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40 Best Vacations
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December 2006/January 2007 issue
Tuesday, November 21, 2006;

UNITED STATES

Waikiki's New Suite Deals for $269
This month, Hawaii-based Outrigger Enterprises completes the first phase of Waikiki Beach Walk, the biggest development in the history of Honolulu's tourist zone. The eight-acre site along Lewers St. between Kalia Rd. and Kalakaua Ave. will be home to four new hotels, a time-share tower, a large retail center, and an outdoor plaza. When Embassy Suites Hotel-Waikiki Beach Walk opens on December 6th, all of phase one's major construction work and landscaping will be finished. (The grand opening isn't until March.) As an introductory rate, one-bedrooms, regularly $399, start at $269 per night until November 2007. Suites easily sleep four people and include free, made-to-order breakfasts that come with island favorites like Spam and rice. When: Until Mar. 31, June 8-Aug. 25 ($299); Apr. 1-June 7, Aug. 26-Oct. 31 ($269). Details: Land only. Prices are per room; there's no single rate. Two-bedroom suites begin at $419 per night. Contact: Embassy Suites Hotel-Waikiki Beach Walk, 800/362-2779, embassysuites.com.

Colorado Family Skiing for $1,990
Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association teamed with American and United Airlines to create the "Kids Fly and Stay Free" family skiing package for two adults and two children under 12. The deal includes air from L.A. to Gunnison-Crested Butte, transfers, four nights in a two-bedroom condo within a free, 10-minute shuttle ride to the slopes in Mount Crested Butte, and three days of lift tickets. When: Select departure and arrival dates Jan. 3-Feb. 15. Other Gateways: Dallas ($2,122), Chicago ($2,441). Details: The price is per group of two adults and two children under 12; there is no single rate. Extra nights with lift tickets are $362 per family. Contact: Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association, 800/851-0473, gunnisoncrestedbutte.com.

Hawaii for $896
Air from L.A. to the Big Island, a six-day car rental, and five nights at the 12-acre Royal Kona Resort, within walking distance to Kailua village. The oceanfront hotel has two restaurants, four tennis courts, a swimming pool, spa, and gym. When: Jan. 17-Mar. 8. Other Gateways: Denver ($1,063); Chicago, New York ($1,223). Details: Extra nights $138. Single supplement from $460. Contact: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.

Orlando for $389
Air from Chicago or New York, a five-day car rental with unlimited mileage, and five nights with breakfast daily at the Royal Celebration Inn or Westgate Inn, both within five miles of Disney World. When: Until Dec. 15; Jan. 3-Feb. 28. Other Gateways: Atlanta, D.C. (add $49); Boston (add $59); Dallas (add $149); San Francisco (add $170). Details: Extra nights from $19. Single supplement from $99. 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.

San Diego for $539
JetBlue flights from New York, transfers, and three nights at the Bahia Resort Hotel in Mission Bay, on a private 14-acre peninsula eight miles from downtown San Diego and the airport. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool, two tennis courts, a restaurant, and complimentary evening cruises on Mission Bay aboard a stern-wheeler boat, with live music and DJs. When: Dec. 10, 11; Jan. 8, 9; Feb. 4. Other Gateways: Boston ($549). Details: No extra nights. Call for the single price. Contact: JetBlue Airways, 800/538-2583, jetblue.com.

Yellowstone National Park for $139
The "Nordic Heaven" package at Yellowstone National Park covers two nights at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, inside the park; a full-day cross-country ski rental with transportation to a drop-off point; unlimited ice-skating and skate rentals; and breakfast daily. When: Jan. 1-Mar. 2. Details: This is a land-only price. Extra nights with ski rental $64. Single supplement $144. Contact: Xanterra Parks & Resorts, 866/439-7375, travelyellowstone.com.

CANADA

Whistler Skiing for $692
Alaska Airlines flights from San Francisco, transfers by Perimeter Whistler express bus (about two hours), four nights at the Delta Whistler Village Suites hotel (includes the fourth night free), and a two-day lift pass. When: Sunday-Wednesday departures until Feb. 12. Other Gateways: L.A. (from $710); New York, Orlando (from $842). Details: Extra nights (without lift ticket) from $104. Single supplement from $297. Call for the price of a lift pass extension. Contact: Alaska Airlines Vacations, 800/468-2248, alaskaair.com.

