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40 Best Vacations
The real deals right now
September 2006 issue
Tuesday, August 22, 2006;
UNITED STATES
Hawaii Cruise for $649
Las Vegas for $62
Miami Beach for $299
New York for $359
Washington, D.C., Kayaking for $595
CANADA
Quebec Road Trip for $1,489
MEXICO
Cabo San Lucas for $694
Cancún for $469
Mazatlán for $370
CARIBBEAN
A Splurge in the Caribbean for $949
Barbados for $299
Dominican Republic for $409
Jamaica for $544
CENTRAL AMERICA
Costa Rica for $899
Nicaragua for $982
Panama & Costa Rica Tour for $495
SOUTH AMERICA
Colombia for $799
Peru for $1,398
Rio de Janeiro & Manaus for $1,519
EUROPE
France for $2,699
Ireland for $599
Istanbul & Athens for $1,149
Kraków for $699
London for $499
Malta for $1,199
Rome & Tuscany for $875
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
South Africa Road Trip for $1,479
Egypt for $1,199
Namibia for $3,232
ASIA
Bali & Bangkok for $989
Beijing for $779
Hong Kong Combo for $1,249
Malaysia & Singapore for $929
Seoul for $819
Thailand Tour for $1,375
Tokyo & Kyoto for $1,499
SOUTH PACIFIC
Cook Islands for $1,423
Fiji for $1,487
AUSTRALIA
Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania for $1,699
New Zealand North Island for $1,921
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jacob Gelt Dekker, a Dutch dentist-turned-entrepreneur, is on a roll. After buying a house in Willemstad, on Curaçao, he built a cultural museum, conference center, and boutique hotel--effectively revitalizing the Otrobanda neighborhood where all three are found. Dekker's latest venture, the Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club, which opened last fall, is his first outside the city. The 250-acre resort on an oceanfront cliff has a gym, pool, three restaurants, and a reef a short swim from its beach. This seven-night package covers air from Miami and round-trip transfers. (Note: Curaçao is outside the Caribbean hurricane belt.) When: Until Dec. 21. Other gateways: New York (add $86), Atlanta (add $173), Chicago (add $222), L.A. (add $224), Boston (add $309). Details: Extra nights from $71. Single supplement $500. Contact: Caradonna Dive Adventures, 800/328-2288, caradonna.com.
Air from Baltimore, seven nights at the Rostrevor Apartment Hotel in St. Lawrence Gap, and breakfast daily. The hotel has a beach, pool, two restaurants, and a golf course. When: Sept. 1-30 ($299); Oct. 1-Dec. 2 ($399). Other gateways: Chicago ($383/$483), New York ($399/$499), L.A. ($614/$714). Details: Extra nights $55. Single supplement $420. Add $50 for round-trip transfers. Contact: Atlas Vacations, 800/634-1057, atlasvacations.net.
Air from Miami to Punta Cana and four nights at the all-inclusive LTI Beach, Golf & Spa Resort (casino, pool, and three restaurants) on Bavaro Beach. When: Until Oct. 31 ($409); Nov. 1-20 ($559). Other gateways: New York, Philadelphia ($619/$639); Baltimore ($619/$699). Details: Extra nights from $59. Single rate from $529. Contact: Vacation Travel Mart, 800/288-1435, vacmart.com.
Northwest Airlines flights from Minneapolis to Montego Bay, transfers, and seven nights in Negril at the Hotel SamSara, with a pool and restaurant. When: Saturday departures Sept. 2-Nov. 11. Other gateways: Detroit, Memphis, New York, Omaha ($564); Fargo ($574). Details: Extra nights from $56. Single supplement $159. Contact: NWA WorldVacations, 800/800-1504, nwaworldvacations.com.
Delta Air Lines flights from Atlanta to Liberia, transfers, and seven nights at the all-inclusive Giardini di Papagayo on Guanacaste province's Gold Coast. The 30-acre, villa-style hotel has direct access to a beach, a pool, two bars, and two restaurants. When: Saturday and Sunday departures Aug. 26-Oct. 29; Nov. 4, 11. Other gateways: Charlotte, Nashville ($979); Baltimore, D.C., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh ($999). Details: No extra nights available. Single supplement $150. Contact: Vacation Express, 877/784-3786, vacationexpress.com.
