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40 Best Vacations
The real deals right now
March 2006 issue
Tuesday, February 21, 2006;
United States
Colorado Skiing for $474
Hawaii for $739
Maui for $1,223
Miami Beach for $299
Orlando for $343
San Diego for $494
Canada
Toronto for $479
Mexico
Acapulco for $699
Ixtapa for $615
Mazatlán for $383
Puerto Vallarta for $595
Caribbean
Grenada: Life After Ivan for $815
Barbados for $796
Dominican Republic for $589
Central America
A Ride on Ecuador's Magic Bus for $1,279
Belize for $980
Costa Rica Surfing for $795
Panama for $599
South America
Buenos Aires for $599
Colombia for $754
Europe
Budapest for $599
France Tour for $1,995
Helsinki for $549
Ireland for $679
Istanbul for $499
Russia for $899
Turkey Tour for $1,435
Venice for $829
Africa & Middle East
Egypt Tour for $2,195
Kenya for $1,899
South Africa for $2,249
Asia
Bali for $699
Seoul for $849
Singapore for $899
Thailand Tour for $1,195
South Pacific
Bora-Bora for $1,659
Cook Islands for $1,349
Fiji for $1,541
Australia
Sydney, Melbourne & More for $1,562
New Zealand
North or South Island for $1,499
Reader Report
Sarah Perry of Mill Valley, Calif., writes: "Thanks for highlighting the Mekong Experience from Journeys Within (Sept. 2005). I read your article and signed up immediately--one of the best decisions I've ever made. There were many highlights on our four-week adventure from Jinghong, China, to the South China Sea, but my favorite was the annual Water Festival in Siem Reap, Cambodia. To celebrate the end of the rainy season, thousands of locals lined the riverbanks, cheering on their favorite teams in boat races. Afterward, we were treated to an evening of food and traditional dance at the Journeys Within B&B. The next morning, we rose at 4 a.m. to watch the sun rise over magnificent Angkor Wat. Journeys Within looked after our every need. I can't praise them enough." There are two Mekong Experience trips scheduled for 2006: Oct. 26 and Nov. 9 (877/454-3672, journeys-within.com).
Air from Chicago or Dallas to Denver; three nights in Winter Park at the Vintage Hotel, with a free shuttle to the ski lifts; and a two-day lift pass. When: Monday and Tuesday departures until Mar. 28 ($559), Apr. 4--14 ($474). Other Gateways: Houston, L.A., San Francisco ($579/$494); D.C. ($649/$564); Miami ($659/$574). Details: Extra nights from $84. Single supplement from $210. Airport transfers to Winter Park are $90 round trip. Contact: United Vacations, 888/328-6877, unitedvacations.com.
Air from L.A. or San Francisco to the Big Island and five nights in Kona at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort (includes first night free). Add a five-day Alamo economy car rental at no additional cost. When: Wednesday and Thursday departures Apr. 5--27 ($789), May 3--31 ($739). Other Gateways: Denver ($974/$924), New York ($1,109/$1,059), D.C. ($1,159/$1,109). Details: Extra nights from $159. Single supplement from $315. Contact: United Vacations, 888/328-6877, unitedvacations.com.
Air from Phoenix, lei greeting, five nights at the ResortQuest Kaanapali Shores (includes fifth night free), a $100 food-and-beverage credit, and a two-for-one luau. When: Select departures until May 31. Other Gateways: Denver ($1,273), Las Vegas ($1,277), Philadelphia ($1,483), D.C. ($1,493). Details: Extra-night prices vary; call for pricing. Single supplement from $625. The Phoenix and Vegas flights are nonstop. Contact: US Airways Vacations, 800/455-0123, usairwaysvacations.com.
