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40 Best Vacations
The real deals right now
December 2005/January 2006 issue
Tuesday, November 22, 2005;
United States
Beantown to the Beach, Nonstop for $899
Colorado Skiing for $423
Hawaii Cruise for $779
Kauai for $1, 695
Las Vegas for $252
Los Angeles for $174
Canada
See the Canadian Rockies by Rail for $829
Mont Tremblant Skiing for $909
Mexico
Acapulco for $619
Colonial Mexico Tour for $1,569
Puerto Vallarta for $599
Caribbean
Bahamas for $584
Barbados for $494
Bermuda for $1,146
Central America
Dominican Republic for $499
Costa Rica for $699
Nicaragua for $1,074
Panama for $799
South America
Buenos Aires for $599
Peru & Ecuador for $1,498
Rio & the Amazon for $1,135
Europe
Azores for $579
Istanbul for $629
London for $399
Madrid for $549
St. Petersburg & Moscow for $999
Tuscany for $559
Vienna & Graz for $799
Africa & Middle East
Cape Town & Botswana Safari for $2,699
South Africa Safari & Mozambique for $2,999
Asia
China Tour for $1,399
Malaysia for $845
Thailand Tour for $899
Tokyo for $849
South Pacific
Bora-Bora for $1,450
Moorea for $1,649
Australia
Lay of the Land Down Under for $2,015
Sydney Combo for $1,779
New Zealand
New Zealand for $1,970
At the end of the year, GWV Vacations will launch weeklong packages that include nonstop charter service from Boston to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The Massachusetts-based tour operator will be the only one in New England to offer these nonstop flights to Cabo, which are sure to be popular because they'll shave three hours off travel times. To ring in 2006, GWV is offering seven-night deals to both Jamaica and Cabo starting at $899. The price covers North American Airlines charter flights from Boston, transfers, and seven nights in either Negril, Jamaica, at the Legends Beach Resort on Seven Mile Beach, with a pool bar, disco, and restaurant; or in Cabo San Lucas, at the Costa Real, with a pool, and free shuttle to El Medano beach, 10 minutes away. When: Friday (Mexico) or Saturday (Jamaica) departures Jan. 6--May 6. Other Gateways: None. Details: No extra nights. Single supplement from $280. All-inclusive stays at Legends in Negril start at $230 more. Contact: GWV Vacations, 800/225-5498, gwvvacations.com.
American Airlines flights from Chicago to Denver and four nights at the Inn at Keystone, 300 yards from the lifts of Keystone Ski Resort. When: Sun.--Thurs. stays Jan. 16--Feb. 16. Other Gateways: L.A. ($433), Dallas ($442), New York ($489). Details: Extra nights $56. Singles pay $452. Contact: AmericanAirlines Vacations, 800/321-2121, aavacations.com.
Sail for 10 or 11 days aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Wind round trip from Honolulu (cruise length depends on departure date). Includes stops on the Big Island, Maui, Kauai, and Kiribati. When: Jan. 7, 18, 28 ($779 inside cabin/$849 ocean view); Feb. 8 ($849/$859); Feb. 18 ($849/ocean-view cabins sold out); Mar. 1 ($849/$799). Details: Rates don't include airfare. Call for the single price. Contact: GalaxSea Cruises and Tours, 800/662-5450, cruisestar.com.
Spend two weeks on Kauai, maintaining and repairing vegetation in Kokee State Park or the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Includes meals, project expenses, and 14 nights in bunkhouses on park grounds. When: Jan. 14--28 (Kokee); Feb. 11--25 (Botanical Garden). Details: Airfare is extra; all costs are tax-deductible. Contact: Global Volunteers, 800/487-1074, globalvolunteers.org.
Northwest Airlines flights from Detroit or Minneapolis and three nights at the Four Queens Hotel and Casino on Freemont Street. When: Sunday and Monday departures Dec. 4--15 ($258); Jan. 8--Feb. 2 ($252 Minneapolis, $302 Detroit); Feb. 6--Mar. 2 ($285/$335). Other Gateways: None. Details: Extra nights from $18. Single supplement from $54. Contact: NWA WorldVacations, 800/800-1504, nwaworldvacations.com.
