Orlando, Providence (from $369). Details: Call for the extra-night price. Single supplement from $145. Contact: Southwest Airlines Vacations, 800/423-5683, swavacations.com.

Canada

Toronto for $629
Air Canada flights from Boston, Chicago, or New York, three nights at the Delta Chelsea Hotel in the downtown theater district, and dinner for two at 360 Restaurant in the CN Tower. When: Nov. 1-Jan. 31. Other Gateways: Atlanta ($659), Miami ($699), and L.A. ($799). Details: Extra nights $59. Single supplement $169. Contact: Maxxim Vacations Gray Line, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.

Whistler Skiing for $526
Alaska Airlines flights from San Francisco, transfers by Perimeter Whistler Express bus (about two hours), three nights at the Coast Whistler Hotel, and a two-day lift pass. When: Sunday-Wednesday departures Nov. 23-Jan. 31 (from $526). Prices will be higher over the holidays. Other Gateways: L.A. ($538); New York, Orlando ($783). Details: Extra nights from $47 (does not include lift ticket). Single supplement from $159. Contact: Alaska Airlines Vacations, 800/468-2248, alaskaair.com.

Mexico

Aeroméxico Airfare Special
With Aeroméxico's Family and Friends plan, book three flights from the U.S. (see below) or Tijuana to any of the 40 cities in Mexico that the airline serves and get a fourth ticket free. When: Until Dec. 10. Other Gateways: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, L.A., Miami, New York, Ontario (Calif.), Orlando, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Diego. Details: At least two adult tickets are required to qualify. Tickets must be purchased in the U.S. Contact: Book through a travel agent or call Aeroméxico at 800/237-6639.

Cabo San Lucas for $476
Air from L.A., transfers, and four nights at the all-inclusive Calinda Cabo San Lucas Hotel, with two restaurants, three pools, and a beach. When: Until Dec. 15. Other Gateways: Chicago ($727), New York ($748), Denver ($802, until Dec. 12). Details: Extra nights $110. Single supplement from $250. Contact: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.