MEXICO

Cancun for $558
Air from Fort Lauderdale and three nights at the all-inclusive Allegro Playacar resort, 40 minutes south of Cancun. The beachfront hotel has four lighted tennis courts, two pools, and three restaurants. When: Until Dec. 22 ($558); Jan. 3-21 ($604). Other Gateways: Atlanta, Detroit, Orlando ($588/$634); D.C. ($618/$664); Chicago, New York ($638/$684). Details: Extra nights from $74. Single supplement from $22. Add $40 for round-trip transfers. Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.

Mexican Riviera Cruise for $499
Seven nights aboard the Diamond Princess on a round-trip sailing from L.A. with three full days at sea and stops at Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. When: Jan. 13, 27 ($499 inside cabin, $549 obstructed ocean view, $599 ocean view, $799 balcony). Details: Price includes port charges but not airfare. Contact: GalaxSea Cruises and Tours, 800/662-5450, cruisestar.com.

Mexico City for $429
United Airlines flights from Chicago or L.A., transfers, and three nights at the Fiesta Inn Centro Historico, within one mile of the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Zocalo plaza. When: Jan. 5-31. Other Gateways: San Francisco ($489), Denver ($559), D.C. ($579). Details: Extra nights from $39. Single supplement $120. Contact: United Vacations Latin America, 800/328-6877, uv-latin.com.

CARIBBEAN

Aruba for $1,291
US Airways flights from Philadelphia, transfers, and five nights at the beachfront Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, with a gym, four lighted tennis courts, three restaurants, and two bars. When: Until Feb. 28. Other Gateways: Charlotte ($1,348), D.C. ($1,354), Atlanta ($1,360), Indianapolis ($1,386). Details: Extra nights from $288. Single supplement from $748. Contact: US Airways Vacations, 800/455-0123, usairwaysvacations.com.

Bermuda for $679
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 Southampton resort, 20 minutes away, where there is a beach club, golf, tennis, and another spa. When: Dec. 10, 11; Jan. 8, 9; Feb. 4. Other Gateways: Boston and Burlington, Vt. (add from $25). Details: No extra nights. Call for the single price. Contact: JetBlue Airways, 800/538-2583, jetblue.com.

Jamaica for $666
Air from Orlando to Montego Bay, and five nights at the all-inclusive Riu Ocho Rios Hotel, a 90-minute drive away. The beachfront resort has two tennis courts, a spa, gym, seven restaurants, and six bars. When: Until Dec. 12 ($666); Jan. 2-25 ($1,021); Jan. 26-Apr. 8 ($1,080). Other Gateways: Miami ($717/$1,072/$1,131), Chicago ($770/$1,125/$1,184), L.A. ($864/$1,219/$1,278). Details: Extra nights from $108. Single supplement from $79. Add $45 for round-trip transfers. Contact: Atlas Vacations, 800/634-1057, atlasvacations.net.

CENTRAL AMERICA

Belize for $1,219
American Airlines flights from Miami to Belize City, all transfers (car and plane), two nights at the Jaguar Paw Jungle Lodge in the Cayo District, and five nights at the Sunbreeze Hotel on Ambergris Cay. When: Dec. 1-9, Jan. 3-Apr. 30. Other Gateways: Dallas ($1,264); New York ($1,315); Chicago ($1,415); L.A., San Francisco ($1,472); Portland, Seattle ($1,512). Details: Extra nights from $70. Single supplement from $531. Contact: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.

Costa Rica for $1,064
American Airlines flights from Miami to San José, a seven-day Toyota Yaris car rental with unlimited miles, seven nights' lodging, and three breakfasts. Spend four nights at the Hotel Costa Verde, 300 yards from the beach and near Manuel Antonio National Park. Then drive inland for three nights at Hotel Río Perlas Spa & Resort, near Tapantí National Park and the Irazu and Turrialba volcanoes. When: Dec. 1-9; Jan. 3-Apr. 30. Other Gateways: Dallas ($1,089), New York ($1,129); Chicago ($1,159); L.A., San Francisco ($1,169); Portland, Seattle ($1,275). Details: Extra nights from $52. Single supplement from $474. Contact: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.