Air from Atlantic City, Chicago, D.C., New York, or Providence and three nights at one of four Miami Beach hotels: Howard Johnson Dezerland, Greenview South Beach, Dorchester South Beach, or Ramada Marco Polo. When: Until Mar. 31 ($399), Apr. 1--May 31 ($299). Other Gateways: Boston, Dallas (add $89); L.A., San Francisco (add $149). Details: Prices are based on midweek stays. Extra nights from $39. Single supplement from $115. For an additional $39, upgrade to the Beach House in Bal Harbour or the Albion South Beach. Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Air from Chicago or New York, a five-day car rental, and five nights with breakfast daily at the Westgate Inn or Royal Celebration Inn, both near Walt Disney World. When: Until May 31. Other Gateways: D.C. (add $39); Boston, Dallas (add $79); San Francisco (add $149). Details: Extra nights $29. Single supplement $159. Families of four can upgrade to a two-bedroom condo at the Bahama Bay Resort for $50 more per person. Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Air from Dallas and three nights overlooking Mission Bay at the Catamaran Resort Hotel, with a restaurant, bar, spa, and water sports. When: Until June 15. Other Gateways: Chicago, New York ($543). Details: Extra nights from $90. Single supplement from $269. Contact: AmericanAirlines Vacations, 800/321-2121, aavacations.com.
Air from New York and two nights at the Delta Chelsea Hotel. When: Mar. 1--May 31. Other Gateways: Chicago ($489), Miami ($549), L.A. ($649). Details: Extra nights $55. Single supplement $99. Contact: Maxxim Vacations, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.
Air from Chicago or Miami and five nights at the beachfront Fiesta Inn Acapulco, with a pool, gym, restaurant, and bar. When: Mar. 1--May 30. Other Gateways: Denver, New York ($745); L.A. ($789); Atlanta ($795). Details: Extra nights from $88. Single supplement from $220. Take $50 off per booking by using promotional code Budget50. Contact: Sunburst Vacations, 800/786-2877, sunburstvacations.com.
Air from L.A., transfers, three nights in an ocean-view room at the Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa (five restaurants, swim-up bar, water sports), and a $45 food-and-beverage credit. When: Feb. 25--Mar. 31 ($615); Apr. 23--June 30 ($659). Other Gateways: San Diego ($629/$649), Miami ($689/$769), New York ($789/$849). Details: Extra nights from $56. Single supplement from $171. Contact: Aeromexico Vacations, 800/245-8585, aeromexicovacations.com.
Air from L.A. and four nights at the El Cid Granada Country Club, with a pool, tennis courts, and 27 holes of golf. The hotel is directly connected to the beach via a walkway. When: Feb. 22--Nov. 12. Other Gateways: Portland ($619), Seattle ($620), Chicago ($765). Details: Extra nights from $102. Single supplement from $201. Contact: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.
Air from L.A. and five nights at the Playa Los Arcos, with two restaurants, three pools, and an ocean-view Jacuzzi. When: Mar. 1--Apr. 30. Other Gateways: Houston ($685), Miami ($719), Chicago ($749). Details: Extra nights from $100. Single supplement from $255. Take $50 off per booking by using promotional code Budget50. Contact: Sunburst Vacations, 800/786-2877, sunburstvacations.com.
Grenada has been busy rebuilding since September 2004, when Hurricane Ivan whipped across the Caribbean nation, destroying most homes, uprooting virtually every tall tree, and devastating the island's valuable spice crop. Only Grenada's beaches and reefs were unaffected. Without spices to boost the economy, the government has been concentrating on tourism--and has a lot to show for its efforts. Nearly all the hotel rooms are renovated, tourist attractions are open, and even the tropical greenery is back. Air Jamaica Vacations is selling flights from New York, transfers, and five nights at the Flamboyant Hotel, overlooking Grand Anse Bay. When: Mar. 1--Apr. 15 ($1,089), May 1--Nov. 30 ($815). Other Gateways: None. Details: Extra nights from $70. Single supplement from $165. Contact: Air Jamaica Vacations, 800/568-3247, airjamaicavacations.com.
