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40 Best
The Real Deals right now.
May 2007 issue
Tuesday, April 17, 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.
Editors' Correction: When writing up the Fiji Cruise package in our May issue, we accidentally left out an "s" in the name and website of the travel company who is running the deal. Our sincere apologies! The correct name and website are the following: IslandsEscapes, islandsescapes.com.
FEATURES
Millennium Hotel Deals from $109
Sumptuous South Africa from $1,999
A New Arts Festival in Toronto from $178
UNITED STATES
Honolulu for $629
Las Vegas for $184
New Orleans for $299
Orlando for $184
CANADA
Reader Report
MEXICO
Playa del Carmen for $519
CARIBBEAN
Bahamas for $535
Caribbean Cruise for $679
Dominican Republic for $649
Jamaica for $299
CENTRAL AMERICA
Guatemala Tour for $1,149
Nicaragua for $799
SOUTH AMERICA
Peru Tour for $1,910
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EUROPE
Istanbul & Western Turkey Cruise for $659
Northern Portugal Tour for $1,786
Paris for $739
Prague, Vienna & Budapest for $1,499
Sicily Road Trip for $1,699
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
Tunisia Tour for $784
ASIA
China Tour for $1,299
Southeast Asia Tour for $630
Tibet Tour for $2,499
Tokyo & Kyoto for $1,649
SOUTH PACIFIC
Cook Islands for $1,512
Fiji Cruise for $2,119
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
North and South Islands for $2,228
Millennium on View, the visual arts program founded by Millennium Hotels in 2004, partners with museums and cultural institutions around the country to sponsor exhibitions and then create hotel deals around them. This year the company funded shows at arts organizations in seven of the 13 U.S. cities where it owns hotels, such as "WACK! Art and the Feminist Revolution" at L.A.'s Museum of Contemporary Art, and "Picasso and American Art" at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, which opens June 16. The Pablo Picasso Package starts at $159 and includes one night's stay, breakfast, and two tickets to the exhibition--early bookers can attend a preview party on June 15. In Chicago, one night at the Knickerbocker hotel and admission for two to the Museum of Contemporary Art begins at $169. The packages, priced from $109, vary by city, exhibition, and date. Contact: Millennium Hotels, 866/866-8086, millenniumhotels.com/onview.
The new joint venture from South African Airways and Lion World Tours, named Visit Southern Africa, is rolling out a wide range of upscale packages to the region. One of the best deals launches this month with six nights at two five-star hotels for $1,999. "We wanted to show that South Africa is affordable--not just at three-star accommodations," says Lion World Tours President Lucille Sive. The South Africa in Style deal includes SAA flights from D.C. or New York to Cape Town, all transfers, four nights at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, a winery tour, either a helicopter ride or dinner at the hotel's Azure restaurant, an onward flight to Hoedspruit, two nights at the Jackalberry Lodge in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, four game drives, and all meals on safari. When: May 1-30 ($1,999); June 1-Aug. 31 ($2,899); Sept. 1-30 ($2,499); Oct. 1-31 ($2,299); Nov. 1-30 ($2,199). Other Gateways Atlanta, Miami (add $180); Boston, Chicago (add $200); Dallas, L.A., Seattle (add $290). Contact: Visit Southern Africa, 888/722-4872, visitsaonsaa.com.
From June 1 to June 10, Toronto will host Luminato, its first annual multigenre arts festival. The series of performances and exhibitions is the brainchild of civic leaders to show off the city's more than $1 billion investment in new cultural venues, including architect Daniel Libeskind's expansion of the Royal Ontario Museum (opening June 2). Luminato highlights include the world premieres of Eric Idle's oratorio based on the Monty Python film Life of Brian, a Leonard Cohen-Philip Glass collaboration, and a play about pianist Glenn Gould. Online ticket sales began April 7, but the city will showcase enough free entertainment to make up for any sold-out performances. Visitors can see art installations dangling from the ceilings of public venues, such as the Great Hall of Union Station, and take in live music shows in the Distillery District without tickets or reservations. Five city hotels have partnered with Luminato to provide special rates during the festival: the Drake Hotel, Pantages Suites Hotel & Spa, Westin Harbour Castle, Park Hyatt Toronto, and Delta Chelsea hotel. Packages start at $178 per night; contact each hotel for details and availability. When: June 1-10 (from $178). Contact: Luminato, luminato.com.
