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40 Best Vacations
The real deals right now
July/August 2006 issue
Tuesday, June 20, 2006;
United States
Embracing the Big Easy for $276
Cruising the Great Lakes in Fall for $2,139
Clearwater Beach, Fla. for $396
Kauai for $1,121
Maui for $779
Reno for $169
Canada
Newfoundland for $1,259
Mexico
Cancun for $577
Puerto Vallarta for $400
Caribbean
Bahamas for $499
Bermuda for $883
St. Lucia for $825
Central America
Belize for $1,089
Costa Rica for $814
Panama for $799
South America
Argentina, Uruguay & Chile for $1,329
Buenos Aires for $599
Peru for $1,250
Europe
A Cultural Journey to Romania for $830
Amsterdam for $809
Greece for $1,409
London, Paris & Italy for $1,619
Mediterranean Cruise for $849
Russia for $1,499
Sicily for $1,799
Switzerland for $864
Turkey Tour for $1,995
Africa & Middle East
Jerusalem for $1,299
Kenya for $1,999
Morocco for $1,399
Asia
Escape to Phuket for Six Nights for $845
China Tour for $1,299
Hong Kong for $1,099
Thailand, Malaysia & Singapore Tour for $1,299
Vietnam Tour for $1,875
Vietnam & Cambodia for $999
South Pacific Cook Islands for $1,357
Fiji for $1,777
Australia
Sydney Combo for $1,399
New Zealand
North Island for $1,228
New Orleans is more than ready to show you its famous hospitality. There are now 90 hotels and 700 restaurants open for business downtown, and the major tourist areas--including the French Quarter and the Garden District--largely escaped damage during Hurricane Katrina. In February, Mardi Gras helped kick-start the city's tourism comeback, and more festivals are on their way. During the months of July and August, the more than 60 restaurants participating in COOLinary New Orleans are offering $20.06 lunch menus and $30.06 dinner menus. If you still need motivation, a new package from Leisure Link includes airfare and three nights at the Chateau Sonesta Hotel in the French Quarter. When: July 1-Sept. 30. Other Gateways: Houston ($276), Atlanta ($339), New York ($359), Chicago ($364), L.A. ($499). Details: Extra nights $59. Single supplement $139. Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
A fifth of the earth's freshwater fills the Great Lakes, and only one cruise ship has exclusive access to it all: the Columbus, specifically designed to fit through the narrow locks of the Welland Canal (between Lakes Ontario and Erie) and the St. Lawrence Seaway system. Germany-based Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has three fall-foliage-inspired itineraries that tour the lakes, hugging the shores of Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as Canada's Ontario province. The boat leaves from Chicago or Toronto (depending on departure date), and mixes stops at cities like Duluth, Minn., and Windsor, Ont., with visits to smaller towns like Traverse City, Mich. (the U.S.'s cherry-producing capital), and Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. (a former fur-trading post). The price covers 10 or 11 nights (varying by date), all meals on board, two cocktail receptions, lectures, and entertainment; the 205-cabin ship has a restaurant, bar and lounge area, sauna, pool, and gym. When: Sept. 20 ($2,139); Sept. 30 ($2,352); Oct. 11 ($2,210). Details: The price does not include airfare. No extra nights. Rates for singles start at $3,974. Shore excursions start at $50. Contact: Great Lakes Cruise Company, 888/891-0203, greatlakescruising.com.
American Airlines flights from Chicago to Tampa and three nights on Florida's Gulf Coast at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort. The hotel, on 10 acres of waterfront property, has two restaurants, two bars, two pools, and a gym. When: Until Dec. 24. Other Gateways: New York ($400), Dallas ($530), L.A. ($582). Details: Extra nights $80. Call for the single supplement. Contact: AmericanAirlines Vacations, 800/321-2121, aavacations.com.
Air from L.A., a six-day car rental with unlimited miles, and five nights at the ResortQuest Islander on the Beach in Kapaa, on Kauai's east coast. Each room has a private balcony, and there's a beachfront pool and Jacuzzi on the six-acre property. The Coconut Plantation Marketplace (with restaurants and more than 60 shops) is nearby. When: Select departures June 14--Nov. 9. Other Gateways: Denver ($1,339), Chicago ($1,460), New York ($1,464). Details: Extra nights $186. Single supplement from $444. Contact: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.