Air from Miami and six nights in an ocean-view studio at the Rostrevor Apartment Hotel in St. Lawrence Gap. The beachfront resort has a pool, restaurant, and bar. When: Mar. 1--May 31. Other Gateways: Baltimore, Philadelphia ($842); New York ($862); Chicago ($935); L.A. ($1,038). Details: Extra nights from $65. Single supplement $384. Add $40 for round-trip transfers. Contact: Atlas Vacations, 800/634-1057, atlasvacations.net.
Air from Miami and four all-inclusive nights at the four-star LTI-Beach Resort on Punta Cana's Bavaro Beach. The hotel has a pool, four restaurants, four bars, and a disco. When: Apr. 17--May 31. Other Gateways: New York, Philadelphia ($659); Baltimore ($719). Details: Extra nights from $56. Single supplement from $90. Contact: Vacation Travel Mart, 800/288-1435, vacmart.com.
In Quito, old buses no longer used for public transportation don't get scrapped; they're painted bright colors and given new life as chivas--raucous, movable celebrations. On holidays and special occasions, Ecuadorans rent these party buses to chauffeur them around town. Groups of friends sit on the roof singing and drinking canelazos (a potent concoction made with sugarcane liquor and cinnamon) while a band plays below. Visitors to Ecuador can enjoy a similar experience on the Chiva Express, a bus that has been adapted for the train tracks that run through the Andes from Quito to Cuenca. Marnella Tours sells a unique package that covers round-trip flights between Miami and Quito; all transfers; three nights at the Hotel Quito; a full-day city tour; a three-day journey on the Chiva Express (includes meals, one night's hotel in Riobamba, and one night's hotel in Cuenca); and a return flight to Quito. When: Mar. 1--May 31 ($1,279). Other Gateways: Atlanta, New York ($1,429); Baltimore, Boston, D.C. ($1,449); Chicago ($1,495); L.A., San Francisco ($1,595). Details: Extra nights in Quito $40. Single supplement $220. Contact: Marnella Tours, 866/993-0033, marnellatours.com.
American Airlines flights from Miami to Belize City, two nights at the Jaguar Paw Jungle Lodge in the Cayo District, and five nights at the SunBreeze Hotel on Ambergris Cay. Also includes ground transfers to Jaguar Paw and flights to Ambergris. When: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday departures Mar. 1--Apr. 27 ($1,149), May 2--June 29 ($980). Other Gateways: Dallas ($1,193/$1,025), New York ($1,246/$1,079), Chicago ($1,349/$1,183), L.A. ($1,411/$1,243). Details: Extra nights from $70. Single supplement from $402. Contact: Capricorn Leisure, 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
Six nights at Zopilote Surf Camp on the Nicoya Peninsula in Playa Hermosa de Cóbano. Includes four days of surfing lessons, six nights in a shared guesthouse near the camp, and breakfast and dinner daily. The house has four bedrooms, a kitchen, two shared bathrooms, and a roof terrace. When: Until May 31. Details: The price does not include airfare to Costa Rica or transportation to Cóbano. There is no single supplement. Contact: G.A.P Adventures, 800/465-5600, gapadventures.com.
Copa Airlines flights from Miami to Panama City; all airport and hotel transfers; two nights at the Gran Hotel & Casino Soloy in Panama City with breakfast daily; two nights at the all-inclusive Royal Decameron Beach Resort, Golf, Spa & Casino; and a half-day tour of the Panama Canal's Miraflores Locks. When: Mar. 1--Apr. 16 ($699), Apr. 17--June 30 ($599). Other Gateways: New York (add $200), L.A. (add $320). Details: Extra nights from $26. Single supplement from $145. Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Copa Airlines flights from Miami to Buenos Aires (via Panama City), transfers, five nights at the Regis Hotel, breakfast daily, and a half-day city tour. When: Until May 31. Other Gateways: New York (add $160), L.A. (add $235). Details: Extra nights from $27. Single supplement from $140. Stop over in Panama City for $122 (includes transfers, one night at the Hotel Marbella, breakfast, and a half-day tour of the Panama Canal). Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Copa Airlines flights from Miami to San Andrés Island (via Panama City), transfers, and six nights at your choice of three all-inclusive hotels: Decameron San Luis, Decameron El Isleño, or Decameron Maryland. When: Until Apr. 11 and Apr. 16--30 ($754); Apr. 12--15 ($774). Other Gateways: New York (add $140), L.A. (add $220). Details: Extra nights from $63. Single supplement from $297. Contact: Tara Tours, 800/327-0080, taratours.com.