SOUTH AMERICA

Wine Tours in Argentina for $695
Argentina's wine industry has expanded its international profile with record exports the past two years, but three fourths of its vineyards are clustered in just one region: Mendoza. The northwestern province is famous for its Malbec grapes, grown in the hot days and cold nights of the Andes. G.A.P Adventures sells a 15-day trip through Northern Argentina that stops at wine hubs along the way--including Cafayate and Mendoza--with visits to local wineries. The itinerary covers 12 nights in simple hotels (one in Cafayate; two each in Tucumán, Chilecito, Buenos Aires, and Mendoza; and three in Salta); two night buses; all local transportation (on public and private buses); a full-day winery tour; and an English-speaking guide throughout. When: Dec. 16; Jan. 13; Feb. 10; Mar. 10. Details: A local payment of $250 is due upon arrival. Add $200 for meals. Extra nights $15. Single travelers will be paired with a roommate of the same sex. This is a land-only price; airfare isn't covered. Contact: G.A.P Adventures, 800/465-5600, gapadventures.com.

Ecuador for $1,575
LanEcuador flights from Miami to Quito, transfers, three nights at the downtown Grand Hotel Mercure Quito with breakfast daily, onward flight to Puerto Francisco de Orellana (also referred to as Coca) in the Amazon rain forest, and three nights at La Selva Jungle Lodge with all meals and guided daily excursions. The package includes a tour of Quito and the Equatorial Monument, and a full-day visit to the Otavalo Indian Market with lunch. When: Until Dec. 9, Jan. 1-Mar. 31 ($1,575); Dec. 10-31 ($1,675). Other Gateways: L.A. ($1,675/$1,775), New York ($1,775/$1,875). Details: Extra nights from $45. Single supplement $480. Contact: Marnella Tours, 866/993-0033, marnellatours.com.

Peru Tour for $1,795
Air from Miami to Lima, all transfers and internal flights, nine nights' hotel accommodations (three in Lima, two in the Sacred Valley, one in Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu, and three in Cuzco), most meals, 15 sightseeing tours, and an English-speaking guide throughout. The tour includes two visits to Machu Picchu, a Quechua- weaving demonstration, a home-hosted dinner in the Sacred Valley, and a rafting trip down the Urubamba River. When: Dec. 5, 15, 29 ($1,795); Jan. 3, 7, 10, 16, 18, 25, 28, Feb. 5, 8, 14, 18, 24, 26 ($1,895). Other Gateways: Dallas, New York, Philadelphia ($2,145/$2,245). Details: Geared toward people over the age of 50. Each group has a maximum of 16 travelers. Contact: Overseas Adventure Travel, 800/248-3737, oattravel.com.

Santiago, Chile for $739
Copa Airlines flights from Miami to Santiago (via Panama City), transfers, five nights at the Hotel Principado in Plaza Italia, a half-day city tour, and breakfast daily. When: Until Dec. 6, Jan. 6-Mar. 31 ($739); Dec. 7-Jan. 5 ($939). Other Gateways: New York (add $150), L.A. (add $200). Details: Extra nights $32. Single supplement from $140. Add approximately $250 for taxes and fuel surcharges. Stop over in Panama City for $122 (includes transfers, one night's hotel, breakfast, and a half-day tour of the Panama Canal). Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.

EUROPE

Barcelona for $649
Air from New York and four nights at the NH Numancia Hotel, near Plaza Francesc Macià. When: Until Dec. 14, Jan. 4-Mar. 7 ($649); Dec. 15-Jan. 3 ($899). Other Gateways: Boston, Philadelphia (add $30); D.C. (add $60); Chicago, Miami (add $80); L.A., San Francisco (add $190). Details: Extra nights from $58. Single supplement from $180. Contact: Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.

Croatia & Italy for $2,080
Air from D.C. or New York to Zagreb (return flight is from Florence); nine nights' hotel split between Istria, Croatia, and Tuscany; private-car transfers between Zagreb and Opatija, and onward to Florence; and breakfast daily. Spend five nights in Opatija at the Grand Hotel Adriatic, and either four nights in Florence at the Hotel Adler Cavalieri or two nights each in Florence and Siena at the Best Western Hotel Palazzo dei Priori. When: Until Dec. 14; Dec. 25-Mar. 31. Other Gateways: Miami (add $70); Chicago (add $80); L.A., San Francisco (add $150). Details: Extra nights from $170. Single supplement $690. Round-trip transfers to Siena cost an extra $50. Contact: Travel Time, 800/354-8728, traveltimeny.com.