American Airlines flights from Miami to Managua, transfers, four nights in colonial Granada at Hotel Alhambra (on the main park), car transportation to San Juan del Sur on the Pacific coast, three nights at Pelican Eyes Piedras y Olas Hotel & Resort, and breakfast daily. The package includes a carriage ride, a boat ride to Monkey Island, sunset horseback riding, a visit to a handicraft market in Masaya, and two lunches. When: Sept. 1-Dec. 9. Other gateways: Dallas ($1,018); New York ($1,149); L.A., San Francisco ($1,204); Chicago ($1,216); Portland, Seattle ($1,345). Details: Extra nights from $25. Single supplement $335. Contact: Capricorn Leisure Corporation, 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
A 15-day, fully escorted trip through northern Panama and southern Costa Rica, from San José to Panama City. Visit the Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, La Isla Botanical Gardens, Bocas del Toro archipelago, Boquete mountains, and an indigenous village. The price includes local transportation (public bus and boat) and hotel accommodations. When: Sept. 19; Oct. 3, 24; Nov. 14, 28. Details: This trip also runs in the reverse direction. The price does not include international airfare. A local payment of $200 is due upon arrival. Add approximately $225 for meals. Extra nights from $20. Single travelers will be paired with a roommate of the same sex. Contact: G.A.P Adventures, 800/465-5600, gapadventures.com.
Copa Airlines or Avianca flights from Miami to Cartagena (via Panama City), transfers, and six nights at the all-inclusive Decameron Cartagena, on Bocagrande Beach along Colombia's northern coast. The resort has a pool, five restaurants, three bars, and a disco. When: Sept. 1-Dec. 10. Other gateways: Orlando ($949), New York ($1,049), L.A. ($1,089). Details: Extra nights $60. Single supplement $261. Contact: Tara Tours, 800/327-0080, taratours.com.
LanPeru flights from Miami to Cuzco (via Lima), transfers, all local transportation (plane, private bus, and Backpacker train), and six nights' lodging. Spend three nights in the Sacred Valley and one night each in in Aguas Calientes, Cuzco, and Lima. The package includes visits to Ollantaytambo and the Pisac Indian Market, a tour of Machu Picchu with lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel, two lunches, two dinners, and breakfast daily. Whe:n Sept. 1-Dec. 14. Other gateways: New York ($1,598), Chicago ($1,648), L.A. ($1,698). Details: Extra nights from $32. Single supplement $250. Contact: Analie Tours, 800/811-6027, analietours.com.
United Airlines flights from New York to Rio de Janeiro, transfers, three nights at the Excelsior Copacabana Hotel overlooking Copacabana Beach, an onward flight to Manaus, two nights in the Amazon rain forest at the Tropical Manaus hotel (three restaurants, two bars, two pools), and breakfast daily. When: Sept. 2-Dec. 13. Other gateways: L.A. ($1,599); San Francisco ($1,655); D.C., Denver ($1,699). Details: Extra nights in Rio $92. Single supplement $425. Contact: United Vacations Latin America, 800/328-6877, uv-latin.com.
Air from New York to Paris, transfers, five nights at the Duquesne Eiffel Hotel in the seventh arrondissement, a six-night river cruise through Île-de-France and Normandy, three nights in a château (in Normandy or the Loire Valley), and a four-day car rental. The price includes breakfast daily and all meals, wine, excursions, and entrance fees aboard the barge. Whe:n Sunday departures Sept. 17-Oct. 1. Other gateways: Baltimore, Boston, San Francisco ($2,989); Atlanta, Miami ($3,059); Chicago, Detroit ($3,069); Denver, Houston ($3,129); Portland, San Diego ($3,179). Details: Add a fuel surcharge from $110. Extra nights from $100. Single supplement $1,100. Contact: France Vacations, 800/332-5332, francevacations.net.
Air from New York to Dublin, a seven-day car rental with unlimited mileage, and six nights of open vouchers good at 2,500 bed-and-breakfasts across Ireland. When: Sept. 1-Oct. 31 ($689); Nov. 1-Mar. 22 ($599). Other gateways: Boston ($759/$639), D.C. ($779/$659), Chicago ($819/$739), Miami ($849/$729), L.A. ($859/$799). Details: Extra nights from $60. Single supplement $70. Contact: EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.
Lufthansa or Swiss Air Lines flights from Boston or New York to Istanbul (via Frankfurt or Zürich), escorted airport-hotel transfers, four nights in Istanbul at the Elite Hotel in Taksim, an onward flight to Athens, four nights at the Divani Palace Acropolis overlooking the ruins, and breakfast daily. When: Sept. 17, Oct. 8 ($1,499); Nov. 3 ($1,149); Dec. 24 ($1,499). Other gateways: Chicago, Miami ($1,644/$1,294/$1,644). Details: Extra nights from $115. Single supplement $399. Contact: Friendly Planet Travel, 800/555-5765, friendlyplanet.com.
