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40 Best Vacations
The real deals right now
October 2006 issue
Tuesday, September 19, 2006;
UNITED STATES
A New Way to Vacation in Vegas for $129
California Road Trip for $609
Fort Lauderdale for $375
Honolulu for $535
Nantucket for $97
San Francisco for $456
CANADA
Vancouver for $330
MEXICO
Visit the Monarchs in Mexico for $650
Cancún for $649
Mérida for $615
Puerto Vallarta for $423
CARIBBEAN
Aruba for $535
Dominican Republic for $599
Jamaica for $699
St. Lucia for $1,941
Turks and Caicos for $856
CENTRAL AMERICA
Belize for $839
Costa Rica for $545
SOUTH AMERICA
Argentina and Uruguay for $729
Buenos Aires for $699
Peru Tour for $1,895
EUROPE
Sceptre Tours Adds Scotland for $349
Skip the Museum Line in Paris for $161
Barcelona & Madrid for $899
Istanbul for $729
Italy for $965
Prague & Budapest for $858
Russia for $999
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
Kenya for $1,999
South Africa for $2,199
Tanzania for $2,895
ASIA
Beijing & Tokyo Tour for $1,199
Southeast Asia Cruise for $1,799
Southern India for $1,675
Thailand for $899
Vietnam Adventure Tour for $1,749
SOUTH PACIFIC
Fiji for $1,497
AUSTRALIA
Sydney & Tahiti for $1,299
Tasmania Road Trip & Melbourne for $2,305
NEW ZEALAND
North Island for $1,559
Last month, Platinum Hotel & Spa became the second condo-hotel to open in Las Vegas (Signature at MGM Grand was the first, in May), but it certainly won't be the last-at least six more are expected in the coming year. How condo-hotels work: Individuals buy a specific condo, and pay the property taxes, insurance, and maintenance fees. When the owners aren't there, the management company rents out the rooms. The result is hotels with less of an emphasis on gaming and more on amenities like restaurants, spas, and gyms. At the Platinum Hotel, suites have kitchens, living rooms with plasma TVs and pull-out sofas, and private balconies. The 17-story hotel has two pools, two restaurants, and a spa; there's no casino, but the Bellagio and Caesars Palace are less than two blocks away. Until the end of the year, the Platinum is offering a special discounted rate of $129 per night to book a one-bedroom suite. When Oct. 1-30; Nov. 6-8; Nov. 12-Dec. 8; Dec. 11-28. Details Prices are per room; there's no single rate. Nevada residents get an additional 25 percent off at the restaurant and spa. Contact Platinum Hotel and Spa, 877/211-9211, lvplatinum.com.
A six-day drive down California's coast from San Francisco to L.A. The package includes a six-day car rental, five nights' hotel accommodations, a day-by-day itinerary with directions and information about en route tourist attractions, and 24-hour on-call support and service. Spend two nights in San Francisco, one in Monterey (near Big Sur), one in Solvang (just north of Santa Barbara), and a final night in L.A. When Oct. 1-Dec. 31. Details This is a land-only price. Airfare can be added upon request. Extra nights from $49. Single supplement $460. The same package is available without a rental if you prefer to use your own vehicle. Children 12 and under stay free with two paying adults. Contact Monograms, 800/250-7614, monogramstravel.com.
JetBlue Airways flights from New York and two nights at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. The hotel has a pool, a 24-hour fitness center, four restaurants, and the largest private beach in southern Florida. When Oct. 1-2; Nov. 5-6; Dec. 3-4. Other Gateways Boston ($435). Details No extra nights. No price for singles. Contact JetBlue Airways, 800/538-2583, jetblue.com.