Air from New York and five nights at the Hotel Ibis Budapest Vaci Ut, just outside the city center. When: Until Mar. 25 ($599), Apr. 1--May 25 ($679). Other Gateways: Boston ($609/$700), Philadelphia ($629/$700), D.C. ($650/$741), Atlanta ($689/$781), Dallas ($719/$822), L.A. ($759/$871). Details: Extra nights from $37. Single supplement $169. Add $25 each way for weekend travel. Contact: Sophisticated Traveler, 800/801-1055, s-traveler.com.
A 13-day, 11-night itinerary that includes three nights in Paris, seven nights on a river cruise through Burgundy and Provence to the Côte d'Azur, and a final night in Nice. The virtually all-inclusive price covers flights from Baltimore, Boston, or New York to Paris, transfers, accommodations, most meals, entertainment, onboard lectures, guided tours via private bus, baggage handling, and more. When: Mar. 20, 22 ($1,995); Mar. 27, 29 ($2,395); Apr. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19 ($2,595); Apr. 24, 26 ($2,795); May 1, 3, 8 ($2,895); May 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31 ($2,995). Other Gateways: Chicago, Denver (add $100); Atlanta, Miami (add $150); Houston (add $200); L.A. (add $250); Seattle (add $300). Details: Geared toward people over the age of 50. Single supplement from $498. Pre- and post-trip extensions are available. Contact: Grand Circle Travel, 800/248-3737, gct.com.
Air from New York and three nights at the Hotel Aurora (less than a mile from the city center) or similar, and breakfast daily. When: Until Mar. 31. Other Gateways: Boston, D.C. ($639); Miami ($784); L.A., San Francisco ($874). Details: Extra nights from $66. Single supplement from $115. A Saturday-night stay is required. Contact: Nordic Saga Tours, 800/848-6449, nordicsaga.com.
Aer Lingus flights from New York or Boston to either Dublin or Shannon, a seven-day car rental (unlimited miles), six nights of open vouchers good at nearly 2,000 farmhouses and guesthouses across Ireland, breakfast daily, and a Waterford Crystal factory tour. When: Mar. 1--31 ($679), Apr. 1--30 ($689), May 1--31 ($769). Other Gateways: Chicago (add from $33), L.A. (add from $76). Details: Extra nights from $56. Single supplement from $174. Contact: Celtic Tours, 888/833-4373, celtictours.com.
Alitalia flights from New York via Milan or Rome, four nights at the four-star Orient Express Hotel, breakfast daily, and a half-day walking tour. When: Until Mar. 31 ($499), Apr. 1--May 31 ($799). Other Gateways: Boston ($539/$839), D.C. ($579/$879), Chicago ($599/$939), Miami ($639/$899), L.A. ($719/$1,049). Details: Extra nights from $50. Single supplement $120. Contact: Troy Tours, 800/748-6878, troytours.com.
Air from New York or D.C. to Moscow, transfers, three nights at the Cosmos Hotel, an onward flight to St. Petersburg, three nights at the Petro Palace Hotel, breakfast daily, and a short bus tour of each city upon arrival. When: Mar. 6, 13 ($899); Apr. 10, May 15 ($999); June 26 ($1,299). Other Gateways: None. Details: Extra nights from $108. Single supplement from $299. Contact: VisitRussia, 800/755-3080, visitrussia.com.