Southwest Airlines flights from Las Vegas or Phoenix and two nights at Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn, with free shuttle service to Universal Studios Hollywood, one mile away. When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday departures Jan. 10--Mar. 7. Other Gateways: Albuquerque, Boise (from $259); Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, Nashville (from $304). Details: Extra nights from $30. Single supplement from $100. Contact: Southwest Airlines Vacations, 800/423-5683, swavacations.com.
Certainly there are faster ways to get between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Calgary, Alberta, but none will offer you the same relaxing front-row seat to some of the most spectacular scenery North America has to offer. A seven-day Winter Wonderland package from Rocky Mountaineer Vacations includes six nights' hotel (one night in Vancouver, one in Kamloops, three in Banff, and one in Calgary), transfers, Red Leaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer train between Vancouver and Banff (eastbound; or Banff to Vancouver westbound), two breakfasts and two lunches on the train, dinner in Kamloops, admission to the Lookout in Vancouver, a city tour and admission to the Whyte Museum in Banff, and entrance to the Calgary Tower. When: Westbound from Calgary: Dec. 17 ($829) and Dec. 25 ($969). Eastbound from Vancouver: Dec. 18 and 26 ($969). Details: This is a land-only price; it doesn't include airfare. Extra nights from $76. Single supplement from $300. Contact: Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, 800/665-7245, winterrailvacations.com.
Air from Boston or New York to Quebec, a five-day car rental, a three-day lift ticket, and four nights at Les Suites Tremblant, within walking distance of the slopes. When: Nov. 18--Dec. 22 ($909), Dec. 23--31 ($1,259), Jan. 1--Feb. 18 ($989), Feb. 19--25 ($1,119), Feb. 28--Mar. 18 ($989). Other Gateways: Chicago (from $929), Miami (from $949), Atlanta (from $979), L.A. (from $1,079). Details: Extra nights from $69. Single supplement from $269. Contact: Maxxim Vacations Gray Line, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.
Aeroméxico flights from Miami, transfers, and five nights (your fifth night is free) at the Hyatt Regency Acapulco. Overlooking Acapulco Bay, the beachfront hotel has two swimming pools, a spa, shopping center, four restaurants, and three bars. It's a 10-minute walk to the shops, restaurants, and bars downtown. When: Jan. 2--Feb. 21. Other Gateways: L.A. ($669), Boston ($679), New York ($725), Atlanta ($729). Details: Extra nights $61. Single supplement from $248. Contact: Aeroméxico Vacations, 800/245-8585, aeromexicovacations.com.
A nine-day, eight-night, fully guided tour, including air from Miami, all local transportation (by private bus), three nights in Mexico City at the Casa Inn Mexico, two nights in Puebla at Hotel Posada San Pedro, three nights in Oaxaca at Hotel Hacienda La Noria, breakfast daily, five dinners, and cultural tours of Mexico City, the Teotihuacán pyramids, Puebla, Oaxaca, and the ruins at Monte Albán. When: Feb. 16, Mar. 16, Apr. 13. Other Gateways: Atlanta, Baltimore, D.C., New York, Orlando, Tampa ($1,659); Charlotte, Memphis, Nashville, Phoenix ($1,684); Dallas, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh ($1,724). Details: Single supplement $240. Add four days on the beach in Huatulco for $499, including airfare and three nights at the Hotel Villa Blanca. Contact: Go Ahead Tours, 800/242-4686, goaheadtours.com.
Air from L.A. and seven nights at the Hotel Suites Emperador on Playa los Muertos in the heart of Old Vallarta. The resort's beachfront is studded with palapas, and there's a pool, restaurant, and bar on-site. When: Until Dec. 9 and Jan. 9--Mar. 31. Other Gateways: Dallas, Houston ($619); Kansas City ($629); Nashville ($634). Details: No extra nights. Single supplement from $200. Contact: SkyAuction, skyauction.com/vallarta, book over the Internet.
Air from Miami and seven nights at the oceanfront Orange Hill Beach Inn--on the north side of Nassau/New Providence Island--with a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. When: Until Apr. 28. Blacked out Dec. 25--Jan. 1. Other Gateways: New York ($648), Chicago ($737), Philadelphia ($864), Charlotte ($898), Atlanta ($901). Details: Extra nights $61. Single supplement $423. Contact: Caradonna Dive Adventures, 800/328-2288, caradonna.com.