Air from L.A., transfers, and six nights at the Ohana Maile Sky Court, a high-rise hotel on Kuhio Avenue, near the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and within walking distance of Waikiki Beach. The price includes a discount dining card and a one-day trolley pass. When Oct. 1-Dec. 15. Other Gateways Phoenix, Seattle ($639); Houston, Kansas City ($785); Boston, Detroit, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia ($855). Details Extra nights $44. Single supplement $217. Contact Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Guests who are 50 and older save 50 percent on standard room rates at certain Nantucket resorts. Participating hotels include the Jared Coffin House, just off Main Street in the Old Historic District; the Harbor House Village, a 130-year-old complex one block from the harbor; and The Cottages at the Boat Basin, 23 dock-side bungalows near Swain's Wharf and Old South Wharf. When Sundays- Thursdays until Dec. 30 at Jared Coffin House (from $97); until Oct. 23 at Harbor House Village (from $110); and until Oct. 22 at The Cottages (from $163). Details Only one guest has to be 50 or over. Photo ID with birth date is required at check-in. Prices are per room; there's no single supplement. Contact Nantucket Island Resorts, 800/475-2637, nantucketislandresorts.com.
Air from L.A., transfers, and three nights at the Holiday Inn Golden Gateway in the Nob Hill neighborhood, a 10-minute walk from Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and the Union Square shopping area. When Until Dec. 31. Other Gateways Chicago ($622), New York ($707), Miami ($714). Details Extra nights $63. Single supplement $180. This package can be booked without airfare; the land-only prices are $289 (October) and $259 (November- December). Contact Monograms, 800/250-7614, monogramstravel.com.
Alaska Airlines flights from San Francisco, transfers, and three nights at the Quality Inn, in the West End neighborhood, within walking distance of the Granville ferry and Stanley Park. When Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday departures until Dec. 31. Other Gateways L.A. ($479); New York, Orlando ($573). Details Extra nights from $41. Single supplement from $131. Contact Alaska Airlines Vacations, 800/468-2248, alaskaair.com.
As the weather turns cold, tens of millions of monarch butterflies leave their summer havens in Canada and the northern U.S., and fly up to 3,000 miles south to spend the winter in Mexico's Sierra Madre mountains. At El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, the result is a spectacle of wings that seem like tiny fluttering works of orange, white, and black stained glass. Spend a day there, or at the Sierra Chincua Reserve--depending on where more butterflies choose to land--as part of a five-night Siesta Tours trip to the colonial city of Morelia, in the state of Michoacán. The package includes five nights at the Hotel de la Soledad, half a block from the Plaza de Armas; a city tour; two day trips (one to see the butterflies and the other to visit Lake Pátzcuaro, several indigenous villages, and Janitzio Island); all admission fees; and breakfast daily. When Until Dec. 2007. Details The package does not include airfare. From March through October--when the butterflies have gone--the itinerary substitutes an excursion to the Parque Nacional Eduardo Ruíz for the butterfly preserve visit. Extra nights from $60. Single supplement $250. Contact Siesta Tours, 800/679-2746, siestatours.com.
Air from Dallas, transfers, and seven nights at the Westin Resort & Spa Cancún, 14 miles south of the city. The beachfront hotel has five pools, a gym, two restaurants, three tennis courts, and a variety of water sports. When Oct. 9-Dec. 24. Other Gateways St. Louis ($789); Chicago, Detroit ($899). Details No extra nights. Single supplement $410. Contact Apple Vacations, applevacations.com; book online or through a travel agent.
Aeroméxico flights from Houston to Mérida (via Mexico City), transfers, and three nights at the Presidente InterContinental Villa Mercedes. Less than a mile from the city center, the hotel has a pool, gym, and restaurant. When Until Dec. 13. Other Gateways Miami ($665), Phoenix ($679), New York ($685), L.A. ($779), San Diego ($959). Details There's a $10-per-night hotel fee. Extra nights $61. Single supplement $180. Book by Oct. 31. Contact Aeroméxico Vacations, 800/245-8585, aeromexicovacations.com.
Air from L.A., transfers, and four nights at the Hacienda Hotel & Spa, one block from the shore with a private beach club, spa, pool, and dive center. When Oct. 1-Dec. 14. Other Gateways Denver ($459), Chicago ($601), New York ($675). Details Extra nights from $91. Single supplement from $200. Children 12 and under stay free with one paying adult. Contact Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.
JetBlue Airways flights from New York and three nights in a room with a balcony at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino on Palm Beach, seven miles from the airport. The hotel has six restaurants, three bars, a lagoon-like pool, spa, gym, sauna, and casino on site. When Oct. 16-17, 23; Nov. 12; Dec. 4, 11. Other Gateways None. Details No extra nights. Call for the single price. Contact JetBlue Airways, 800/538-2583, jetblue.com.
