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40 Best
The Real Deals right now.
April 2007 issue
Tuesday, March 20, 2007;
Have you gone on a 40 Best trip? We want to publish your accounts and pictures! They help others learn more about the companies listed in this section--and we love reading the tales. E-mail us at Letters@BudgetTravelOnline.com.
UNITED STATES
Honolulu for $563
Miami for $299
New York City for $521
Western U.S. Houseboats for $750
CANADA
Vancouver for $473
MEXICO
Cancún for $459
Puerto Vallarta for $496
CARIBBEAN
Bonaire for $679
Dominican Republic for $420
Puerto Rico for $620
St. Lucia for $685
CENTRAL AMERICA
Costa Rica & Nicaragua for $695
Honduras for $1,019
Panama for $880
SOUTH AMERICA
Northern Peru for $950
EUROPE
Explore Istanbul and Ephesus for $1,349
Adriatic Cruise for $2,099
Danube Bike Tour for $659
France B&B for $839
Ireland B&B for $859
Madrid & Lisbon for $1,159
Ukraine River Cruise for $1,499
AFRICA AND MIDDLE EAST
Egypt & Kenya Tour for $3,399
South Africa & Victoria Falls Tour for $2,995
ASIA
Beijing for $848
China & Tibet Tour for $3,250
Malaysia Adventure Tour for $1,335
Thailand for $945
Vietnam Tour for $1,599
North Island for $1,995
Beverly Hills for $599
Air from Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sacramento, or Tucson to L.A.; a four-day convertible rental; and four nights at the Maison 140 hotel in Beverly Hills. The deal includes one $50 certificate per room good for en suite spa services or drinks at the hotel's Bar Noir. When: Apr. 1-Dec. 31. Other Gateways: Houston (add $99), Chicago (add $165), Dallas (add $199), New York (add $225), D.C. (add $259). Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Air from San Francisco and seven nights at the Ohana Maile Sky Court, near the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in Waikiki. When: Apr. 18-June 6 ($563); June 13-July 4 ($670). Other Gateways: Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis (from $884). Contact: NWA WorldVacations, 800/800-1504, nwaworldvacations.com.
Air from Atlantic City, Baltimore, Chicago, D.C., New York, or Providence to Miami or Fort Lauderdale and three nights at the Ramada Plaza Marco Polo or the Howard Johnson Dezerland Miami Beach Resort. Upgrade to the Dorchester Hotel or Marseilles South Beach hotel for $29 more. When: Apr. 16-Dec. 20. Other Gateways: Boston, Dallas, Houston ($389); L.A. ($449). Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Spirit Airlines flights from Detroit or Fort Lauderdale and three nights at the Jolly Hotel Madison Towers, on the corner of Madison Avenue and 38th Street in Midtown Manhattan. When: Apr. 26-June 30. Other Gateways: Las Vegas, L.A. ($721). Contact: Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.
Seven Crown Resorts has an off-season "Day-Night" special: Rent a houseboat for at least two nights and receive an extra night at no additional cost. As a result, the three-night total is $750 for a boat that sleeps 6-9 people, and $1,150 for one that fits 10-12. All vessels come with full kitchens, beds, baths, sundecks, and barbecues. The deal is valid at all the company's locations: California Delta and Lake Shasta, Calif.; Lake Mead, Nev.; and Lake Mohave, Ariz. A $500 security deposit is extra and will be refunded upon the houseboat's return in good condition. This is a land-only price. National park entrance fees on Lake Mohave and Lake Mead aren't covered. When: Until June 10. Blacked out May 25-28. Contact: Seven Crown Resorts, 800/752-9669, sevencrown.com.
Quebec Road Trip for $1,539
Air Canada flights from Atlanta, Boston, Miami, or New York to Montreal (return flight is from Quebec City); a six-day car rental with unlimited mileage; and six nights' accommodations in B&Bs or inns known for their cuisine and wine selection. Spend one night in downtown Montreal at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth hotel, another in Quebec City at the Auberge Duchesnay, and two nights each in St. Paulin at the Auberge Le Baluchon and in Montmagny at the Manoir des Érables. When: Until Oct. 15. Other Gateways: Chicago ($1,569), L.A. ($1,639). Contact: Maxxim Vacations, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.
Alaska Airlines flights from San Francisco and three nights at the Empire Landmark hotel, on Robson Street in downtown Vancouver. When: Apr. 1-June 30. Other Gateways: L.A. (from $510); New York, Orlando (from $643). Contact: Alaska Airlines Vacations, 800/468-2248, alaskaair.com.