Air from San Jose, a six-day car rental with unlimited miles, and five nights in a studio condo at the Kihei Akahi on the south coast of Maui, across the street from Kamaole Beach Park II, one of the best swimming spots on the island. The hotel has two pools and a tennis court; all rooms have private lanais, full kitchens, ceiling fans (but no A/C), and washing machines and dryers. When: June 15--Sept. 17. Other Gateways: New York ($959), Chicago ($969). Details: Hotel and car rental taxes are included. Extra nights from $99. Single supplement from $310. Contact: Apple Vacations, applevacations.com, book only through travel agents.
Southwest Airlines flights from Burbank or L.A. and two nights in downtown Reno at the Sands Regency Casino Hotel, with five restaurants, an outdoor pool, and a free airport shuttle. The hotel's Just for Laughs club hosts comedy shows six nights a week. When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday departures July 3--Aug. 1. Other Gateways: El Paso, Lubbock ($254); Columbus, Oklahoma City ($269). Details: Single supplement $60. Three-night packages start at $189 (Wednesday and Saturday departures July 5--29 and Aug. 9--26). Contact: Southwest Airlines Vacations, 800/423-5683, swavacations.com.
Air Canada flights from Boston to St. John's, a seven-day car rental with unlimited miles, and seven nights' lodging. The self-drive itinerary includes five nights in Newfoundland, two nights on the French island of St.-Pierre, round-trip passenger ferry transfers, a whale-watching cruise, and a half-day tour of St. John's. When: July 1--Oct. 31. Other Gateways: Atlanta ($1,269); Chicago, New York ($1,369); Miami ($1,379); L.A. ($1,459). Details: Extra nights with car $89. Single supplement from $549. Contact: Maxxim Vacations, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.
Air from Denver, transfers, and four nights in the center of Cancún's hotel zone at the Ambiance Villas at Kin-Ha (in a room with a partial ocean view). The beachfront property has a pool, two restaurants, and a bar. The Caracol and Forum shopping centers are both nearby. When: Monday departures until Nov. 6. Other Gateways: L.A. (daily departures until Nov. 12, $625), New York (Wednesday and Thursday departures until Dec. 14, $657), Chicago (Thursday departures until Dec. 14, $677). Details: Hotel taxes are included in the price. Extra nights $120. Single supplement from $328. Kids 12 and under stay and eat for free with a paying adult. Contact: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.
United Airlines flights from Denver or San Francisco, transfers, and three nights at the beachfront Villa Varadero Hotel & Suites, with a pool, restaurant, and bar. When: Denver (Aug. 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31), San Francisco (Aug. 16, 21, 23, 28, 30). Other Gateways: Cedar Rapids, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Omaha, St. Louis, Salt Lake City (add $80). Details: Single supplement from $80. Four-night packages start at $420 from Denver (Aug. 15, 21, 22, 28), and at $430 from San Francisco (Aug. 15, 21, 22, 28, 29). Contact: Funjet Vacations, funjet.com, book primarily through travel agents.
Air from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau, transfers, and three all-inclusive nights at the Breezes Bahamas on Cable Beach, next door to the Crystal Palace Casino and 15 minutes from the airport. The hotel has four restaurants, four bars, a disco, and a variety of watersports and activities (windsurfing, tennis, beach volleyball, gym, climbing wall, trampoline, etc.). When: July 1--Sept. 30. Other Gateways: New York ($599); Atlanta, Atlantic City, Detroit ($683); Providence ($723). Details: Extra nights $129. Single supplement $179; travelers can be paired with other singles to avoid the supplement. Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
JetBlue flights from New York, transfers, and four nights at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess (includes the fourth night free). Nicknamed The Pink Palace, the historic hotel overlooks the harbor and has two pools, a gym, and spa. It's not beachfront, but there's a free ferry to the Fairmont Beach Club in Southampton, 20 minutes away (spa, beach, golf, tennis). When: Sunday--Wednesday departures until Aug. 31 (from $883); Sept. 1--31 (from $975). Other Gateways: Boston, Burlington (add from $25); Buffalo (add from $45). Details: No extra nights. Call for the single price. Contact: JetBlue Airways, 800/538-2583, jetblue.com.
Air Jamaica flights from New York, transfers, and six nights ina standard room at the Coco Kreole hotel in Rodney Bay Village, a lively tourist city on the northern tip of the island. The hotel has a pool and bar. When: July 1--Dec. 15. Other Gateways: None. Details: Book by Aug. 31. Price includes hotel taxes and service charges. Extra nights $50. Single supplement $50. Contact: Air Jamaica Vacations, 800/568-3247, airjamaicavacations.com.