Turkish Airlines flights from New York to Istanbul, transfers, 12 nights' accommodations, breakfast daily and 10 dinners, all entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide throughout. The 14-day, 12-night itinerary includes visits to Ankara, Cappadocia, and Ku¸sadasi. When: Mar. 2, 30 ($1,435); Apr. 13, 27 ($1,830); May 11, 25 ($1,995). Other Gateways: Atlanta (add $100), D.C. (add $140), Miami (add $180), Houston (add $190), L.A. (add $320). Details: Extra nights in Istanbul from $120. Single supplement from $305. Contact: Flo USA, 888/435-6872, flo-usa.com.
Air from New York and six nights with breakfast daily at the Hotel Al Vivit, near the Mestre train station on Venice's mainland. When: Mar. 1--31 ($829), Apr. 1--May 24 ($899). Other Gateways: Boston, Philadelphia (add $40); D.C. (add $70); Atlanta (add $90); Chicago (add $150); Miami (add $160); L.A., San Francisco (add $240). Details: Extra nights from $90. Single supplement from $160. Contact: EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.
Air from New York to Cairo; all transfers and local transportation (private bus, boat, and plane); 13 nights' accommodations (five in Cairo, two in Luxor, three in Aswan, and three on a Nile River cruise); most meals, excursions, and tours; and an English-speaking guide throughout. The 15-day itinerary includes visits to the Egyptian Museum, Valley of the Kings, the High Dam, the pyramids at Giza, and the Sphinx. When: Departures Mar. 7--28 (from $2,395), Apr. 2--30 (from $2,295), May 2--27 (from $2,195). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C. (add $200); Denver, L.A., Miami (add $300); Atlanta, Chicago, Houston (add $350); Seattle (add $400). Details: Geared toward people over the age of 50. Single supplement $595. Add five nights in Jordan for $795. Contact: Overseas Adventure Travel, 800/248-3737, oattravel.com.
British Airways flights from New York (via London), all transfers with an English-speaking guide, one night in Nairobi at the Stanley hotel, five nights on safari (two at Sarova Shaba Lodge in the Shaba Game Reserve, one at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge on Lake Nakuru, and two at Sarova Mara Tented Lodge in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve), breakfast daily, all meals and game drives on safari, and all park entrance fees. When: Until Mar. 30 ($1,899), Apr. 1--30 ($2,099), May 1--31 ($1,999). Other Gateways: Boston (add $50); D.C. (add $100); Atlanta, Miami (add $150); Chicago, Dallas (add $200); L.A., Seattle (add $250). Details: Single supplement from $325. A free stopover in London is allowed in either direction. Contact: Lion World Tours, 800/387-2706, lionworldtravel.com.
South African Airways flights from Atlanta or New York to Johannesburg, local transportation, 18 nights' accommodations (16 in simple lodges, two nights camping), all park entrance fees, most meals, and an English-speaking guide. The 21-day itinerary includes Kruger National Park, the Drakensberg Mountains, Addo Elephant National Park, the Garden Route, Cape Town, and the Cape Winelands. When: Mar. 13 ($2,249); Apr. 10, May 8, May 29 ($2,499); June 22 ($2,859). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C. (add from $140); L.A., San Francisco (add from $260). Details: A local payment of roughly $350 is due upon arrival in South Africa. Single supplement $520. Contact: Adventure Center, 800/227-8747, adventurecenter.com.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Bali (via Singapore), transfers, and five nights in Kuta, Sanur, or Ubud, or a combination of the three; breakfast daily; and a half-day tour. When: Until June 4. Other Gateways: Albuquerque, Seattle (add $175); New York (add $250); Houston (add $275); Boston, Pittsburgh (add $350). Details: Extra nights from $20. Single supplement $120. With afternoon flights from L.A. and San Francisco, you can add a stopover in Singapore for free (includes transfers, a one-night stay at either the Peninsular Excelsior Hotel or the Allson Hotel, and sightseeing excursions). Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Air from L.A., New York, San Francisco, or Seattle and five nights at the Best Western Vision, in the Seongdong-gu area near Hanyang University. When: Until Mar. 31 ($849), Apr. 1--May 14 ($899), May 15--31 ($949). Other Gateways: Atlanta, Chicago, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Pittsburgh (add $130); Birmingham, Fort Lauderdale, Nashville, Providence, Tulsa (add $250). Details: Extra nights from $48. Single supplement from $250. Contact: Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco, transfers, four nights at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, and a half-day city tour. When: Until Mar. 25 ($899), Mar. 26--June 5 ($999). Other Gateways: None. Details: Extra nights from $185. Single supplement $418. Add three nights in Tokyo or Bangkok starting at $450 more. Contact: Globotours, 800/988-4833, globotours.net.