Cabo San Lucas for $575
US Airways flights from San Diego, transfers, and three nights at the all-inclusive Best Western Posada Real Los Cabos. The beachfront hotel is next to the Mayan Palace Golf Los Cabos in the city's main resort zone. When: Monday and Tuesday departures Apr. 7-June 30. Blacked out May 25-28. Other Gateways: Phoenix (from $580), Las Vegas (from $604). Contact: US Airways Vacations, 800/455-0123, usairwaysvacations.com.
Air from Fort Lauderdale and four nights at the all-inclusive Flamingo Cancún Resort & Plaza, a 15-minute walk from Plaza Caracol. When: Apr. 20-June 30. Other Gateways: Detroit ($529); Chicago, D.C., New York ($549). Contact: The Vacation Travel Mart, 800/288-1435, vacmart.com.
Air from Denver, transfers, and four nights in a studio at the Villa del Palmar Vallarta Beach Resort & Spa in the northern hotel zone. It has two pools, four restaurants, two tennis courts, a gym, a spa, and a beach. Children 12 and under stay free with a paying adult. When: Apr. 16-July 2. Other Gateways: L.A., Apr. 16-Oct. 27 (from $525); Chicago, Apr. 22-June 11 (from $696); New York, Apr. 22-June 11 (from $736). Contact: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.
Aruba for $545
JetBlue Airways flights from New York and three nights at the Holiday Inn SunSpree Aruba Resort & Casino on Palm Beach, six miles from the airport. When: Apr. 14-Dec. 21. Other Gateways: None. Contact: JetBlue Airways, 800/538-2583, jetblue.com.
Air from Atlanta, transfers, and seven nights in a garden-view suite at Caribbean Club Bonaire, on the island's west coast. Add $399 for an Eco-Adventure package that includes a weeklong truck rental, mangrove kayak tour, cave snorkel trip, bike and snorkel gear rentals, and breakfast daily. When: Apr. 14-Dec. 14. Other Gateways: Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia (add $63); Chicago (add $88); Miami (add $117). Contact: Caradonna Dive Adventures, 800/328-2288, caradonna.com.
Spirit Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale, transfers, and three nights at the all-inclusive Hotel Riu Naiboa in Punta Cana. The resort has a pool, a bar, an 18-hole golf course, three restaurants, and a beach within walking distance. When: Apr. 9-June 25. Other Gateways: Orlando, Tampa ($495); Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, New York ($570). Contact: Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.
US Airways flights from Charlotte or Philadelphia, transfers, and three nights at the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel, on the waterfront in the city's historic district. When: Apr. 1-June 30. Other Gateways: Chicago, D.C. ($634). Contact: US Airways Vacations, 800/455-0123, usairwaysvacations.com.
Air Jamaica flights from Atlanta, transfers, and three nights at the Bay Gardens Hotel, on the south side of the Rodney Bay Marina. It has a restaurant, two bars, two pools, and a hot tub. One child under 12 can stay for no extra charge with two paying adults. When: Until June 30. Blacked out May 4-13. Book by Apr. 30. Other Gateways: Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia (add $60). Contact: Air Jamaica Vacations, 800/568-3247, airjamaicavacations.com.
Another Way to See Venezuela for $1,785
In the wake of the media blitz about Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez's reelection, Reality Tours is leading guided trips to the country for people who'd like to take a look at what's happening on the ground. As the travel branch of Global Exchange, an international human rights organization based in San Francisco, Reality Tours creates itineraries to the country around different themes (e.g., oil and the environment, women's rights, labor and land reform) that vary by departure date. All trips, however, introduce visitors to members of grassroots organizations, agricultural cooperatives, government-controlled industries, and independent media associations. "Groups meet the people who live there to hear their perspectives, including the pros and cons, so they can walk away with a more nuanced understanding of the changes in the country," says Carlos Martinez, the tour company's Venezuela program coordinator. Reality Tours' 16-day Language School program includes all local transportation (plane and bus), 14 nights' accommodations (2 in a Caracas hotel and 12 in a homestay in Mérida), Spanish lessons four hours per day on weekdays, two meals daily, and English-speaking guides throughout. The itinerary also features discussions with the founder of an independent news website, a student opposition leader, and local coffee farmers, as well as visits to social programs in barrios. Note: The price doesn't cover international airfare. When: June 1, Aug. 4. Contact: Global Exchange Reality Tours, 800/497-1994, globalexchange.org.