Air from New York to Kraków, arrival transfer, five nights at Hotel Matejko (about a five-minute walk from the Main Square), and breakfast daily. When: Sept. 4-Oct. 14 ($869); Oct. 15-29 ($847); Oct. 30-Dec. 15 ($699). Other gateways: Boston ($899/$858/$714), Chicago ($905/$863/$786), Atlanta ($965/$923/$755), L.A. ($1,049/$1,007/$874). Details: Extra nights from $48. Single supplement $135. Add $270 for taxes and surcharges. Contact: Sophisticated Traveler, 800/801-1055, s-traveler.com.
Air from New York, six nights at the Fairway Hotel in King's Cross or Apollo Hotel in Bayswater, and breakfast daily. When: Sept. 1-Oct. 31 ($629); Nov. 1-Dec. 11 ($499). Other gateways: Boston ($679/$559); Chicago ($779/$629); Miami ($779/$709); L.A., San Francisco ($839/$699); Phoenix ($839/$789). Details: Add up to $289 for taxes. Extra nights $50. Single supplement from $180. Add $70 for round-trip transfers. Contact: EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.
Virgin Atlantic and Air Malta flights from Boston, D.C., or New York (via London), transfers, five nights at the Golden Tulip Vivaldi (in St. Julian's, on Malta's eastern coast), breakfast daily, and either two full-day tours or four half-day tours, or a combination of both. When: Sept. 1-10 ($1,599); Sept. 11-30 ($1,529); Oct. 1-16 ($1,499); Nov. 1-10 ($1,199); Nov. 11-30 ($1,269). Other gateways: Miami, Orlando (add $80); L.A., San Francisco (add $100). Details: Extra nights $69. Single supplement $99. Contact: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com.
Eurofly flights from New York to Rome, a four-day car rental with unlimited miles, six nights' lodging, and breakfast daily. Spend two nights in Rome at the Hotel Polo in the Parioli district, then drive up to Siena and stay four nights at the Arco Naturale Country House, a converted 16th-century convent on 22 acres with a pool and restaurant. When: Sunday departures Sept. 10-Oct. 8 ($1,175); Oct. 15, 22 ($1,055); Oct. 29, Nov. 5 ($875). Other gateways: None. Details: Extra nights $100. Single supplement $350. Contact: TourCrafters, 800/482-5995, tourcrafters.com.
The Garden Route, a road along the southern edge of South Africa, is famous for its coastlines, lush forests, and approachable cities. One of the best times to enjoy all three is now until mid-December--after the winter rains, but before the summer throngs. Spend two days in Cape Town, travel through the arid Little Karoo region, pass ocean-side forests, and end at the Amakhala Private Game Reserve just east of Port Elizabeth. The trip includes two domestic flights, eight nights at hotels or lodges, a nine-day car rental, breakfast daily, and all meals and four game drives at the game reserve. When: Sept. 1-30 ($1,479); Oct. 1-Nov. 30 ($1,659). Details: The price does not include international airfare. Add about $58 for a one-way drop-off fee. Extra nights from $169. No single supplement. Contact: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/853-6453, fittours.com.
EgyptAir flights from New York to Cairo, transfers, and six nights in Cairo at one of three hotels: Ramses Hilton, Cairo Sheraton, or Mena House, with breakfast daily. The package includes half-day guided tours of the Pyramids at Giza, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. When: Sept. 1-Oct. 31 ($1,249); Nov. 1-Dec. 12 ($1,199). Other gateways: None. Details: Extra nights $65. Single supplement $180. Contact: Misr Travel, 800/223-4978, misrtravel.org.
South African Airways flights from D.C. to Windhoek (via Johannesburg), transfers, six nights' accommodations (one at the Safari Court Hotel in Windhoek, three at the Kulala Wilderness Camp near the red dunes of Sossusvlei, and two at the Beach Lodge in Swakopmund), breakfast daily, all meals at Kulala, and safari activities at Kulala. When: Sept. 1-30 ($3,307); Oct. 1-31 ($3,232); Nov. 1-30 ($3,432). Other gateways: Boston (add $240), L.A. (add $350). Details: Extra nights from $100. Single supplement $555. Contact: South African Airways Holidays, 888/777-1138, saaholidays.net.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Bali, transfers, four nights at the Grand Balisani Suites on Batubelig Beach, an onward flight to Bangkok, three nights at the Mandarin Bangkok, a half-day city tour, and breakfast daily. When: Until Dec. 5. Other gateways: New York (add $150), Denver (add $175), Chicago (add $250). Details: Extra nights $30. Single supplement $175. Contact: Sayang Holidays, 888/472-9264, sayangholidays.com.
Air from L.A., Portland, San Francisco, or Seattle to Beijing, four nights at the Jing Du Yuan Hotel, and breakfast daily. The hotel is near the Scitech shopping center. When: Sept. 4-Nov. 5 ($879); Nov. 6-Dec. 7, Dec. 24-31 ($779). Other gateways: Denver, San Diego (add $30); Detroit, Minneapolis, New York (add $110); Boston, D.C. (add $130); Atlanta, Miami (add $150). Details: Extra nights from $22. Single supplement from $130. Prices include hotel taxes and airline fuel surcharges. Contact: Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.