Air from Miami, transfers, and four nights at the all-inclusive Marien Coral by Hilton hotel in Puerto Plata. The resort is on Costa Dorada beach, with several pools, a gym, three tennis courts, a dive center, and a variety of water sports. When Until Nov. 22 ($599); Nov. 27-Dec. 15 ($699). Other Gateways New York ($715/$815); Chicago, Houston ($859/$959). Details This price includes hotel taxes and service charges. Extra nights $79. Single supplement $100. Contact Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Air Jamaica flights from Baltimore or New York to Montego Bay, transfers, and three nights at the all-inclusive Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort, an oceanfront hotel with a gym, two pools, four tennis courts, a miniature nine-hole golf course, and a kids' activity center. When Until Dec. 14. Other Gateways Philadelphia ($729), Chicago ($739), L.A. ($819). Details Extra nights $95. Single supplement $65. Book by Oct. 31. Contact Air Jamaica Vacations, 800/568-3247, airjamaicavacations.com.
US Airways flights from Boston, transfers, seven nights at the brand-new Discovery at Marigot Bay hotel, and breakfast daily. The resort, which opened last month, has two pools, a spa, and five restaurants, including a café and a bakery. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and balconies. When Saturday departures until Dec. 22. Other Gateways Philadelphia ($1,993), Columbus ($2,167), Charlotte ($2,243), Chicago ($2,306). Details No extra nights. Single supplement from $1,469. Contact US Airways Vacations, 800/455-0123, usairwaysvacations.com.
Air from Boston to Providenciales, seven nights in an air-conditioned junior suite at the Comfort Suites Turks and Caicos Islands hotel, breakfast daily, and one $100 beverage credit for the room. The hotel has a pool, gym, and bar. It's across the street from Grace Bay Beach and within walking distance of the Ports of Call shopping complex, which has boutiques, restaurants, and scooter rentals. When Until Dec. 24. Other Gateways Columbus ($876), Philadelphia ($886), Charlotte ($888), Chicago ($911). Details Minimum stay seven nights. Extra nights from $131. Single supplement from $394. Add $40 for round-trip transfers. Contact US Airways Vacations, 800/455-0123, usairwaysvacations.com.
American Airlines flights from Miami to Belize City; an onward flight to Ambergris Cay; seven nights at the Corona del Mar hotel, a half-mile from San Pedro Town at Woody's Wharf; and breakfast daily. Stay in a beachfront room with a balcony overlooking the Caribbean. When Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday departures Oct. 1-Nov.13, Dec. 1-9 ($839); Nov. 14-Nov. 30 ($961). Other Gateways Dallas ($879/$1,001); New York ($933/ $1,055); Chicago ($1,033/$1,155); L.A., San Francisco ($1,089/$1,211); Portland, Seattle ($1,129/ $1,251). Details Extra nights $45. Single supplement from $260. Add from $140 for taxes and service charges. Contact Capricorn Leisure Corporation, 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
Air from Miami to San José and four nights at the all-inclusive Fiesta Resort and Casino in Puntarenas, on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. The resort has a dark volcanic-sand beach, four restaurants, six bars, four pools, free water sports, a children's club, and nightly entertainment. When Oct. 1-Nov. 14 ($545); Nov. 15-Dec. 20 ($595). Other Gateways Houston, New Orleans ($670/$720); Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, Philadelphia ($695/$745); New York ($720/$770); L.A., San Francisco ($794/$844). Details Extra nights from $65. Single supplement from $174. Add $60 for round-trip transfers. Contact Leisure Link International, 888/ 801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Copa Airlines flights from Miami to Buenos Aires (return flight is from Montevideo), all transfers, and five nights at three-star hotels divided between the capital cities of Argentina and Uruguay. The itinerary includes four nights in Buenos Aires at the Regis Orho Hotel (on pedestrian-only Lavalle Street), a half-day city tour with an English-speaking guide, onward transport by high-speed ferry to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay, one night in Monte- video at the Ibis Hotel (along La Rambla Sur), and breakfast daily. When Until Dec. 16. Other Gateways New York ($979), L.A. ($1,079). Details Extra nights $27. Single supplement $220. An extra night in Colonia del Sacramento starts at $30. You can stop over in Panama City for $122 (includes transfers, one night at the Marbella Hotel, breakfast, and a half-day tour of the Panama Canal). Add approximately $250 for taxes and fees. Contact Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Air from Miami to Buenos Aires, transfers, five nights at the May- flower Suites hotel (within walking distance of the Recoleta neighborhood), and breakfast daily. When Oct. 1-Dec. 9. Other Gateways Connecting flights from many U.S. gateways are available upon request. Details Extra nights from $35. Single supplement from $230. The price includes airline fuel surcharges as well as hotel taxes and fees. Contact Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.