A 15-day escorted adventure tour through Costa Rica and Nicaragua, departing from San José. The itinerary includes all local transportation (bus, van, ferry, and boat), admission to the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a Masaya Volcano tour, and 14 nights' accommodations in simple hotels. Spend two nights each in San José, Liberia, San Juan del Sur, Ometepe Island on Lake Nicaragua, Granada, Solentiname, and La Fortuna. A local payment of $200 is due upon arrival. Add about $300 for meals. The price doesn't include international airfare. When: Apr. 21, May 19. Contact: G.A.P Adventures, 800/465-5600, gapadventures.com.
Delta Airlines flights from New York to Roatán (via Atlanta), transfers, and seven nights at the Lost Paradise Inn on the Bay Islands. When: Apr. 1-30 ($1,059); May 1-June 30 ($1,019). Other Gateways: Atlanta (from $1,029); Dallas, L.A., San Francisco (from $1,039); Miami (from $1,059); Chicago (from $1,089). Contact: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
American Airlines flights from Miami, transfers, and six nights at the all-inclusive Royal Decameron Beach Resort, Golf & Casino (four pools, eight restaurants, seven bars, and one disco) on Playa Blanca. When: Wednesday and Thursday departures until Apr. 15 ($1,096); Apr. 16-June 15, Aug. 17-Dec. 8 ($880); June 16-Aug 16 ($980). Other Gateways: Dallas, Houston (add $160); Atlanta, D.C. (add $180); Chicago (add $260); L.A., San Francisco (add $300). Contact: Tara Tours, 800/327-0080, taratours.com.
Buenos Aires & Santiago for $849
Lan Airlines flights from Miami to Buenos Aires, all transfers, three nights at the downtown Regis Orho Hotel, a half-day city tour, an onward flight to Santiago, two nights at the Hotel Principado in Plaza Italia, and breakfast daily. When: Until June 17. Other Gateways: New York (add $150); L.A., San Francisco (add $160); Baltimore, Boston, D.C. (add $180); Atlanta, Chicago, Houston (add $235). Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
A 13-day escorted tour around northern Peru, departing from Lima. The price covers all local transportation (public bus, van, and flights within Peru), 12 nights' accommodations (10 nights in simple hotels and two nights camping), some meals, and a guide throughout. Highlights include the Karajia burial grounds, the recently discovered Gocta waterfall, and a three-day hiking trek to the Kuélap fortress archaeological site, which is nearly the size of Machu Picchu. A local payment of $250 is due upon arrival. Add about $200 for meals. The price doesn't include international airfare. When: Apr. 22; May 13; June 3, 24; July 15. Contact: G.A.P Adventures, 800/465-5600, gapadventures.com.
Icelandair Flies to New Cities for $1,138
Next month, Icelandair will add two more Scandinavian destinations to its summer schedule--Bergen, Norway, and Göteborg, Sweden, the second-largest cities in both countries--and double its flights from Boston and New York. You can already book introductory rates, like $626 round trip to Bergen from the East Coast, and new packages to the region. Three nights in Bergen, for example, start at $1,138 and include airfare from Baltimore, Boston, or New York; hotel accommodations; and breakfasts. When: May 17-June 14, Aug. 21-31 ($1,138); June 17-Aug. 19 ($1,474). Other Gateways: Minneapolis, Orlando (add from $50). Contact: Icelandair Holidays, 800/779-2899, icelandairholidays.com.
Ephesus, an ancient Greek city in western Turkey, was once one of the most important ports on the Aegean Sea, and it still has plenty to show for it. Tourists and scholars flock to the archaeological site to explore its excavated civic library, theaters, temples, fountains, and baths--some of which date back to 600 b.c., and others to the early years of Christianity. When the pope visited Turkey in November, he held Mass just outside Ephesus, on the doorstep of a hillside structure believed to have been the Virgin Mary's last home. A guided tour of that building, as well as of excavated ruins in Ephesus, is part of Troy Tours' six-night package to Turkey. The trip also includes nonstop Turkish Airlines flights to Istanbul from New York, all transfers and local transportation, four nights at the Hotel Romance, an onward flight to Izmir, two nights in Ku¸sadasi (an Aegean Coast town 25 minutes from Ephesus) at the Pine Marina Hotel, the three-hour guided ruins tour described above, and breakfast daily. When: Apr. 1-May 15 ($1,349); May 16-June 30 ($1,699). Other Gateways: Chicago (add $100), Atlanta (add $180), L.A. (add $290). Contact: Troy Tours, 800/748-6878, troytours.com.