Cathay Pacific Airways flights from L.A. or San Francisco, transfers, an onward flight, and six nights' accommodations split between Hong Kong and a choice of Bangkok, Singapore, Hanoi, or Ho Chi Minh City. The package includes a half-day tour of Hong Kong, one or two half-day tours at the selected second destination, and breakfast daily. When: Until Nov. 30. Other gateways: New York (add $150); Boston, Chicago (add $250). Details: Extra nights from $100. Single supplement from $450. Contact: Ritz Tours, 800/900-2446, ritztours.com.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Penang (via Singapore), transfers, two nights each at Bayview Resorts on Penang and Langkwai, interisland ferry transport, an onward flight to Singapore, two nights at the Albert Court Hotel, most breakfasts, and two half-day tours. when Sept. 1-Dec. 5. Other gateways: New York ($1,079), Seattle ($1,100), Boston ($1,205). Details: Extra nights $70. Single supplement $260. Contact: Sayang Holidays, 888/472-9264, sayangholidays.com.
Air from San Francisco and five nights at the Best Western Vision Hotel in the Sungdong-gu neighborhood. When: Until Dec. 5. Other gateways: L.A. (add $70); Denver (add $190); Boston, Chicago (add $400); Atlanta (add $450). Details: Extra nights $44. Single supplement from $240. Price includes hotel taxes and service fees, and airline fuel surcharges. Contact: Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.
Northwest Airlines flights from L.A. to Bangkok (via Tokyo), transfers, nine nights' lodging (four in Bangkok, two on the River Kwai, and one each in Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, and a Hill Tribe village), a night train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, all transportation (plane, private bus, and train), and English-speaking guides throughout. The 12-day trip includes an optional two-day trek in Northern Thailand. When: Sept. 13, 27; Oct. 11, 25; Nov. 8, 22. Other gateways: New York ($1,475); Chicago, Miami ($1,700). Details: Add $265 per week for meals and entry costs. Extra nights $60. Single supplement $125. Travelers can choose to be paired with a roommate of the same sex for no extra charge; if none is available, the fee is only $65. Contact: Djoser, 877/356-7376, djoserusa.com.
American Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Tokyo, transfers, a seven-day Japan Rail pass, three nights at the Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo with a half-day city tour, three nights in Kyoto at the New Miyako Hotel, and two half-day tours. When: Sept. 5-Oct. 29 ($1,579); Oct. 30-Dec. 7 ($1,499). Other gateways: New York (Sept. 1-Oct. 31, $1,679; Nov. 1-Dec 14, $1,569). Details: Extra nights in Tokyo $98. Single supplement $354. Contact: NTA America, 800/682-7872, japanvacation.net.
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Rarotonga, transfers, five nights at the Muri Beach Club Hotel on Muri Lagoon, and breakfast daily. The 30-room beachfront hotel has a pool, restaurant, bar, lounge, spa, and water sports. When: Sept. 1-5 ($1,457); Sept. 6-Nov. 21 ($1,423); Nov. 22-30 ($1,457). Other gateways: None. Details: Extra nights $65. Single supplement $322. Price includes U.S. airport departure taxes, security charges, and fuel surcharges. Contact: Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.
Air Pacific flights from L.A. to Nandi, transfers, five nights on the Coral Coast in an ocean-view cabin at Crusoe's Retreat, and breakfast daily. The 10-acre resort has a pool, restaurant, bar, dive center, and beach. When: Until Dec. 31. Other gateways: San Francisco ($1,673), New York ($1,962). Details: Extra nights $166. Single supplement $400. Add about $220 for departure taxes and fees. Contact: Jet-about Vacations, 800/327-3840, airpacificusa.com.
Qantas Airways flights from L.A. to Sydney, all internal flights, and 12 nights at three-star hotels split between Sydney, Melbourne, and Tasmania. When: Until Sept. 21 ($1,699); Sept. 22-Dec. 7 ($1,999). Other gateways: New York (add $300). Details: Call for the extra-night price. Single supplement from $670. Contact: Qantas Airways/Tourism Australia, 800/369-6863, australia.com.
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Auckland, an eight-day car rental, and seven nights' lodging: one at a B&B in Auckland, two each at B&Bs in Coromandel and Rotorua, and one each at farms in Hawkes Bay and Wellington. When: Until Dec. 9. Other gateways: San Francisco ($2,030). Details: Extra nights from $55. Single supplement $483. Price includes fuel surcharges. Contact: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.