Ireland for $999
Air from Boston or New York to Shannon, transfers, and four nights at the Killarney Plaza Hotel. This "All-Inclusive Ireland" package covers tours of the Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, and Killarney; all activities, such as golf, spa services, canoe trips, and horseback riding; and all meals. When: Wednesday and Thursday departures until Dec. 19; Jan. 22-Feb. 28. Other Gateways: Baltimore, D.C. (add from $30); Chicago (add from $35); L.A. (add from $125). Details: Extra nights $169. Single supplement from $199. Contact: Dooley Vacations, 877/331-9301, dooleyvacations.com.

Istanbul for $229
Four nights at the Hotel Avicenna in the historic Sultanahmet district; a full-day guided walking tour of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar; a half-day tour of the Spice Market; and a Bosporus cruise. When: Until Dec. 15; Jan. 5-Mar. 31. Details: Extra nights from $27. Rates are per room; there's no single supplement. This is a land-only price; international airfare isn't covered. Contact: TourCrafters, 800/482-5995, tourcrafters.com.

Italy for $1,599
Austrian Airlines flights from D.C. or New York to Venice (the return flight is from Florence), and nine nights' hotel accommodations: three nights each in Venice at the Hotel American, in Tuscany at the Castello del Trebbio, and in Florence at the Hotel Corona d'Italia. The itinerary also covers a first-class train trip between Venice and Florence, round-trip bus transfers to Tuscany, a cooking class with dinner, and breakfast daily. When: Until Dec. 14; Jan. 4-Feb. 8; Feb. 21-Mar. 15. Other Gateways: None. Details: Extra nights $79. No price for singles. Contact: Austrian Airlines Vacation Center, 800/790-4682, austrianair-vacations.com.

Norway Cruise for $2,300
SAS flights from New York to Bergen (via Copenhagen; the return flight is from Oslo); transfers; one night in Bergen; four nights on a first-class cruise ship up the Norwegian coast with stops in Ålesund, Trondheim, and the Lofoten Islands; and two nights in Tromsø. The package includes all meals while on the cruise, and breakfast daily. When: Dec. 21 ($2,445); Dec. 25 ($2,630); Jan. 9, 22, Feb. 6, 7, 13, 17 ($2,300). Other Gateways: D.C. (add $135), Chicago (add $165), Seattle (add $275). Details: Extra nights from $103. Single supplement from $180. Prices include port charges. Contact: Norwegian Coastal Voyage, 212/319-1300, norwegiancoastalvoyage.us.

Paris for $599
Air France flights from New York to Paris and six nights at the Amarys Simart Hotel in Montmartre, near the Sacré Coeur Basilica. When: Until Dec. 15, Jan. 4-Mar. 25 ($599); Dec. 16-24 ($679); Dec. 25-Jan. 3 ($669). Other Gateways: D.C. (add $60); Atlanta, Miami (add $150); L.A., Dallas (add $200). Details: Extra nights from $36. Single supplement from $180. Contact: Air France Holidays, 800/237-2623, airfranceholidays.com.

Prague, Budapest & Kraków for $1,099
Czech Airlines flights from Montreal, New York, or Toronto to Prague; all transfers; three nights' hotel each in Prague, Budapest, and Kraków; a half-day tour of Prague; and breakfast daily. When: Until Dec. 27 ($1,259); Jan. 1-Mar. 15 ($1,099). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh (add from $59); Atlanta, Chicago (add from $139); Miami (add from $179). Details: Extra nights from $29. Single supplement $459. Add about $190 for airport taxes. Book by Dec. 31. Contact: Tatra Travel, 800/321-2999, austrian-vacations.com.

AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST

Kenya for $1,989
Northwest/KLM Airlines flights from New York to Nairobi, minivan transfers with an English-speaking driver/guide, one night in Nairobi at the Nairobi Safari Club, and five nights on safari: one night each at the Samburu Lodge in the Samburu Game Reserve, the Ark lodge in the Aberdare National Park, and the Lake Nakuru Lodge in Lake Nakuru National Park; and two nights at the Mara Simba Lodge in the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The itinerary covers breakfast daily, meals and game drives while on safari, and all park entrance fees. When: Dec. 25-Mar. 31. Other Gateways: Dallas (add $150), L.A. (add $250). Details: Extra nights from $95. Single supplement from $455. Contact: Karell's African Dream Vacations, 800/327-0373, karell.com.