Alaska Cruise for $749
A seven-day sailing on Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess from Whittier to Vancouver (or vice versa, depending on departure dates). The ship travels the Inside Passage, goes through College Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park, and stops at Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. When: Saturday departures May 19-July 28 ($749 inside cabin; $849 ocean-view cabin). Prices cover port charges but not airfare. Contact: American Discount Cruises, 866/214-7447, americandiscountcruises.com.
Air from L.A., transfers, and five nights at the Ohana Waikiki Malia hotel on Kuhio Avenue, a 15-minute walk from Waikiki Beach. When: May 2-July 12. Book by June 15. Other Gateways: Denver ($849); Chicago, New York, Philadelphia ($879). Contact: Apple Vacations, applevacations.com.
Southwest Airlines flights from L.A. or Tucson and two nights on the Strip at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino. When: May 1-July 31 (from $184). Other Gateways: Denver, El Paso (from $234); Philadelphia, St. Louis (from $304); Islip, Orlando (from $319). Contact: Southwest Airlines Vacations, 800/423-5683, swavacations.com.
Air from Houston or Nashville and three nights at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Astor-New Orleans, in the French Quarter. When: Until Dec. 23. Other Gateways: Dallas, D.C., Orlando ($339); Chicago, Fort Lauderdale ($375); New York ($389); Phoenix ($409); Las Vegas ($449). Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Spirit Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale; transfers; three nights at the Best Western Lakeside hotel, two miles from the Walt Disney World resort's main entrance; and tickets to Gatorland, an alligator theme park. When: May 7-21; May 29-June 25. Other Gateways: Atlanta, Detroit ($272); Atlantic City ($287). Contact: Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.
Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island for $1,209
Air Canada flights from Boston, Miami, or New York to Halifax; a six-day car rental; six nights' accommodations at B&Bs, hotels, or inns in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (two each in Halifax, Lunenburg, and Charlottetown); and tickets to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. When: Until Oct. 31. Other Gateways: Chicago ($1,249), L.A. ($1,309), Atlanta ($1,359). Contact: Maxxim Vacations, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.
Sandra and Jay Rush, of Rexburg, Idaho, noticed a cross-country ski package at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins in Yellowstone National Park in our December/January issue and booked it during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. "We had a blast!" writes Sandra. "Even though there were below-zero temperatures the whole time, it was sunny and the skiing was outstanding. The lodge has been there forever, and the rooms are a bit spartan, but the excellent attention and service give the place a warm atmosphere. It felt like a cozy retreat in the Alps but was less than a day's drive from our home. We'd go back in a heartbeat."Contact: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel's summer rates start at $72 per night (Xanterra Parks & Resorts, 866/439-7375, travelyellowstone.com).
Cabo San Lucas for $789
Champion Air charter flights from St. Louis, transfers, and seven nights at the all-inclusive Best Western Posada Real Los Cabos in the hotel zone. When: Monday departures May 7-July 23. Other Gateways: Dallas, May 30-July 25 ($809). Contact: Worry-Free Vacations, 888/225-5658, worryfreevacations.com.
JetBlue Airways flights from New York to Cancún and five nights at the all-inclusive Reef Playacar Beach Resort on Playa del Carmen, 40 miles south of Cancún. Round-trip airport transfers are not included. When: May 6, 9, 10, 13, 16; June 10; July 8. Other Gateways: None. Contact: JetBlue Airways, 800/538-2583, jetblue.com/getaways.
Anguilla for $699
Arawak Beach Inn's Island Adventure package includes round-trip airport transfers, seven nights in an oceanfront room with breakfast daily, four dinners, a three-day car rental, champagne on arrival, a daylong beach excursion with lunch, and a day trip to Saint Martin. This is a land-only price; international airfare isn't covered. When: Until May 31 ($799); June 1-Oct. 31 ($699). Contact: Arawak Beach Inn, 877/427-2925, arawakbeach.com.
JetBlue Airways flights from New York and three nights at the Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino on Cable Beach. Round-trip airport transfers are not included. When: May 7, 20, 21, 22; June 18; July 9. Other Gateways: None. Contact: JetBlue Airways, 800/538-2583, jetblue.com/getaways.
Seven-night round-trip sailing from San Juan on Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas, with two days at sea and stops in Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas. The price includes port charges but not airfare. When: Sunday departures May 6-June 24; July 15-29 ($679 inside cabin/$769 ocean-view cabin). Contact: American Discount Cruises, 866/214-7447, americandiscountcruises.com.
Air from Miami and seven nights at the all-inclusive LTI Beach Resort Punta Cana Golf & Spa on Bávaro Beach. When: May 1-July 1. Book by June 25. Other Gateways: None. Contact: The Vacation Travel Mart, 800/288-1435, vacmart.com.