American or Continental Airlines flights from Miami to Lima, all transfers, nine nights' hotel (two in Lima at the Hotel San Agustín, one in Aguas Calientes at the Hostel Presidente at the base of Machu Picchu, four in Cuzco at the Hotel San Agustín Plaza, and two in Puno at Hotel El Buho), domestic flights (from Lima to Cuzco and Puno to Lima), and English-speaking guides throughout. The package includes transportation to Machu Picchu aboard the Backpacker train; visits to Urubamba, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, and Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca; and a city tour of Lima. When Oct. 5, 26, Nov. 16, 30 ($1,895); Dec. 7, 28 ($2,045). Other Gateways L.A. ($2,020/$2,170), New York ($2,090/$2,240), Chicago ($2,230/ $2,380). Details Extra nights from $65. Single supplement $225. Add approximately $350 for meals, entrance fees, and other trip expenses. Travelers can choose to be paired with a roommate of the same sex for no extra charge; if none is available, the single supplement is only $113. Contact Djoser, 877/356-7376, djoserusa.com.
After 25 years of specializing exclusively in Ireland-based vacations, Sceptre Tours branched out to Scotland last month. "Interest in Scotland has grown to where we can't ignore it anymore," says Chris Accomando, president of Sceptre Tours. "It's a similar destination to Ireland, and a logical progression." Expanding to Scotland is just the first step for the family-owned company, which plans to sell trips to all of the U.K. by the end of the year. The new Scotland vacation roster includes city stays in Edinburgh and Glasgow, fully escorted tours, customizable golf packages, and itineraries that jump between Ireland and Scotland. Sceptre's Tartan package, the Scottish equivalent of the company's popular Ireland Emerald trip, costs $349 and includes a seven-day standard-car rental with unlimited mileage, one night at the Jurys Inn in Glasgow, five nights' worth of vouchers valid at nearly 400 B&Bs in Scotland, and breakfast daily. When Until March 31. Details This price does not cover international airfare. Extra nights from $70. Single supplement $100. Spend the first night in Edinburgh instead of Glasgow for an extra $20. Contact Sceptre Tours, 800/221-0924, sceptretours.com.
The Musée du Quai Branly--the only new major museum to open in Paris in the last 20 years--is at the foot of the Eiffel Tower on the banks of the Seine. Designed by well-known French architect Jean Nouvel, it's a series of low-lying buildings connected by walkways in the midst of 194,000 square feet of gardens, including some 15,000 plants embedded in an exterior facade. What's inside--art from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas--is equally impressive. The Musée du Quai Branly opened to great fanfare in June and expects more than a million visitors in its first year. Sofitel, the French-owned hotel chain, recently partnered with the museum to create a package that lets guests skip the inevitable lines. (Museum-hotel packages are something of a company specialty; it worked with the Musée du Luxembourg during its 2005 Matisse exhibition.) This Quai Branly deal combines one night at any of Sofitel's 13 hotels in Paris, breakfast, two VIP tickets to the museum, and two audio guides for $161 (based on double occupancy). When Until Dec. 31. Details Price does not include airfare. Extra nights from $180. Single supplement from $30. Contact Sofitel, 800/763-4835, sofitel.com.