Namibia Road Trip for $2,299
Air from New York to Windhoek, 10-day car rental with unlimited mileage, and nine nights' accommodations: one in Windhoek at the Villa Verdi, two in the Namib Desert at the Desert Homestead, two in Swakopmund at the Sea Breeze Guest House, one in the Twyfelfontein Uibasen Conservancy at the Twyfelfontein Lodge, two at an Etosha National Park rest camp, and one in the Okahandja region at the Otjisazu Guest Farm. The package includes a route briefing with road maps and a detailed itinerary, car insurance, seven breakfasts, and one dinner. When: Until Dec. 15 ($2,369); Dec. 16-20 ($2,599); Dec. 21-26 ($2,799); Dec. 27-31 ($2,899); Jan. 1-12 ($2,799); Jan. 13-31 ($2,299); Feb. 1-28 ($2,399). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C. (add from $125); Atlanta (add from $175); Chicago, Miami (add from $189); L.A., San Francisco, Seattle (add from $295). Details: Extra nights $109. Single supplement $499. Contact: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com.

South Africa for $2,995
South African Airways flights from D.C. or New York to Cape Town (via Johannesburg), all transfers and local flights, and 11 nights' lodging. Spend one night near Johannesburg at the Protea Hotel Waterfront; three in Kruger National Park at the Pretoriuskop rest camp or similar; two at the Knysna Hollow Country Estate; one each at Protea Hotel Riempie Estate and Protea Hotel Devon Valley; and three nights in Cape Town at the City Lodge V&A Waterfront hotel. The price covers breakfast daily; park entrance fees; five game drives; a Cape Peninsula tour; and visits to an ostrich farm, the Cango Caves, and two Western Cape wine estates. When: Dec. 23; Jan. 6, 20; Feb. 3, 17. Other Gateways: L.A. ($325). Details: Extra nights $140. Single supplement from $395. The group sizes range from 2 to 10 travelers. Contact: 2Afrika, 866/462-2374, 2afrika.com.

ASIA

Beijing & Shanghai for $699
Air China flights from L.A. to Beijing; airport transfers; four nights at the Capital Hotel, within walking distance of Tiananmen Square; onward flight to Shanghai; three nights at the Holiday Inn Downtown Shanghai, near the railway station; breakfast daily; English-speaking guides throughout. When: Dec. 25, Apr. 3 ($899); Jan. 16, Feb. 27 ($699); Mar. 20 ($799). Other Gateways: New York (add $100). Details: No extra nights. Single supplement $199. Add $250 for departure taxes and airline fees. Contact: SmarTours, 800/337-7773, smartours.com.

India for $1,599
Air India flights from New York to Delhi; all transfers and local transportation (private bus); and six nights' accommodations (two nights in Delhi at Claridges Hotel, two in Agra at the Hotel Clarks Shiraz, and two in Jaipur at the Country Inn & Suites); tours of the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri, including entrance fees; a farewell dinner in Delhi; and breakfast daily. When: Dec. 26 ($2,349); Jan. 23 ($2,099); Mar. 6 ($1,999); Apr. 24, May 8 ($1,599). Other Gateways: None. Details: Book by Dec. 15 and get $200 off. Extra nights from $275. Single supplement $445. Maximum group size is 30. Contact: Friendly Planet Travel, 800/555-5765, friendlyplanet.com.

Singapore & Hong Kong for $1,199
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Singapore, transfers, six nights' hotel accommodations split between Singapore and Hong Kong, and breakfast daily. The package covers three nights in Singapore at the Furama RiverFront hotel, within walking distance of Clarke Quay; onward flight to Hong Kong; three nights at the Metropark Hotel in Causeway Bay; and two half-day city tours. When: Until Dec. 5, Jan. 1-Mar. 25 ($1,199); Dec. 6-12, 24-31 ($1,549); Dec. 13-23 ($1,649). Other Gateways: Denver, San Diego (add $175); Houston (add $275); Chicago, D.C., New York (add $350). Details: Extra nights from $102. Single supplement from $375. Fuel surcharges of $172 are included. Contact: Globotours, 800/988-4833, globotours.net.