Northwest/KLM flights from L.A. to Bangkok (via Tokyo), transfers, all city-to-city transportation (bus, train, and plane), seven nights' hotel and one overnight on a train, breakfast daily, two dinners, and an English-speaking guide throughout. The 10-day tour includes stops in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Ayutthaya, and a stay in a floating hotel on the River Kwai. When: Mar. 31, Apr. 14, May 5. Custom dates available for groups of two or more departing before May 20 (add $100 per person). Other Gateways: New York ($1,295), Chicago ($1,510), Miami ($1,540). Details: This is an itinerary designed exclusively for BT readers: It departs on a Friday and returns on a Sunday, maximizing weekend travel. Add approximately $250 for meals and expenses. Extra nights in Bangkok from $60. Single supplement $100. Contact: Djoser, 877/356-7376, djoserusa.com.
Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A. to Papeete, transfers, one night at the InterContinental Resort Tahiti, an onward flight to Bora-Bora, and six nights in a garden-view room at Le Maitai Polynesia Resort with breakfast daily. When: Mar. 1--31 ($1,659), Apr. 1--May 31 ($1,839). Other Gateways: New York, with an additional night at Le Maitai Polynesia ($2,079). Details: Extra nights from $85. Single supplement from $662. Contact: Caradonna Dive Adventures, 800/328-2288, caradonna.com.
Air New Zealand flights from L.A., transfers, seven nights on Rarotonga at the Castaway Beach Villas, and breakfast daily. When: Until Mar. 31 ($1,349), Apr. 1--May 31 ($1,561). Other Gateways: None. Details: These are cash-discount prices; add $50 for credit card payments. Extra nights from $106. Single supplement from $527. Contact: Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.
Air Pacific flights from L.A., transfers, seven nights in a garden-view cottage at the Wananavu Beach Resort, and breakfast daily. When: Apr. 1--Mar. 31, 2007. Other Gateways: Dallas, Denver (add $390); Chicago (add $430); Miami, New York (add $455). Details: Extra nights $192. Single supplement $672. Contact: Exotic Escapes/Air Pacific, 866/666-8922, airpacificusa.com.
United Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco, four nights in Sydney at the Travelodge Wentworth Avenue, a five-day car rental, a four-night book-as-you-go Yellow Choice HotelPass, and four nights in Melbourne at the Travelodge Southbank. When: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday departures Mar. 1--29 ($2,109), Apr. 3--26 ($1,731), May 1--June 7 and Aug. 1--30 ($1,562). Other Gateways: Chicago (add $192), New York (add $240). Details: Extra nights from $58. Single supplement from $645. Contact: United Vacations/Tourism Australia, 877/793-2484, australia.com/united.
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Auckland or Christchurch, an eight-day car rental, and seven nights of open vouchers valid at more than 90 Golden Chain motels across the country. When: Until Apr. 30 ($1,555), May 1--Sept. 30 ($1,499). Other Gateways: San Diego (add $140); Dallas, Denver (add $380); Chicago, New York (add $430). Details: Extra nights from $54. Single supplement $450. Book by Mar. 31 to receive free round-trip flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Cairns from either Auckland or Christchurch. Contact: Goway Travel, 800/387-8850, goway.com.