American Airlines flights from Miami to Belize City, a seven-day 4x4 rental with unlimited miles, and seven nights' lodging. Spend the first three nights inland at the Jaguar Paw Jungle Resort on 215 acres of rain forest. (The hotel has canopy tours, cave tubing, horseback riding, visits to Mayan ruins, and tours of a local butterfly farm.) Then stay four nights at the Jaguar Reef Lodge, on a 600-acre peninsula lined with seven miles of white-sand beaches. Activities include fishing, sailing, biking, diving, kayaking, and snorkeling. When: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday departures July 1--Aug. 31 ($1,149); Sept. 1--Oct. 31 ($1,089). Other Gateways: Dallas ($1,194/$1,134); New York ($1,248/$1,188); Chicago ($1,349/$1,289); L.A., San Francisco ($1,409/$1,349); Portland, Seattle ($1,453/$1,393). Details: Add $25 each way for departures on other days of the week. Extra nights from $60. Single supplement $655. Contact: Capricorn Leisure, 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
American Airlines flights from Miami to San Jose, a seven-day car rental (manual Toyota Yaris or similar) with unlimited miles, and seven nights' accommodations. Spend five nights at the Hotel Costa Verde (with two pools and three restaurants) on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean outside Manuel Antonio National Park, and two nights at the Hotel Villa Lapas eco-resort (with a pool, two restaurants, and two bars) in a 500-acre rain forest just south of the Carara Biological Reserve. When: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday departures July 1--Aug. 31 ($874); Sept. 1--Oct. 31 ($814). Other Gateways: Dallas ($896/$836); New York ($939/$879); Chicago ($972/$912); L.A., San Francisco ($979/$919); Portland, Seattle ($1,084/$1,024). Details: Add $25 each way for departures on other days of the week. Extra nights from $40. Single supplement from $350. Contact: Capricorn Leisure, 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
American Airlines flights from Miami to Panama City, transfers, and six nights at the all-inclusive Royal Decameron Beach Resort on Playa Blanca along the Pacific coast, about 90 minutes from the airport. There are four pools, eight restaurants, six snack bars, two pool bars, a disco, and both tennis and beach volleyball courts on the property. The hotel also offers free scuba-diving instruction and unlimited use of wind gliders, kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddleboats, and sailboats. When: Wednesday and Thursday departures until Aug. 16 ($879); Aug. 17--Dec. 7 ($799). Other Gateways: Dallas, Houston ($1,039/$959); Atlanta, D.C. ($1,059/$979); Boston, New York, Philadelphia ($1,079/$999); Chicago ($1,139/$1,059); L.A., San Francisco ($1,179/$1,099). Details: Add $60 for weekend departures. Extra nights from $65. The singles price starts at $1,150. Contact: Tara Tours, 800/327-0080, taratours.com.
Air from Miami or New York to Buenos Aires (the return flight is from Santiago), transfers and transportation (high-speed hydrofoil ferry from Argentina to Uruguay, flight from Uruguay to Chile), seven nights' accommodation (three in Buenos Aires, two in Montevideo, and two in Santiago), breakfast daily, and half-day tours of each city with English-speaking guides. When: Until Aug. 15 ($1,329); Aug. 16--Dec. 9 ($1,379). Other Gateways: Boston, Philadelphia (add $15); D.C. (add $40); Charlotte (add $105); L.A., Las Vegas, San Francisco (add $175); Atlanta, Dallas, Houston (add $185); Chicago (add $240); Portland, Seattle (add $350). Details: Hotel taxes, service charges, and fuel surcharges are included in the price. Extra nights from $28. Single supplement from $500. Contact: LanVacations, 800/435-3593, lanvacations.com.