Air from New York to Venice, all transfers, a seven-night Adriatic Sea sailing on the Dalmacija, and three nights in Venice after the cruise at the Hotel Malibran near the Rialto Bridge. The ship's itinerary follows the Adriatic coastline and includes stops at Zadar, Ploce, Korcula, Dubrovnik, and Pula, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; and Koper, Slovenia. The rate covers all meals and entertainment while aboard the ship. Add about $120 per passenger for port charges. When: Apr. 6 ($2,499); Apr. 13 ($2,099); Apr. 20 ($2,299); Apr. 27 ($2,399). Other Gateways: Boston (add from $50); D.C. (add from $90); Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle (add from $189); L.A. (add from $210). Contact: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com. Editor's Note: The valid travel dates were updated on Mar. 20, 2007.
An eight-day self-guided bike trip along the Danube River Bike Path from Linz to Vienna with luggage transfers, breakfast daily, and seven nights' accommodations in four-star hotels. Spend one night each in Linz, Ennes, Grein, Melk, and Krems; and two in Vienna. The itinerary also includes admission to several of Vienna's sites: Schönbrunn Palace, Riesenrad (the city's giant Ferris wheel), and the zoo. Bike rentals cost about $64 extra per person. This is a land-only price. When: Apr. 1-Oct. 31 (adults from $659; kids under 11 from $439). Contact: BikeToursDirect, 877/462-2423, biketoursdirect.com.
Air from New York to Paris (return flight is from Nice), a seven-day car rental with unlimited mileage, six nights of vouchers valid at 430 B&Bs and hotels, and breakfast daily. When: Apr. 1-May 17 ($839); May 18-June 25 ($1,229); June 26-Sept. 3 ($1,179). Other Gateways: Boston (from $909); Dallas (from $989); L.A., San Francisco (from $999). Contact: EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.
Air from New York to Dublin, a seven-day car rental with unlimited mileage, six nights of vouchers valid at over 2,000 B&Bs, and breakfast daily. When: Apr. 1-May 17 ($859); May 18-June 25 ($1,401); June 26-Sept. 3 ($1,099). Other Gateways: Philadelphia, Miami (from $869); Boston (from $909); Chicago (from $929); San Francisco (from $1,059). Contact: EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.
Air from New York to Madrid (return flight is from Lisbon); three nights in Sercotel Apartamentos Togumar hotel, near the Charmartín train station; an onward flight to Lisbon; three nights at the VIP Inn Berna by the Campo Pequeno bullfighting arena; and breakfast daily. When: Until June 14. Other Gateways: D.C. (add $30), Memphis (add $70), Atlanta (add $150). Contact: Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.
A 13-day cruise on the Dnieper River aboard the Marshal Kosevoi from Kiev to Odessa, with stops at Kanev, Kremenchug, Zaporizhzhya, Kherson, Sevastopol, and Yalta. The itinerary can go in the reverse direction depending upon departure date. The price covers all meals, entertainment, concerts, and lectures on board; daily sightseeing; and an English-speaking guide throughout. This is a land-only rate; round-trip airfare from New York with transfers costs about $1,100. When: June 9, 20; July 12, 23; Aug. 3, 14, 25; Sept. 5, 26. Contact: Value World Tours, 800/795-1633, valuecruises.net.
Cape Town for $2,063
Air from D.C. or New York, a six-day car rental, five nights at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront City Lodge, a half-day city tour, a guided trip to Robben Island, and breakfast daily. When: Apr. 1-May 31 ($2,063); June 1-30 ($2,449). Other Gateways: L.A. (add $300). Contact: Karell's African Dream Vacations, 800/327-0373, karell.com.
EgyptAir flights from D.C. or New York to Cairo, all transfers and local transportation, and a 16-day escorted tour through Egypt and Kenya. The itinerary includes three nights in Cairo at the Sofitel Le Sphinx hotel; a three-night Nile River cruise on the King of Thebes with all meals and shore excursions; an overnight flight to Nairobi; seven nights in Kenya (two in Nairobi at the Sarova Stanley Hotel, two in the Shaba Game Reserve at the Sarova Shaba Lodge, one at the Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge on Lake Nakuru, and two at the Sarova Mara Game Camp in the Masai Mara Game Reserve); seven game drives; all meals while on safari; and English-speaking guides throughout. When: Saturday departures Apr. 7-28 ($3,699); May 5, 12 ($3,499); May 19, 26 ($3,399); June 2, 9 ($3,879); June 16-30 ($4,399). Other Gateways: Boston (add from $50); Atlanta, Chicago (add from $170); L.A., San Francisco (add from $250). Contact: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com.