Spirit Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale, transfers, and three nights at the Samsara Cliff Resort in Negril. When: May 7-21; May 29-June 25. Other Gateways: Orlando, Tampa ($374); Atlanta, Atlantic City, Chicago, D.C., Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York, Providence ($424). Contact: Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.
Costa Rica for $689
American Airlines flights from Miami, a seven-day Toyota Yaris rental, five nights near Manuel Antonio National Park at the Hotel Costa Verde, and two nights in a 550-acre rain-forest reserve at the Hotel Villa Lapas. When: May 1-June 30, Sept. 1-Oct. 31 ($689); July 1-Aug. 31 ($788). Other Gateways: Dallas (from $714); New York (from $749); Chicago (from $775); L.A., San Francisco (from $782); Portland, Seattle (from $875). Contact: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
Grupo Taca Airlines flights from Miami to Guatemala City, all transfers and local transportation (local buses, private van, motor boat), and a 16-day fully escorted tour with 13 nights in simple hotels and two nights in jungle lodges. Itinerary highlights include Antigua's colonial architecture and visits to the waterfalls of Semuc Champey, the Mayan ruins at Tikal, the Chichicastenango market, Lake Atitlán, and both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Add $320 for meals. A local payment of $250 is due upon arrival. When: May 11, 18; June 1, 8, 22, 29; July 13, 20; Aug. 3, 10, 24, 31. Other Gateways: D.C., L.A., New York ($1,199); San Francisco ($1,249). Contact: Adventure Center, 800/227-8747, adventurecenter.com.
American Airlines flights from Miami to Managua, transfers, and seven nights at the all-inclusive Barceló Montelimar Beach resort on the Pacific coast. When: May 1-June 30, Sept. 30-Dec. 9 ($799); July 1-Aug. 31 ($998). Other Gateways: Dallas (from $829); New York (from $945); Chicago, L.A., San Francisco (from $999); Portland, Seattle (from $1,055). Contact: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
Brazilian Coast Tour for $995
A 13-day escorted tour round trip from Rio de Janeiro along the southeastern coast of Brazil with all transfers and local transportation (flight to Florianópolis, ferry, public bus, train), 10 nights' accommodations in simple hotels, and one night on a bus. Spend three nights on the island Ilha do Mel; two nights each in Rio de Janeiro, Florianópolis, and Paraty; and one in Curitiba. A $300 local payment is due upon arrival. Add $260 for meals. The price doesn't cover international airfare. When: May 27, July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 9, Oct. 14. Contact: G.A.P Adventures, 800/465-5600, gapadventures.com.
American or Continental Airlines flights from Miami to Lima, domestic flights from Lima to Cuzco and Puno to Lima, all transfers, nine nights' hotel, and English-speaking guides throughout. Spend two nights in Lima at the Hotel San Agustín, four in Cuzco at the Hotel San Agustín Plaza, one in Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu at the Hostel Presidente, and two in Puno at the Hotel El Buho. The itinerary includes round-trip transportation from Cuzco to Machu Picchu aboard the Backpacker train, visits to Urubamba and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, a tour of Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca, and a city tour of Lima. Add about $350 for meals, entrance fees, and other trip expenses. When: May 14, Sept. 17 ($1,910); June 4 and 25, July 16, Aug. 6 and 27 ($2,060). Other Gateways: New York (from $2,100), D.C. (from $2,135), Chicago (from $2,245). Contact: Djoser, 877/356-7376, djoserusa.com.
If you like the looks of a company's trips, check out its website to see if it puts out an e-mail newsletter. Tour operators such as 2Afrika, G.A.P Adventures, and Djoser publish updates that can be a great source of information on new destinations, special promotional codes, and deals (especially last-minute ones). We regularly come across savings of up to 20 percent. The companies also run newsletter-only contests, with prizes like vouchers and trips. G.A.P Adventures, for example, recently gave one lucky subscriber a tour for two to Botswana.
England for $849
Air from New York to London, a seven-day car rental, six nights of vouchers valid at 1,200 B&Bs across the country, and breakfast daily. When: May 1-17 ($849); May 18-June 25 ($1,189); June 26-Sept. 3 ($1,139). Other Gateways: Boston, Philadelphia (from $869); D.C. (from $919); Atlanta (from $959); Dallas (from $979); Chicago, Miami (from $989); L.A., San Francisco (from $1,009). Contact: EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.