Air from Boston, Miami, New York, or Philadelphia and seven nights at the Allamanda Beach Hotel, on the south coast of Barbados near Bridgetown. The hotel has a pool, two restaurants, and free access to the facilities of the hotel's sister property, Amaryllis Beach Resort, a three-minute drive away. When: Dec. 1--15 ($494). A six-night package is available Jan. 5--Feb. 28 (Miami $792; Boston, New York, Philadelphia $832). Other Gateways: Chicago ($587/$925), L.A. ($690/$1,028). Details: Extra nights from $51. Single supplement from $305. Add transfers for $40 round trip. Contact: Atlas Vacations, 800/634-1057, atlasvacations.net.
Air from Atlanta, Boston, D.C., New York, or Philadelphia, transfers, and seven nights at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort in Hamilton Parish. The hotel has two restaurants, two bars, three private beaches, a pool, four tennis courts, and a dive center. When: Until Mar. 9. Blacked out Dec. 25--Jan. 1. Other Gateways: Charlotte ($1,260), Miami ($1,280). Details: Extra nights from $94. Single supplement from $602. Contact: Caradonna Dive Adventures, 800/328-2288, caradonna.com.
Air from Chicago, Cleveland, or Miami, and four nights at the all-inclusive Occidental Allegro in Punta Cana. The beachfront resort has four restaurants, a pool, a gym, horseback riding, four lighted tennis courts, and a disco. When: Dec. 1--14 ($499), Jan. 5--Feb. 5 ($599), Feb. 6--28 ($699). Other Gateways: Baltimore ($549/$699/$749); New York, Philadelphia ($599/$699/$749). Details: Extra nights from $59. Single supplement from $149. Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Pace Airlines charter flights from Atlanta, Cincinnati, or Louisville to the Liberia Airport in northwestern Costa Rica, transfers, and seven nights at the Flamingo Beach Resort. The oceanfront hotel has two restaurants, two pools (one with a swim-up bar), a small fitness center, a spa/beauty salon, a tennis court, and a snorkeling and dive center. When: Saturday departures Dec. 3--17 ($699), Jan. 7--Feb. 25 ($799). Other Gateways: None. Details: No extra nights. Single supplement $320. Contact: Vacation Express, 877/784-3786, vacationexpress.com.
American Airlines flights from Miami to Managua, transfers, two nights at the Hotel Colonial in Granada (on the city's main park), and five all-inclusive nights at the beachfront Barceló Playa Montelimar (four restaurants/bars, a pool, tennis courts, a casino, and minigolf). When: Jan. 2--Apr. 30. Other Gateways: Dallas ($1,110); New York ($1,241); L.A., San Francisco ($1,296); Chicago ($1,308); Portland, Seattle ($1,436). Details: Add $25 each way for weekend travel. Extra nights from $38. Single supplement $467. Contact: Capricorn Leisure Corporation, 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
American Airlines flights from Miami to Panama City, transfers, and six nights at the four-star all-inclusive Royal Decamerón Playa Blanca, which is 90 minutes from the airport on the Pacific coast. The resort has eight restaurants and bars, seven pools, tennis courts, a casino, a disco, and lots of water sports, including snorkeling, windsurfing, sea kayaking, and sailing. When: Until Dec. 8 ($799), Dec. 9--25 ($1,051), Jan. 3--Mar. 31 ($997). Other Gateways: Dallas, Houston (add $60); Atlanta, D.C. (add $80); Boston, New York (add $100); Chicago, Detroit (add $160); Denver, San Juan (add $210); L.A., San Francisco (add $250). Details: Extra nights from $60. Single supplement from $252. Contact: Tara Tours, 800/327-0080, taratours.com.
