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40 Best Vacations
The real deals right now
September 2006 issue

UNITED STATES 

Hawaii Cruise for $649 
Sail for seven days aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's brand-new Pride of Hawaii on a round trip from Honolulu with stops at Hilo and Kona on the Big Island; Kahului, Maui; and Nawiliwili, Kauai. When: Monday departures Sept. 18, 25; Oct. 2-16, 30; Nov. 13-27 ($649 inside cabin/$899 ocean-view cabin). Details: Price includes port charges but not airfare. Contact: American Discount Cruises, 866/214-7447, americandiscountcruises.com.


Las Vegas for $62  
Two nights at the Stratosphere Hotel Casino, on the upper end of the Strip. It has a pool, 80,000-square-foot casino, seven restaurants, and the adults-only Beach Club 25, with a pool, fitness equipment, and refreshment stand. When: Sept. 11-Nov. 25. Details: Price does not include airfare. (Guests aren't required to book an American Airlines flight.) Taxes are included. Call for the extra-night price. Single supplement $57. Contact: AmericanAirlines Vacations, 800/321-2121, aavacations.com.

Miami Beach for $299
Air from Atlantic City, Chicago, D.C., or New York to either Miami or Fort Lauderdale, and three nights at the Howard Johnson Dezerland, Greenview South Beach, Dorchester South Beach, or Ramada Marco Polo. Breakfast daily is included at the Greenview and Ramada. When: Until Dec. 21. Other gateways: Boston, Houston (add $89); L.A., San Francisco (add $149). Details: Dates vary slightly by hotel. Extra nights from $39. Single supplement $115. Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.

New York for $359  
JetBlue Airways flights from Boston and two nights at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge in Downtown Brooklyn. The hotel is near nine major subway lines. When: Sept. 1, 4-6, 9. Other gateways: Portland, Maine ($379); Buffalo ($395); Long Beach ($579); Austin ($585). Details: The hotel and dates may vary depending on departure city. No extra nights. No price for singles. Contact: JetBlue Airways, 800/538-2583, jetblue.com.

Washington, D.C., Kayaking for $595  
Four days kayaking on the Potomac River in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., and three nights at the Comfort Inn in Herndon, Va., near Dulles Airport. Kayak over the Seneca Breaks rapids; through Great Falls National Park, Mason Neck State Park, and Pohick Bay Regional Park; and into Washington, D.C., with stops at memorials. The package includes breakfast and lunch daily, all equipment, instruction, and guide services. When: Sept. 1, 15; Oct. 6, 13. Details: Non-REI members must first pay a $15 membership fee. No extra nights. Single supplement $300. Contact: REI Adventures, 800/622-2236, reiadventures.com.

CANADA 

Quebec Road Trip for $1,489  
Air Canada flights from Atlanta, Boston, or New York to Montreal, an eight-day car rental with unlimited miles, and eight nights at hotels, inns, and B&Bs. Drive along the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City and back with two nights each in Montreal, Quebec City, and Charlevoix, and one night each in Magog and Trois-Rivières. When: Sept. 1-Nov. 30. Other gateways: Chicago ($1,519), L.A. ($1,579). Details: Receive an additional $50 off by mentioning BT. Extra nights with car rental from $119. Call for single supplement. Contact: Maxxim Vacations, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.

MEXICO

Cabo San Lucas for $694  
Air from Denver, transfers, and four nights at the Hotel Finisterra, with a pool, a beach, tennis courts, two restaurants, and a bar. When: Until Nov. 11. Other gateways: L.A. (until Nov. 12, $697), Chicago (until Dec. 4, $856), New York (until Dec. 21, $936). Details: Extra nights from $201. Single supplement from $491. Contact: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.

Cancún for $469  
Air from Fort Lauderdale to Cancún and three nights at the all-inclusive Allegro Playacar Resort, 40 minutes south of Cancún. The resort has two pools, four tennis courts, and three restaurants. When: Until Nov. 15. Other gateways: San Francisco (add $175), L.A. (add $199). Details: Extra nights $99. Single supplement $289. Add $40 for round-trip transfers. Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.

Mazatlán for $370  
US Airways flights from Phoenix, transfers, and three nights at the Costa de Oro Beach Hotel (pool, three tennis courts, and two restaurants). When: Until Nov. 28. Other gateways: Albuquerque ($404), Dallas ($445), Denver ($450). Details: Extra nights from $48. Single supplement from $115. Contact: US Airways Vacations, 800/455-0123, usairwaysvacations.com.


Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
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