Two nights in Istanbul with a half-day city tour; all transfers; an onward flight to Marmaris; and a seven-night sailing along the southwestern coast of Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea aboard a gulet, a 60-to-80-foot-long traditional wooden sailing vessel with up to 12 double-berth cabins and private facilities. The sailing itinerary includes stops at Ekincik, Fethiye, the Gocek Islands, Oludeniz, Agalimani, Kumblubuk, Kadirga, and Turunc. The trip price covers breakfast daily in Istanbul and all meals while aboard the gulet, but not international airfare. When: Saturday departures May 1-31, Oct. 1-31 ($659); June 1-30, Sept. 1-30 ($725); July 1-Aug. 31 ($779). Contact: Picasso Tours, 800/995-7997, picassotours.com.
TAP Portugal flights from New York to Lisbon, all transfers and local transportation (private, air-conditioned bus), and a 10-day escorted tour around northern Portugal. The price covers 15 meals, entrance fees, English-speaking guides throughout, and nine nights' hotel accommodations: three each in Lisbon and Porto; and one each in Coimbra, Évora, and Urgeiriça. Highlights include visits to Fátima, the Monastery of Batalha, and the Roman ruins at Conímbriga; and a port-wine tasting in the Douro region. When: May 12, June 9, Sept. 15, Oct. 13 ($1,893); June 23, July 7, Aug. 4 ($2,348); Nov. 10 ($1,786). Other Gateways: None. Contact: Abreu Tours, 800/223-1580, abreu-tours.com.
Air from New York, six nights at the Hotel du Roi René in the 17th arrondissement, and breakfast daily. When: May 1-17 ($739); May 18-June 25 ($1,049); June 26-Sept. 3 (from $989). Other Gateways: Boston (from $749); Philadelphia (from $759); Chicago (from $799); D.C. (from $809); Atlanta (from $819); Dallas (from $829); Miami (from $839); L.A., San Francisco (from $849). Contact: EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.
Austrian Airlines flights from D.C. or New York to Prague (via Vienna); a return flight from Budapest (via Vienna); three nights each in Prague at the Hotel Victoria, in Vienna at the Hotel Atlantis, and in Budapest at the Grand Hotel Hungaria; second-class intercity train transportation; and breakfast daily. When: Until May 17, Sept. 10-Oct. 31 ($1,499); May 18-Sept. 9 ($1,699). Other Gateways: Chicago, starting May 29 (from $1,499). Contact: Austrian Airlines Vacation Center, 800/790-4682, austrianair-vacations.com.
Eurofly flights from New York to Palermo, a seven-day car rental, seven nights' hotel accommodations, and breakfast daily. Spend one night in Palermo at the Vecchio Borgo and three nights each in Agrigento at the Dioscuri Bay Palace and in Marsala at the Resort Baglio Oneto. When: May 6-13 ($1,699); May 14-24 ($1,899); May 25-June 14 ($1,999); June 15-30 ($2,199); July 1-31 ($2,499). Other Gateways: None. Contact: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com.
Namibia Road Trip for $2,995
South African Airways flights from D.C. or New York to Johannesburg, all transfers, one night in Jo'burg, an onward flight to Windhoek, a nine-day car rental, and eight nights' accommodations at lodges and hotels. The self-drive itinerary travels through the Kalahari Desert, Fish River Canyon Park, the historic city of Lüderitz, Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert, and Swakopmund on the Atlantic Coast. When: May 1-31 ($2,995); June 1-July 31 ($3,395). Other Gateways: Miami (add $225); Denver, L.A., San Francisco (add $325). Contact: 2Afrika, 866/462-2374, 2afrika.com.
A 10-day escorted tour round trip from Tunis with transfers, all local transportation (including Sahara excursions in a four-wheel-drive vehicle), nine nights' hotel accommodations, most meals and entrance fees, and English-speaking guides throughout. Itinerary highlights include visits to Mediterranean beaches, the oasis at Tozeur, Kairouan souks, Roman ruins in Carthage, and the underground dwellings in Matmata where the first Star Wars movie was filmed. The price doesn't cover international airfare. When: May 1-June 30 ($784); July 1-30 ($871). Contact: AfricaExperts, 800/245-0920, africaexperts.com.