Copa Airlines flights from Miami to Buenos Aires (via Panama City), transfers, five nights at the Regis Orho Hotel (on pedestrian-only Lavalle Street downtown), breakfast daily, and a half-day city tour with an English-speaking guide. When: Until Aug. 15 ($699); Aug. 16--Dec. 1 ($599). Other Gateways: L.A. ($929/$829), New York ($939/$839). Details: Extra nights from $27. Single supplement from $140. Add a full-day excursion to an estancia (ranch) outside the city for $45, including horseback riding, gaucho skills demonstrations, and lunch. Two-person tango lessons are available from $20 per hour. Stop over in Panama City for $122 (includes transfers, one night at the downtown Hotel Marbella, breakfast, and a half-day tour of the Panama Canal). Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
LanPeru flights from Miami to Cuzco (via Lima), transfers, and six nights' accommodations (three nights in Cuzco at the Terra Andina Hotel, less than a block from the Plaza San Pedro, and three nights camping on a fully guided trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu). The package includes breakfast daily in Cuzco and a half-day city tour. While on the trek, all entrance fees, meals, luggage transport, and a guided tour of Machu Picchu are covered, as is a ride back to Cuzco from Aguas Calientes (at the base of the ruins) on the famous Backpacker train. Camping equipment is provided; bring your own sleeping bag and backpack. When: July 1--31 ($1,325); Aug. 1--31 ($1,250). Other Gateways: L.A. ($1,450/$1,375), New York ($1,525/$1,450). Details: Extra nights from $32. Single supplement $140. Contact: Marnella Tours, 866/993-0033, marnellatours.com.
Think of Romania and vampires inevitably come to mind, but the southeastern European nation is more than macabre mythology. Intrepid Travel, created in 1989 to herald the world's lesser-known destinations and promote responsible tourism, sells a seven-night tour of this longtime Ottoman possession, former Soviet satellite, and soon-to-be EU member. The trip loops from Bucharest to the cities of Sighisoara, Brasov, and Sinaia, taking in the Bucegi Mountains; Brasov's "Black Church" (named for its fire-blackened walls); Bran Castle, former home of Queen Maria; and Casa Dracula, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. In line with Intrepid's cultural mission, the itinerary includes a visit to the medieval village of Viscri, where locals knit and export wool handicrafts for a nonprofit community-development program called the Sock Project. Intrepid's package covers transportation (bus, train), lodging at family-owned hotels, and an English-speaking guide. When: July 16; Aug. 13, 20; Sept. 3, 24; Oct. 1. Details: The price doesn't include airfare. Add about $150 for meals. No extra nights. There's no single supplement; solo travelers are paired with other singles of the same sex. Contact: Intrepid Travel, 866/847-8192, intrepidtravel.com.
Air from New York, four nights at the Acro Hotel (within five minutes' walk of the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein square, and Vondelpark), and breakfast daily. When: Until Aug. 31 ($1,139); Sept. 1--31 ($809). Other Gateways: Boston ($1,179/$829); Philadelphia ($1,179/$919); D.C. ($1,209/$869); Miami ($1,259/$919); Chicago ($1,259/$939); Atlanta, Dallas ($1,289/$979); L.A., San Francisco ($1,349/$1,039). Details: Extra nights from $70. Single supplement $160. Contact: EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.
Air from New York to Athens, transfers, three nights at the Kanigos 21 Hotel (less than a mile from the Plaka and Lycabettus Hill), round-trip hydrofoil ferry to the island of Mykonos, three nights at the Mykonos Palace Hotel (with a pool, dive center, three bars, and a restaurant) on Platis Yialos beach, and breakfast daily. When: Until July 4 ($1,759); July 5--Sept. 6 ($1,879); Sept. 7--Oct. 25 ($1,409). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C., Philadelphia (add from $30); Chicago, Miami (add from $90); Detroit (add from $110); L.A., Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle (add from $190). Details: Extra nights from $76. Single supplement from $360. Contact: go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.
Air from New York to London (the return flight is from Rome), train transportation between cities (second class), 13 nights' hotel accommodation (three each in London and Paris; two each in Venice, Florence, and Rome; and one overnight train from Paris to Venice), and breakfast daily. When: July 14--Aug. 17 ($1,969); Aug. 18--Sept. 6 ($2,079); Sept. 7--Oct. 31 ($1,619). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C. (add from $30); Miami, Houston (add from $150); Chicago (add from $160); L.A., San Francisco (add from $220); Denver (add from $280). Details: Prices include hotel taxes, service charges, and fuel surcharges, but not airport taxes and fees. Call for the extra-night price. Single supplement from $430. Contact: Virgin Vacations, 888/937-8474, virgin-vacations.com.