South African Airways flights from Chicago, D.C., or New York to Johannesburg; all transfers and local transportation; one night at the Metcourt Laurel at Emperors Palace hotel; an onward flight to Kwa Madwala Private Game Reserve; four nights at the Manyatta Rock Camp; an onward flight to Zambia (via Johannesburg); and two nights at the Zambezi Sun Hotel at the base of Victoria Falls. The price covers six game drives and a full-day game safari in Kruger National Park, all meals while on safari, a low-altitude safari flight, an elephant interaction, a visit to a traditional Swazi village, and a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. When: Apr. 1-May 31 ($2,995); June 1-30 ($3,495). Other Gateways: Charlotte (add from $195), Miami (add from $225), L.A. (add from $325). Contact: 2Afrika, 866/462-2374, 2afrika.com.
Bali for $749
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Bali (via Singapore); transfers; five nights in Sanur Beach at the Ari Putri Hotel, in Legian Beach at the Camplung Mas Hotel, or in Ubud at the Dewi Sri Bungalows; a half-day island tour; and breakfast daily. Stop in Singapore for two nights for $70 more. When: Until June 4 ($749); June 5-Aug. 31 ($999). Other Gateways: Denver, Portland, Seattle (add $175); New York (add $200); Dallas, Houston (add $275); Boston, Buffalo, Philadelphia (add $335). Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
United Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco, transfers, and five nights at the Gloria Plaza Hotel near the Embassy District. The price covers guided sightseeing tours to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Summer Palace, the Ming Tombs, and the Great Wall; a boat ride on Lake Kunming; breakfast daily; and two lunches. When: Select Wednesday departures Apr. 4-June 27. Other Gateways: New York (add $160). Contact: Pacific Delight World Tours, 800/221-7179, pacificdelighttours.com.
Air from L.A. to Beijing (return flight is from Shanghai); all transfers and city-to-city transportation (train, plane, boat, and bus); and a 15-night tour to China, Tibet, and the Yangtze River with an English-speaking guide throughout. Spend three nights each in Beijing and Lhasa; two in Shanghai; one each in Xi'an, Gyantse, and Wuhan; three on a Yangtze River cruise; and one on an overnight train. Add about $275 per week for meals and entry fees. When: Apr. 7, 28, May 19 ($3,250); June 9, 30, July 2, Aug. 11 ($3,475). Other Gateways: New York (from $3,320); Chicago, Miami (from $3,440). Contact: Djoser, 877/356-7376, djoserusa.com.
A two-week escorted tour in Borneo, from Kota Kinabalu to Penampang, with local transportation (minibus, boat, and plane) and 13 nights' accommodations: seven in hotels, three in homestays, and one each in a jungle camp, mountain chalet, and dormitory. Itinerary highlights include a hike up Mt. Kinabalu, wildlife spotting by riverboat, and visits to a turtle hatchery on Selingan Island, an orangutan sanctuary in Sepilok jungle, and hot springs in Poring. A local payment of $200 is due upon arrival. This price doesn't include international airfare. When: Apr. 22, May 20, June 17, July 15. Contact: The Great Canadian Travel Company, 800/661-3830, greatcanadiantravel.com.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Phuket, transfers, seven nights at either the Cape Panwa Hotel or Aqua Marine Resort and Villa, breakfast daily, and one half-day tour with visits to these sites: other beaches on the island, Promthep Cape, and an offshore fishing village built over the water on stilts. When: Apr. 1-June 5 ($945); June 6-Aug. 31 ($1,195). Other Gateways: New York (from $1,045); Dallas, Houston ($1,235). Contact: Sayang Holidays, 888/472-9264, sayangholidays.com.
Cathay Pacific flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Hanoi (via Hong Kong), arrival transfers, all local transportation (train, public and private buses, and boats), 13 nights' lodging, most breakfasts, and English-speaking guides throughout. Spend two nights each on overnight trains and in a hut on Whale Island; one night with a family in the Mekong Delta; and eight nights at simple hotels in Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. A local payment of $150 is due upon arrival. Add $12 a day for meals. When: Apr. 11, 25, May 9, 23 ($1,599); June 6, 20 ($1,949). Other Gateways: New York (from $1,749). Contact: Adventure Center, 800/227-8747, adventurecenter.com.
Qantas Airways flights from L.A. to Auckland, three nights in Scenic Circle Airedale Hotel, bus transfers to Rotorua, and three nights in Sudima Hotel Lake Plaza hotel. The itinerary includes a full-day tour of Auckland and its surrounding mountains and beaches, a full-day Rotorua tour with a visit to a Maori crafts center and Rainbow Springs, one dinner, and three breakfasts. When May 1-June 8; July 24-Sept. 21. Other Gateways: Dallas ($2,350), Chicago ($2,395), New York ($2,450). Contact: Sita World Tours, 800/421-5643, sitatours.com.