Copa Airlines flights from Miami to Buenos Aires (via Panama City), transfers, and five nights of three-star lodging (at the Regis Hotel, near the Galerías Pacífico, or the Gran Hotel de la Paix, just off Avenida 9 de Julio), breakfast daily, and a half-day city tour. When: Until Dec. 31 ($719), Jan. 1--Mar. 31 ($599). Other Gateways: New York (add $60), L.A. (add $230). Details: Extra nights $24. Single supplement $120. Stop over in Panama City for $120 (includes transfers, one night's hotel, and a half-day tour of the Panama Canal). Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Copa flights from Miami to Lima (return is from Quito), all transfers and local flights, eight nights' hotel (two in Lima at the Hotel León de Oro, three in Cuzco at the Hotel San Agustín Plaza, and three in Quito at the Sebastian Hotel), breakfast daily, a full-day trip to Machu Picchu (via the Vistadome train, includes lunch), and half-day city tours of Cuzco and Quito. When: Until Dec. 15 and Feb. 1--Mar. 31 ($1,498), Dec. 15--Jan. 31 ($1,698). Other Gateways: L.A. (add $250), New York (add $275). Details: Extra nights from $30. Single supplement from $350. Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
TAM Brazilian Airlines flights from Miami to Manaus (via São Paulo), transfers and local transportation, six nights' lodging (one night in Manaus at the Tropical Hotel, two nights in the jungle at the Ariau Amazon Towers, and three nights in Rio at the California Othon Hotel), breakfast daily, all meals at Ariau, one dinner in Rio, a half-day city tour in Rio, and all excursions at Ariau. When: Until Mar. 31. Add $300--$400 to travel over New Year's or during Carnaval. Other Gateways: New York ($1,195); Boston ($1,265); L.A., San Francisco ($1,345). Details: Extra nights from $48. Single supplement from $260. Contact: Marnella Tours, 866/993-0033, marnellatours.com.
SATA International flights from Boston to São Miguel, six nights' lodging, and breakfast daily. Choose the Hotel Villa Nova ($579); Terra Nostra Garden ($609); or the Hotel Avenida, Holiday Inn Azores, or São Miguel Park ($659). Spend six nights on the island of Terceira at the Terceira Mar for $779 (includes connecting flight from São Miguel; combine São Miguel Park and Terceira Mar for the same price), or six nights at the Hotel do Canal on Faial (includes connecting flight; combine with São Miguel Park for the same price). When: Tuesday departures until Apr. 18. For Friday departures, add $90. Other Gateways: None. Details: Extra nights from $50. Single supplement from $240. Kids under 6 stay free, kids under 10 pay 10 percent of the hotel rate. At the Holiday Inn, kids under 13 stay free. Contact: Azores Express, 800/762-9995, azores-express.com.
Air from New York, transfers, five nights at the five-star Hotel Akgün, breakfast daily, and a full-day guided city tour, including visits to the Blue Mosque, the spice market, the Hippodrome, and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. When: Wednesday departures until Mar. 15, except Dec. 21 and 28. Other Gateways: Atlanta (add $100), D.C. (add $140), Miami (add $180), Houston (add $190), L.A. (add $295). Details: Extra nights from $120. Single supplement from $125. Contact: Flo USA, 888/435-6872, flo-usa.com.
Air from New York and four nights at the four-star Park Inn, across the street from Hyde Park, and breakfast daily. When: Wednesday or Thursday departures Dec. 21 and 22 ($689), Dec. 28--Feb. 23 ($399), Mar. 1--22 ($449). Other Gateways: Boston (add $34), D.C. (add $81), Chicago (add $100), Dallas (add $140), L.A. (add $178). Details: These are cash-discount prices. Extra nights from $116. Single supplement from $181. Add on a variety of excursions, including a tour of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace ($52); a Thames River cruise and a visit to the Tower of London ($72); or a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath Abbey ($108). Contact: Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.
Air from New York and six nights at the Sercotel Togumar Hotel with breakfast daily. The hotel is outside the city center but near public transportation. When: Until Dec. 15 and Jan. 6--Mar. 26. Other Gateways: Boston, Philadelphia (add $20); Baltimore, D.C. (add $40); Atlanta, Chicago (add $70); Miami (add $120); Dallas (add $160); Las Vegas, L.A., Seattle (add $180). Details: Extra nights from $37. Single supplement $220. Contact: Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.