Air from New York to Barcelona; three nights at the Hotel Principal near La Rambla and the Mercado de la Boquería; an onward flight to Madrid; three nights at the Hotel Puerta de Toledo, near the Plaza Mayor, Royal Opera, and El Rastro flea market; and breakfast daily. When Sept. 1-Oct. 31 ($1,059); Nov. 1-Dec. 13, Jan. 8-Mar. 23 ($899). Other Gateways Boston ($1,059/$909), Atlanta ($1,139/$949), Chicago ($1,159/$939), Miami ($1,159/$949), San Francisco ($1,299/$929), L.A. ($1,319/$929), Phoenix ($1,429/$1,219). Details Extra nights from $50. Single supplement from $250. Add up to $289 for airline taxes and fees. Contact EuropeASAP, 415/ 750-5449, europeasap.com.
Air from New York to Istanbul, transfers, five nights at the Marmara Pera Hotel in the lively Beyoglu district, breakfast daily, and a full-day city tour with English-speaking guides. When Wednesday departures Oct. 25-Dec. 6. Other Gateways D.C. ($889), Atlanta ($909), Miami ($929), Houston ($989), L.A. ($1,079). Details Extra nights from $70. Single supplement from $150. Contact Flo USA, 888/435-6872, flo-usa.com.
Air from New York to Naples, an eight-day economy-size car rental with unlimited miles, seven nights at the Hotel Villa Romana in the village of Minori on the Amalfi Coast, and both breakfast and dinner daily. The villa has a pool and lemon grove on site, and is short drive from the coastal towns of Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano. When Oct. 2-12 ($1,275); Oct. 13- 31 ($1,199); Nov. 1-Dec. 15 ($965); Dec. 16-Jan. 5 ($1,135). Other Gateways Philadelphia (add $12), Boston (add $30), Chicago (add $50), D.C. (add $54), Detroit (add $57), Atlanta (add $60), Cleveland (add $90), Miami (add $120), Houston (add $126), Tampa (add $128), Orlando (add $130), San Francisco (add $186), L.A. (add $189), Denver (add $198). Details Add-on fares are valid only for the month of October. No extra nights. No single supplement. Taxes and airline fuel surcharges are an additional $240. Contact TourCrafters, 800/482-5995, tourcrafters.com.
Czech Airlines flights from New York, Montreal, or Toronto to Prague; three nights at the three-star Hotel Beránek near Wenceslas Square; an onward flight to Budapest; and three nights at the downtown Atlas Hotel. The package includes all transfers, breakfast daily, and a half-day tour in each city with English-speaking guides. When Oct. 1-31 ($1,121); Nov. 1-Dec. 24 ($858). Other Gateways Boston ($1,147/$884); D.C. ($1,155/$892); Chicago ($1,229/$966); Atlanta ($1,237/$974); Miami, Orlando ($1,273/$1,010); L.A., San Francisco ($1,419/$1,156). Details Extra nights $75. Single supplement $258. Add approximately $270 for taxes and fees. Contact Summit International Travel, 800/247-1142, summittours.com.
Finnair flights from New York to St. Petersburg (via Helsinki), transfers, and six nights' hotel accommodations. Spend three nights in St. Petersburg at the Best Western Hotel Neptun, a 20-minute walk from Nevsky Prospekt; one night on an overnight train to Moscow in a four-person sleeper cabin; and two nights in Russia's capital at the Hotel Alpha, near the famous souvenir market in Izmailovsky Park. The package covers 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 Until Oct. 30 ($1,499); Nov. 1-Dec. 11 ($999); Dec. 12-25 ($1,149). Other Gateways Boston, D.C., Philadelphia ($1,649/$1,149/$1,349); Chicago, Detroit, Miami ($1,749/$1,249/$1,449); Dallas, Denver, L.A. ($1,894/$1,394/$1,594). Details Extra nights from $125. Single supplement $225. A Russian visa costs $145. Contact Eastern Tours, 800/ 339-6967, traveltorussia.com.
British Airways flights from New York to Nairobi (via London); transfers and local transportation (in a private minivan with driver and an English-speaking guide); one night at the Stanley Hotel in Nairobi; five nights on safari (two at the Sarova Shaba Lodge in the Shaba Game Reserve, one at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge on Lake Nakuru, and two at Sarova Mara Camp in the Masai Mara Game Reserve); breakfast daily; all meals and game drives while on safari; and all park entrance fees. When Until Oct. 31 ($2,399); Nov. 1-Dec. 15 ($1,999). Other Gateways None. Details Extra nights from $90. Single supplement from $365. Contact Swain Tours, 800/227-9246, swaintours.com.