An eight-day, seven-night round-trip sail from Barcelona aboard the Oceanic, with one full day at sea and stops in Villefranche (near Monte Carlo), Livorno (Florence), Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, and Tunis. The Oceanic has a restaurant and bar, two swimming pools and three Jacuzzis, and its own jogging trail and movie theater. When: Monday departures July 3--24 ($949 inside cabin/$1,299 ocean-view cabin); July 31--Aug. 21 ($1,039/$1,389); Aug. 28--Sept. 18 ($959/$1,309); Sept. 25--Oct. 9 ($849/$1,139). Details: Prices do not include airfare or port taxes of $200. The single supplement starts at $425. Contact: Picasso Cruises, 800/995-7997, picassotours.com.
Finnair flights from New York to St. Petersburg (via Helsinki), transfers, three nights in St. Petersburg either at the Okhtinskaya-Victoria Hotel (on the banks of the Neva River, 15 minutes from the city center), or at the Hotel Neptun Best Western (also 15 minutes away, in the historic section of town), an overnight train to Moscow, two nights at the Hotel Alpha (near the crafts market in Izmailovsky Park), breakfast daily, tours of each city with an English-speaking guide, and tickets to one evening performance in each city (ballet, folkloric show, circus, etc.). When: July 1--Aug. 15 ($2,199); Aug. 16--Sept. 11 ($1,799); Sept. 12--30 ($1,499). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C., Philadelphia ($2,449/$2,049/$1,649); Chicago, Miami ($2,589/$2,189/$1,789); L.A., San Francisco ($2,689/$2,289/$1,889); Orlando, Raleigh ($2,789/$2,389/$1,989). Details: Extra nights from $175. Single supplement $275. Contact: Eastern Tours, 800/339-6967, traveltorussia.com.
Eurofly flights from New York to Palermo, an eight-day car rental with unlimited miles, and seven nights' lodging. Spend two nights on the western tip of the island in the medieval town of Erice (at the Hotel Moderno), three nights on the south coast in Agrigento (at the Dioscuri Bay Palace), and two just outside Palermo in Monreale (at the Baglio Conca D'Oro). When: Tuesday and Saturday departures July 1--Aug. 31 ($2,199); Sept. 1--14 ($1,899); Sept. 15--30 ($1,799). Other Gateways: None. Details: Fuel surcharges are included in the price. Extra nights from $139. Single supplement from $699. Contact: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com.
Air from Boston to Zurich (on a Star Alliance carrier such as Swiss International Air Lines or United), four nights in Interlaken at the three-star Hotel Merkur near the city's west train station, and breakfast daily. When: Monday--Thursday departures until Sept. 3 ($1,205); Sept. 4--Oct. 29 ($864). Other Gateways: New York ($1,205/$880); Philadelphia ($1,231/$886); D.C. ($1,267/$898); Houston ($1,287/$958); Miami ($1,287/$977); Chicago ($1,298/$943); Minneapolis ($1,298/$958); Atlanta ($1,330/$977); L.A. ($1,397/$1,035); Portland, Seattle ($1,411/$1,035). Details: Add $25 each way for weekend departures. Prices do not include departure taxes or fuel surcharges. Extra nights from $68. Single supplement $99. Round-trip train transfers (second class) to Interlaken cost $124 more. Contact: Sophisticated Traveler, 800/801-1055, s-traveler.com.
Air from New York to Ankara (via Istanbul), transfers and local transportation (by private bus), 12 nights' lodging in first-class hotels, breakfast daily and most dinners, all entrance fees and service charges, and English-speaking guides throughout. Spend one night each in Ankara, Konya, Hierapolis, and Troy; two nights each in Cappadocia, Antalya, Kusadasi, and Istanbul. The 14-day itinerary includes visits to a carpet factory, mineral spas, and the Temple of Artemis. When: July 6, 20, Aug. 3 ($2,268); Aug. 31, Sept. 14, 28 ($1,995). Other Gateways: D.C. (add $160), Atlanta (add $180), Miami (add $200), Houston (add $260), L.A. (add $350). Details: Extra nights in Istanbul $70. Single supplement $355. Contact: Flo USA, 888/435-6872, flo-usa.com.
Swiss International Air Lines flights from New York to Tel Aviv (via Zurich), transfers, five nights at Jerusalem's Dan Panorama Hotel (with a rooftop pool and bar, and a gym) and breakfast daily. The hotel is within walking distance of the walled Old City and its famous market. When: July 15, 21 and Aug. 12, 18 ($1,599); Sept. 16, 22 ($1,299). Other Gateways: Boston ($1,699/$1,399); Chicago, Miami ($1,799/$1,499); L.A. ($1,919/$1,619). Details: Departures from Chicago and Miami include a one-night stopover in Zürich on the way to Tel Aviv. Extra nights from $80. Single supplement $299. Three-night extensions to Eilat (a resort town on the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba) are available for $399 more. Contact: Friendly Planet Travel, 800/555-5765, friendlyplanet.com.