Finnair flights from New York to St. Petersburg (via Helsinki), transfers, five nights in three-star hotels (three in St. Petersburg, two in Moscow), an overnight train between cities, breakfast daily, and guided sightseeing throughout, including visits to the Hermitage and the Kremlin. When: Dec. 1--Mar. 31. Other Gateways: Boston, D.C. (add $150); Dallas, Miami (add $310); L.A., San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Juan (add $375). Details: Extra nights $110. Single supplement $255. Contact: Eastern Tours, 800/339-6967, traveltorussia.com.
Air from New York to Florence and a seven-day Hertz car rental with unlimited miles. When: Until Dec. 11 and Jan. 6-- Mar. 12. Other Gateways: Boston ($569); D.C., Philadelphia ($589); Dallas, Miami ($629); Atlanta, Chicago ($639); L.A., San Francisco ($709). Details: Accommodations are not included; you can locate suggestions at BudgetTravelOnline.com by searching for "Secret Hotels of Tuscany." Extra days with car from $20. Single supplement from $150. Contact: EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.
Austrian Airlines flights from New York, transfers, six nights split between Vienna (at the Post Hotel) and Graz (at the Drei Raben Hotel), breakfast daily, and train transfers between cities. When: Until Dec. 15 ($929), Jan. 3--Mar. 3 ($799). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C., Philadelphia ($988/$858); Atlanta, Chicago ($1,068/$938); Dallas, Denver ($1,158/ $1,028); L.A., San Francisco ($1,248/$1,118). Details: Extra nights from $79. Single supplement from $279. Contact: Tatra Travel, 800/321-2999, austrian-vacations.com.
South African Airways flights from Atlanta or New York to Cape Town via Johannesburg (the return is from Polokwane, via Johannesburg), four nights in Cape Town at the City Lodge V&A Waterfront, an onward flight to Polokwane, three nights over the border in Botswana's Tuli Block at the Mashatu Tented Camp. The 10-day, 7-night package includes all transfers, a half-day tour of Cape Town, breakfast daily in Cape Town, and all meals and game drives in Botswana. When: Saturday departures Jan. 7--28. Other Gateways: Boston, Miami, Philadelphia (add $180); L.A. (add $260). Details: This is a discounted rate for BT readers (the regular price is $2,811). Single supplement $617. Contact: South African Airways Holidays, 888/777-1138, saaholidays.net.
South African Airways flights from Atlanta, D.C., or Toronto to Johannesburg, all local flights and transfers, one night at the Rosebank Hotel in Johannesburg, three nights at the Bongani Mountain Lodge in Mthethomusha Game Reserve, and three nights in Mozambique at the beachfront Indigo Bay Island Resort Hotel. The nine-day, seven-night deal includes breakfast in Johannesburg, all meals and game drives at the Bongani Mountain Lodge, and breakfast and dinner daily at Indigo Bay. When: Jan. 1--Mar. 31. Other Gateways: Hartford, New York (add $140); Boston, Chicago (add $180); Denver, L.A., Seattle (add $260). Details: Extra nights from $190. Single supplement from $750. Contact: Lion World Tours, 800/387-2706, lionworldtravel.com.
Air China flights from L.A. to Beijing, all local transportation, 10 nights in four- and five-star hotels (three in Beijing, two in Xi'an, one in Hangzhou, two in Suzhou, and two in Shanghai), all meals, and an English-speaking guide throughout. Itinerary includes visits to the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Terra Cotta Warriors, as well as an acrobatic show and a cruise on the Grand Canal. When: Dec. 14, Jan. 11 and 25, Feb. 8 and 22 ($1,399); Dec. 21 and 28 ($1,779). Other Gateways: New York (add $100; nonstop flight). Details: Extra nights from $110. Single supplement from $435. Contact: Champion Holidays, 800/868-7658, china-discovery.com.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Kuala Lumpur (via Singapore), transfers, five nights at the Radius International Hotel, breakfast daily, and a half-day city tour. When: Dec. 1--4 ($845), Dec. 5--Jan. 4 ($1,179), Jan. 5--27 ($845), Jan. 28--Feb. 4 ($899), Feb. 5--Mar. 31 ($845). Other Gateways: New York (add $150); Denver, Portland, Seattle (add $175); Boston, Chicago, D.C., Philadelphia (add $250); Dallas, Miami (add $300). Details: Extra nights from $25. Single supplement from $150. Free stopovers are available in Singapore. Contact: Sayang Holidays, 888/472-9264, sayangholidays.com.