Beijing & Hong Kong for $949
Cathay Pacific Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco, all transfers, three nights in Beijing at the Jingduyuan Hotel with breakfast daily, and three nights in Hong Kong at the BP International Hotel in Kowloon. When: Until May 31 ($949); June 1-Aug. 16 ($1,299). Other Gateways: Boise, Portland, Seattle (add $50); New York (add $150); Billings, Denver (add $220); Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Minneapolis (add $335). Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Air China flights from San Francisco to Beijing; all transfers and local transportation (train, bus); 10 nights in four-star hotels divided between Beijing, Jinan, Tai'an, Qufu, Suzhou, and Shanghai; one overnight train; most meals; and an English-speaking guide throughout. Itinerary highlights include visits to Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall, an acrobatic show in Shanghai, and a cable-car ride up Mount Tai. When: Thursday departures May 3-31, July 23 ($1,299); June 7-July 19 ($1,399). Other Gateways: New York (add $200). Contact: China Focus Travel, 800/868-7244, chinafocustravel.com.
A nine-day fully escorted tour from Bangkok to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, the Mekong Delta, and Ho Chi Minh City. The price covers all local transportation (local bus, plane, bicycle), eight nights in simple hotels, five meals, most entrance fees, a bicycle tour of Ho Chi Minh City, and an English-speaking guide throughout. A local payment of $150 is due upon arrival. Add $120 for meals. The price doesn't include international airfare. When: May 6, 20, 27; June 3, 17, 24; July 1, 8, 22, 29. Contact: G.A.P Adventures, 800/465-5600, gapadventures.com.
Air from L.A. or San Francisco, all transfers and local transportation (plane, air-conditioned bus), and an 11-day fully escorted tour to Beijing and Tibet. The price covers three nights each in Beijing and Lhasa, two nights in Shigaste, and one night in Chengdu; three meals daily except on the day of arrival; and an English-speaking guide throughout. Highlights include visits to the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, the Potala Palace in Lhasa, and the Pelchor Monastery in Gyangtse. When: May 1-July 31. Other Gateways: New York ($2,649); Boston, Chicago ($2,799). Contact: Ritz Tours, 800/900-2446, ritztours.com.
American or United Airlines flights from L.A. to Tokyo; transfers; a seven-day Japan Rail pass; three nights at the Le Méridien Pacific Tokyo; three nights in Kyoto at the New Miyako Hotel; and three half-day city tours, one each in Tokyo, Nara, and Kyoto. When: Until May 18 ($1,649); May 19-June 9, July 21-Aug. 20 ($1,699); June 10-July 20 ($1,749). Other Gateways: Chicago, New York (add $200). Contact: NTA America, 800/682-7872, japanvacation.net.
Bora-Bora for $2,535
Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A., all transfers and interisland flights, and seven nights' hotel. Spend two nights in an ocean-view room at the Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti and five nights on Bora-Bora in a bungalow at the Orient-Express Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa. When: Until Dec. 21. Other Gateways: New York (add $270). Contact: Islands in the Sun, 800/828-6877, islandsinthesun.com.
Air New Zealand flights from L.A., transfers, five nights in a lagoon-view room at Raina Lagoon Villas on Rarotonga, and breakfast daily. When: Until Dec. 31. Other Gateways: None. Contact: Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.
Air Pacific flights from L.A., one night at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, and six nights on a Blue Lagoon Cruise around the Yasawa Islands with all meals. When: May 1-June 11; Sept. 17-Dec. 10. Book by May 30. Other Gateways: San Francisco (add $125); Dallas, Denver (add $390); D.C., Miami, New York (add $455). Contact: IslandsEscapes, 800/387-8850, islandsescapes.com.
Melbourne, Sydney & Tasmania for $1,699
Qantas Airways flights from L.A., all internal flights, and 12 nights' hotel accommodations. Spend four nights each in Sydney and Melbourne and four nights in Tasmania (two each in Hobart and Launceston). Add $100 for a four-day car rental in Tasmania. When: May 1-31 ($1,699); June 1-8, July 26-Sept. 21 ($1,799); June 9-July 25 ($2,099). Other Gateways: San Francisco (add $90); Las Vegas, Seattle (add $220); Dallas, Denver (add $250); Chicago, St. Louis (add $280); New York (add $300); Boston, D.C., Miami, Newark (add $360). Contact: ATS Tours, 800/423-2880, atstours.com.
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Auckland, all transfers, two nights in Auckland at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, two nights in Rotorua at the Rydges Rotorua Hotel, an onward flight to Queenstown, and three nights at the Mercure Resort. Highlights include tours of the Waitomo glowworm caves and of Rotorua. When: May 1-June 8, July 24-Sept. 21 ($2,228); June 9-July 23 ($2,897). Other Gateways: Connecting flights from many U.S. gateways are available upon request. Contact: Newmans South Pacific Vacations, 888/592-6224, newmansvacations.com.