Thailand for $899
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Bangkok (via Singapore); 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. 5; Dec. 6-31 ($1,199); Jan. 1-Mar. 31 ($949). Other Gateways: Denver (add $175); New York (add $200); Austin, Dallas (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 $270 (includes airfare, transfers, two nights' hotel, a half-day elephant-camp tour, and breakfast daily). Stop over in Singapore for $64 (includes transfers and two nights' hotel). Taxes and fuel surcharges are approximately $300 more. Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.

Vietnam & Cambodia Tour for $2,595
Japan Airlines or EVA Air flights from L.A. to Hanoi (via Tokyo or Taipei); transfers and local transportation (bus, train, plane); 12 nights' hotel (three in Hanoi, two in Hue, one in Hoi An, three in Ho Chi Minh City, and three in Siem Reap, Cambodia). The 15-day tour includes visits to the tunnels of Chu Chi, Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, Angkor Wat, and the Thein Mu pagoda in Hue; a boat trip on Halong Bay; and English-speaking guides throughout. When: Dec. 29 ($2,845); Jan. 10, 31, Feb. 12 ($2,595). Other Gateways: New York ($2,945/$2,695), Miami ($3,060/$2,810), D.C. ($3,085/$2,835), Chicago ($3,170/$2,920). Details: Add $250 per week for meals and entry costs. Extra nights from $60. Single supplement from $350. Travelers can choose to be paired with a roommate of the same sex for no extra charge; if none is available, the fee is $175. Contact: Djoser, 877/356-7376, djoserusa.com.

Yangtze River Cruise for $1,299
China Eastern Airlines from L.A. to Chongqing (via Shanghai), transfers and local flights, and an 11-day itinerary that includes one night in Chongqing at the Marriott Hotel, an eight-day, round-trip Yangtze River cruise, all meals while on board, and English-speaking guides throughout. The ship stops at the gorges of Wu, Qutang, and Xiling; the Three Gorges Dam; Fengdu; and Shibaozhai. When: Tuesday departures Dec. 5-Mar. 6. Other Gateways: None. Details: Extra nights from $40. Single supplement from $600. Minimum group size is six travelers. Add $231 for airport taxes. Contact: Ritz Tours, 800/900-2446, ritztours.com.

SOUTH PACIFIC

Fiji for $1,459
Air Pacific flights from L.A. to Nandi, transfers, and five nights in an ocean-view bungalow at Hideaway Resort on the Coral Coast of the main island, Viti Levu. The beachfront hotel has a pool, restaurant, bar, gym, dive center, tennis court, and spa. When: Until Mar. 31. Other Gateways: None. Details: Extra nights $235. Single supplement $719. Add about $236 for departure taxes. Contact: Fiji Travel, 800/500-3454, airpacificusa.com.

Tahiti & Moorea for $1,780
Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A. to Papeete, transfers and inter-island flights, one night at the Sofitel Tahiti Resort on the island's west coast, five nights at the Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort in a garden bungalow, and both breakfast and dinner daily. When: Until Dec. 12 ($1,780); Jan. 8-Mar. 31 ($1,970). Other Gateways: New York ($2,099/$2,240). Details: Extra nights $152. No price for singles. Contact: Goway Travel, 800/387-8850, goway.com.

AUSTRALIA

Sydney Combo for $1,699
Qantas Airways flights from L.A. to Sydney, flights within Australia, and six nights split between Sydney (at the Hotel Ibis Darling Harbour, downtown near the convention center) and either Brisbane (at the Ibis, near the shops on Queen Street) or Melbourne (at the Mercure Hotel Welcome, in the shopping and theater district). When: Until Dec. 7 ($1,699); Jan. 17-31 ($2,099). Other Gateways: New York (add $300). Details: Call for the extra-night price. Single supplement $390. Choose a Sydney/Great Barrier Reef combo starting at $200 more. Contact: Qantas Airways/Tourism Australia, 800/369-6863, australia.com.

NEW ZEALAND

North Island for $1,902
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Auckland, transfers, and a seven-day Eclipse 2 camper-van rental. The van has a double bed and a kitchenette, but no bathroom. When: Until Dec. 15, Mar. 1-31 ($1,902); Dec. 16-Feb. 28 ($2,089). Other Gateways: None. Details: Extra nights from $69. Single supplement from $241. Prices include all airport taxes, security charges, and fuel surcharges. Contact: Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.