A 12-day, 10-night package with air from L.A. to Bangkok, transfers and all local transportation by private bus (also includes a round-trip flight to Chiang Mai), 10 nights' accommodations (four nights in Bangkok, two each in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and one each in Phitsanulok and Lampang), breakfast daily, one group dinner, and an English-speaking guide throughout. Itinerary includes visits to Bangkok's temples, the old capital of Ayuthaya, the Emerald Buddha in Ko Kah, and an elephant camp in Chiang Mai. When: Jan. 15 and 29, Feb. 12, Mar. 19 ($999); Mar. 5 and 26 ($899). Other Gateways: New York (add $282). Details: These are cash-discount prices. Extra nights from $60. Single supplement from $271. Contact: Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.
Air from L.A. and five nights at the Hotel Gimmond Tokyo in the Nihonbashi neighborhood, near Tokyo Central train station. When: Dec. 24--31 ($999), Jan. 1-- Mar. 31 ($849). Other Gateways: San Francisco ($999/$949); New York, Seattle ($1,029/$999); Chicago ($1,159/$1,139). Details: Extra nights from $78. Single supplement from $250. Contact: Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.
Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A. to Papeete, all transfers and inter-island flights, welcome and farewell leis, one night in a lagoon-view room at the Sofitel Maeva Beach Resort in Papeete, and five nights in a garden-view room at the Novotel Bora-Bora Beach Resort. When: Monday and Thursday departures until Dec. 12 ($1,450), Jan. 12-- Mar. 30 ($1,545). Other Gateways: New York ($1,645/$1,740). Details: Extra nights from $65. Single supplement from $385. Contact: Tahiti Legends, 800/200-1213, tahitilegends.com.
Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A. to Papeete, transfers and inter-island flights, and six nights in a garden room at the Moorea Pearl Resort, on the north shore of the island, just east of Cook's Bay. When: Until Mar. 31. Other Gateways: None. Details: Add $45 each way for weekend travel. Call for extra nights. Single supplement from $689. Contact: Newmans South Pacific Vacations, 800/421-3326, newmansvacations.com.
Planning a trip to the country-that-is-its-own-continent can be overwhelming for any first-time visitor. But a 10-day package from ATS Tours takes care of the logistics and leaves you time to explore the best of Australia--including stops in Sydney, its largest city; Ayers Rock/Uluru in the Outback; and Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. One price covers airfare from L.A., all flights within Australia, transfers, and eight nights' hotel (three nights in Sydney at the Mercure Hotel downtown near Darling Harbour, two nights in Ayers Rock at the Outback Pioneer, and three nights in Cairns at the 11-acre Colonial Club Resort). When: Jan. 17--Mar. 31. Other Gateways: San Francisco (add $50); Seattle (add $150); Dallas (add $220); Chicago (add $260); Boston, New York (add $300). Details: Call for extra nights. Single supplement from $644. Contact: ATS Tours, 800/423-2880, atstours.com.
Qantas flights from L.A. to Sydney, flights within Australia, and eight nights split between Sydney (at the Hotel Ibis Darling Harbour downtown near the convention center) and either Brisbane (at the Ibis, near the shops on Queen Street) or Melbourne (at the Mercure Welcome Hotel, in the shopping and theater district). When: Until Dec. 4 ($1,779), Dec. 5--9 ($2,039). Other Gateways: New York (add $375). Details: Call for the extra-night price. Single supplement from $390. Choose a Sydney/Great Barrier Reef combo for $100 more. Contact: Qantas Airways/Tourism Australia, 800/369-6863, australia.com.
Qantas flights from L.A. to Auckland, transfers, three nights at the Airedale Hotel downtown, an onward flight to Christchurch, and three nights at the Rydges Hotel, overlooking Avon River. When: Dec. 1--11 ($2,205), Dec. 12--28 ($2,270), Jan. 2--Feb. 22 ($2,205), Feb. 23--Mar. 31 ($1,970). Other Gateways: San Francisco (add $135); New York (add $400); Chicago, Miami (add $460). Details: Extra nights from $115. Single supplement $380. Contact: Pacific Delight World Tours, 800/221-7179, pacificdelighttours.com.