British Airways flights from New York to Nairobi (via London), transfers and local transportation (in a private minibus with driver and 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 Masai Mara Game Reserve), breakfast daily, all meals and game drives while on safari, and all park entrance fees. When: July 1--Aug. 31 ($2,799); Sept. 1--Oct. 31 ($2,399); Nov. 1--Dec. 15 ($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: Extra nights in Nairobi from $150. Single supplement $325. A free stopover in London is allowed in either direction. Contact: Lion World Tours, 800/387-2706, lionworldtravel.com.
Royal Air Maroc flights from New York to Agadir (via Casablanca), transfers, and seven nights at the all-inclusive Hotel Club La Kasbah. On the bay of Agadir, the resort has five restaurants, a swimming pool, access to a private beach 400 yards away, Jacuzzis, tennis, archery, belly-dancing lessons, and a wellness center with saunas, a traditional Turkish bath, as well as aerobics and yoga classes. When: July 1--13 ($1,599); July 14--Aug. 20 ($1,699); Aug. 21--Sept. 30 ($1,399). Other Gateways: D.C., Philadelphia (add $170); Boston (add $190); Charlotte (add $225); Columbus (add $265). Details: Extra nights $99. Single supplement $138. Optional side trips include dinner in a Berber village ($49) and a full-day tour of Marrakech ($109, includes lunch). Contact: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/853-6453, fittours.com.
As if there weren't already enough reasons to want to go to the Thai island of Phuket--white-sand beaches, clear water, and lush rain forests--Sayang Holidays just made a visit even more appealing with a six-night deal for $845. The package includes Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Phuket (via Singapore); transfers; accommodations on Karon Beach at the five-star Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa in a sea-view room with breakfast daily; and a half-day tour to other beaches on the island (Patong, Rawai), Promthep Cape, and a sea-gypsy community, an offshore fishing village built on stilts. When: Aug. 21--Sept. 30. Other Gateways: New York ($995); Denver, Portland, Seattle ($1,020); Boston, Chicago, D.C., Philadelphia ($1,120); Dallas, Miami ($1,195). Details: Extra nights $58. Single supplement from $225. A three-night extension in Singapore costs $110 more. Contact: Sayang Holidays, 888/472-9264, sayangholidays.com.
Air China flights from San Francisco to Beijing, transfers and transportation between cities (by train and private bus), nine nights in three- and four-star hotels (three in Beijing, one in Jinan, two in Tai'an, three in Shanghai), one overnight train, most meals, and English-speaking guides throughout. The itinerary includes visits to Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, the Confucius Temple in Qufu, a tour of a silk-spinning factory, tickets to an acrobatic show in Shanghai, and a cable-car ride up Mt. Tai. When: July 21, 28; Aug. 4, 18; Friday departures, Sept. 1--Oct. 20. Other Gateways: L.A. ($1,419); Las Vegas, Phoenix, Portland, Reno, Salt Lake City, Seattle ($1,439); Atlanta, Denver, New York, Philadelphia ($1,599). Details: Cost for extra night varies. Single supplement $350. Contact: China Focus, 800/868-7244, chinafocustravel.com.
Cathay Pacific flights from L.A. or San Francisco, transfers, five nights at the Kowloon Hotel along the "Golden Mile" shopping district on Nathan Road, and breakfast daily. A half-day city tour with stops at Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay and its famous beach, and Aberdeen's floating community is also included. When: July 1--Aug. 15 ($1,349); Aug. 16--Sept. 15 ($1,099); Sept. 16--30 ($1,199). Other Gateways: New York ($1,499/$1,249/$1,349); Boston, Dallas, Miami, Philadelphia ($1,649/$1,399/$1,499). Details: Extra nights from $110. Single supplement from $275. Contact: Ritz Tours, 800/900-2446, ritztours.com.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Bangkok, arrival transfer, local transportation (train, ferry, and bus), 16 nights' lodging, and English-speaking guides throughout. Spend seven nights in Thailand (one in Bangkok, four on the island of Koh Phangan, one overnight train, and one in Satun on the Andaman Sea) before crossing into Malaysia for eight nights (two each in Penang, the Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpur, and Melaka). The final night is in Singapore. When: Tuesday and Thursday departures July 6--Aug. 17 ($1,499); Aug. 22--Sept. 28 ($1,299). Other Gateways: New York ($1,599/$1,399). Details: Tuesday departures travel from Bangkok to Singapore; Thursday departures go from Singapore to Bangkok. A local payment of $135 is due upon arrival in Thailand. Add $25 for entrance fees and about $12 per day for meals. No extra nights. There's no single supplement; solo travelers will be paired with other singles of the same sex. Contact: Adventure Center, 800/227-8747, adventurecenter.com.