South African Airways flights from D.C. or New York to Johannesburg, transfers, three nights at Hippo Hollow Country Estate near Kruger National Park, an onward flight to Cape Town, four nights at Cape Town Hollow, and breakfast daily. The itinerary also includes three game drives and two full- day tours: one of the Mpumalanga region, the other of the Cape Peninsula. When Oct. 1-Nov. 30 ($2,199); Dec. 1-Dec. 31 ($2,699). Other Gateways Atlanta (add $180); Boston, Chicago, Miami (add $200); Dallas, L.A., San Francisco (add $290). Details Extra nights at the Hippo Hollow $80. Single supplement $250. Contact Lion World Tours, 800/387-2706, lionworldtravel.com.
Air from Boston, D.C., L.A., Miami, New York, or San Francisco to Nairobi (via London); private-bus transfer to Arusha; and a nine-night safari trip. Spend one night at the Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha, one at the Tarangire Sopa Lodge in Tarangire National Park, two at the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, three at the Seronera Wildlife Lodge in Serengeti National Park, and two at Lake Manyara Hotel in Lake Manyara National Park. The price covers all transfers and local transportation (private van), park entrance fees, 25 meals, 13 game drives with an English-speaking guide, and a visit to Ngorongoro's Olduvai Gorge Museum. When Oct. 9, 21 ($2,895); Nov. 6, 20 ($2,945); Dec. 12 (New York, $3,265; all other cities, $3,460). Details No extra nights. Single supplement $400. Visas for Kenya and Tanzania are $50 each. Stop over in London in either direction for $125. A three-night extension to Zanzibar with hotel and airfare costs $695. Contact 2Afrika, 866/462-2374, 2afrika.com.
American Airlines flights from L.A. to Beijing; transfers; four nights at the Days Hotel and Suites Beijing (formerly Chang An Grand hotel) in the southeast corner of the old city; an onward flight to Tokyo; and three nights at the Hotel Grand Palace, 10 minutes from Tokyo Central Station. The escorted tour includes visits to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven in Beijing; stops at the Shinto Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Nakamise and Ginza shopping districts in Tokyo; all meals in China; and an English-speaking guide throughout. When Until Nov. 3 ($1,269); Nov. 4-11 ($1,359); Nov. 12-Dec. 14 ($1,199); Dec. 15-27 ($1,339). Other Gateways New York ($1,419/$1,499/$1,349/$1,499). Details Extra nights from $100. Single supplement from $275. Contact China Silk Tours, 800/945-7960, chinasilktours.com.
Cathay Pacific Airways flights from L.A., New York, or San Francisco to Singapore (via Hong Kong); transfers; two nights at the Holiday Inn Atrium near Clarke Quay; and a round-trip, seven-night sailing up the Malay Peninsula on the SuperStar Gemini in an inside cabin. The ship stops in Penang, Krabi, Phuket, and Langkawi. The price includes a half-day tour of Singapore, breakfast daily, and all meals on the cruise. When Wednesday departures Oct. 25-Dec. 13. Other Gateways D.C., Philadelphia, Phoenix (add $65); Miami (add $125); Denver (add $165); Atlanta, Dallas (add $320). Details An outside cabin is $160 more. Extra nights in Singapore from $102. Single supplement from $489. Contact Goway Travel, 800/387-8850, goway.com.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Singapore, an onward flight to Chennai (formerly known as Madras), all transfers and local transportation (private air-conditioned car), and 11 nights' hotel accommodations. Spend one night in Singapore and 10 nights in the southern Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu (two nights each in Madurai, Mamallapuram, Thanjavur, and Periyar; one in Alleppey on a houseboat; and one in Cochin). The price covers a walking tour of Mamallapuram, a rickshaw tour of Madurai, visits to the Sri Ranganathaswamy and Meenakshi temples, a guided jungle walk and boat trip through the Periyar Tiger Reserve, all meals on the houseboat, breakfast daily, and a farewell dinner in Cochin. When Until Dec. 5. Other Gateways New York (add $150); Denver, Phoenix, Seattle (add $175); D.C. (add $250); Austin, Dallas, Houston (add $275); Chicago (add $325). Details Extra nights $80. Single supplement $400. Contact Sayang Holidays, 888/ 472-9264, sayangholidays.com.