Air from L.A. to Hanoi, transfers and local transportation (bus, train, and plane), nine nights' hotel (three in Hanoi, two in Hue, one in Hoi An, and three in Ho Chi Minh City, the city formerly known as Saigon), and an English-speaking guide throughout. Itinerary highlights include visits to the tunnels of Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, and the Thien Mu pagoda in Hue, as well as a boat trip on Halong Bay, a World Heritage site in the Gulf of Tonkin. When: July 27, Aug. 24 ($2,125); Sept. 21 ($1,875). Other Gateways: New York ($2,225/$1,975), Miami ($2,340/$2,090), Chicago ($2,370/$2,120). Details: Add approximately $225 for meals and expenses. Extra nights in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City $60. A four-day Cambodia extension with a visit to Angkor Wat is available for an additional $570. Contact: Djoser, 877/356-7376, djoserusa.com.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City (the return flight is from Siem Reap), transfers, three nights in Ho Chi Minh City at the centrally located Bong Sen Annex hotel (or similar), an onward flight to Siem Reap (the gateway to Angkor Wat), two nights at the Angkor Star Hotel (or similar), and breakfast daily. The package includes a half-day tour of Ho Chi Minh City and full-day tour of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Bayon Temple. When: Aug. 21--Dec. 5. Other Gateways: Denver, Phoenix, Portland, Seattle ($1,174); New York ($1,199); Dallas, Houston ($1,274); Boston, D.C., Pittsburgh, Syracuse ($1,334). Details: Extra nights from $22. Single supplement $250. Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Rarotonga, transfers, five nights with breakfast daily at the Castaway Beach Villas on the west coast of the island. The waterfront resort has a pool, snorkeling, and kayaking. When: July 1--Aug. 22 ($1,553); Aug. 23--Sept. 4 ($1,357); Sept. 5--30 ($1,373). Other Gateways: None. Details: This is a cash-discount rate; add $35 for credit-card payments. Prices include taxes, surcharges, and fees (approximately $203). Extra nights from $61. Single supplement from $305. Contact: Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.
Air Pacific flights from L.A. to Nandi, round-trip transfers on Sun Air, and seven nights in a lagoon bure at Musket Cove Island Resort on Malolo Lailai (an island nine miles off Vitu Levu). The resort has a dive center and offers free windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling trips. When: Until March 31. Other Gateways: Palm Springs, San Francisco ($1,902); Las Vegas, Phoenix ($1,912); Seattle ($2,077); Atlanta, Boston, New York, Orlando ($2,232). Details: Extra nights $280. Single rate is not available. Contact: Exotic Escapes, 866/666-8922, airpacificusa.com.
Qantas flights from L.A. to Sydney, all internal flights, and six nights split between Sydney (at the downtown Hotel Ibis Darling Harbour, near the convention center) and either Brisbane (at the Hotel Ibis, near the South Bank Parklands and the shops on Queen Street) or Melbourne (at the Mercure Welcome Hotel in the shopping and theater district). When: Until July 25, Sept. 22--Dec. 7 ($1,699); July 26--Sept. 21 ($1,399). Other Gateways: New York ($1,999/$1,699). Details: Call for the extra night price. Single supplement from $390. Contact: Qantas Airways/Tourism Australia, 800/369-6863, australia.com.
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Auckland, transfers, and an eight-day campervan rental (double bed, kitchenette) with unlimited miles. When: July 1--Sept. 30. Other Gateways: None. Details: This is a cash-discount rate; add $35 for credit-card payments. The price includes taxes, surcharges, and fees (about $210). Extra nights from $26. Single supplement $105. You can extend your stay by up to a month; long-rental discounts will apply. Contact: Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.