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Bangkok, transfers, three nights at the Twin Towers Hotel (a 15-minute walk from the National Stadium and the Hua Lampong train station), a half-day tour of the city and its temples, an onward flight to Phuket, two nights at the Coconut Village Resort on Patong Beach, and breakfast daily. When Until Dec. 4. Other Gateways Boise, Denver, Portland, Seattle (add $175); New York (add $200); Austin, Dallas, Tulsa (add $275); Boston, D.C., Philadelphia (add $300); Chicago, Detroit (add $345). Details Extra nights from $25. Single supplement $220. Add three days in Chiang Mai for $240 (includes airfare, transfers, two nights' hotel, a half-day elephant-camp tour, and breakfast daily). Contact Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Cathay Pacific Airways flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City; arrival transfer and local transportation (train, boat, bus); 13 nights' lodging (two nights each in Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An, three nights in Hanoi, one night each in Nha Trang and Hue, one homestay in the Mekong Delta, and three overnight trains); breakfast daily; and an English-speaking guide throughout the trip. When Oct. 12, 26; Nov. 9, 23. Other Gateways New York ($1,799). Details A local payment of $135 is due upon arrival in Vietnam. Add $30 for entrance fees and about $12 per day for meals. Airport and departure taxes, and fuel and security surcharges, are an additional $210. 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 Pacific flights from L.A. to Nandi, transfers, and seven nights in a garden-view room at the Plantation Island Resort on Malolo Lailai (an island 10 miles off Viti Levu). The resort has a dive center and offers free windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. When Until Mar. 31. Other Gateways San Francisco (add $125); Las Vegas (add $135); Dallas, Denver, San Antonio (add $390); Atlanta, Boston, New York, Orlando (add $455). Details Extra nights $160. No price for singles. A meal plan is available for $50 per day. Contact Exotic Escapes, 866/666-8922, airpacificusa.com.
Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A. to Sydney, transfers, five nights at the Travelodge Wynyard Hotel in Sydney's Central Business District, a half-day city tour, an onward flight to Tahiti, two nights at the Radisson Plaza Resort (pool, spa, restaurant, and two bars) on Lafayette Beach, and breakfast daily. When Oct. 25; Nov. 8, 22; Dec. 6; Jan. 24. Other Gateways New York (add $100). Details No extra nights. Single supplement $399. Departure taxes and airline fees are an additional $295. Contact SmarTours, 800/337-7773, smartours.com.
United Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Launceston (via Sydney); transfers; an eight-day compact automatic-transmission car rental with unlimited miles; and 10 nights' standard hotel accommodations. The self-drive itinerary includes two nights each in Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Freycinet, and Hobart; an onward flight from Hobart to Melbourne; two nights at the Travelodge Southbank Hotel near the Crown Casino and Royal Botanic Gardens; a half-day city tour of Melbourne; and two breakfasts. When Until Dec. 2 ($2,305); Dec. 3-Feb. 28 ($2,735). Other Gateways Las Vegas, Seattle (add $96); Denver (add $144); Boston, D.C., New York (add $240). Details Extra nights from $45. Single supplement from $895. Add approximately $135 for departure taxes and security fees. Contact Swain Tours, 800/227-9246, swaintours.com.
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Auckland, a seven-day car rental with unlimited miles, and a six-night Go Kiwi Silver Hotel Pass. The pass consists of six open vouchers that are valid at 40 three- and four-star hotels in New Zealand. When Until Dec. 9 (from $1,559); Dec. 10-Jan. 31 (from $2,189). Other Gateways Connecting flights from many U.S. gateways are available upon request. Details Call for the extra-night price and the single supplement. This price includes fuel surcharges. Contact Newmans South Pacific Vacations, 888/592-6224, newmansvacations.com.