|
|
40 Best Deals
From Barcelona to deals on Christmas shopping in Europe, here are the Real Deals from the October issue of Budget Travel magazine.
October 2007 issue
Tuesday, September 18, 2007;
Still haven't found what you're looking for? Companies listed in 40 Best Deals have many more offerings than we can possibly print. So if you don't see what you want, check out their websites for more options. And tell them Budget Travel sent you!
Ever taken 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@BudgetTravel.com.
This Month's Reader Report
DEAL OF THE MONTH
Barbados for $399
New Deals to Italy
Rome for $599
Christmas Shopping
Budapest, Prague & Vienna for $2,014
Danube Cruise for $1,395
Lucerne, Munich & Vienna for $1,825
For Those Going Solo...
UNITED STATES
Orlando for $499
West Coast Wine Cruise for $719
Yosemite Weekend for $369
CANADA
Quebec City for $1,059
MEXICO
Los Cabos for $577
CARIBBEAN
Jamaica for $416
CENTRAL AMERICA
Costa Rica for $619
Guatemala Tour for $790
SOUTH AMERICA
Patagonia Tour & Cruise for $3,099
Peru Tour for $1,860
Rio de Janeiro for $799
EUROPE
Moscow & St. Petersburg for $999
Paris for $589
Southern Portugal for $704
Turkey Tour for $2,320
AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST
Kenya Safari for $2,295
Morocco Resort for $1,225
South Africa for $1,999
ASIA
China Tour for $1,459
India Tour for $909
Philippines Tour for $1,799
Tokyo & Kyoto for $1,599
SOUTH PACIFIC
Tahiti & Moorea for $2,095
AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND
North Island Camper Van for $1,379
On the Adriatic
Inspired by the Adriatic cruise offered by Foreign Independent Tours that we wrote about in our April issue, Sharon and Bob Johnson, of Shelton, Wash., booked FIT's tour to Croatia and Slovenia. "Our trip was so great! In Slovenia, we rowed boats out to a church on an island in the middle of Lake Bled." FIT's 10-day tour, with air from Boston, D.C., or New York, starts at $1,999 (800/248-3487, fittours.com).
Sun When You Need It
Because it's located on the southeastern edge of the Caribbean, Barbados escapes most of the big storms that affect the region in the late summer and fall. A hurricane hasn't hit the island directly since 1955, and the weather is generally pretty nice this time of year (other than the occasional afternoon shower). You'd never guess it, though, from the rock-bottom prices that are available--such as this $399 air/hotel package from Atlas Vacations. It makes autumn an ideal time to take advantage of Barbados's pink- and white-sand beaches, as well as to explore the island's historical landmarks, such as the house where George Washington stayed in 1751 during his only trip abroad.
Air from New York or Philadelphia to Bridgetown, seven nights in an oceanfront studio at Rostrevor Hotel, and breakfast daily. This price doesn't cover transfers, but the hotel is in St. Lawrence Gap, only six miles from the airport. When: Oct. 1-Nov. 15 ($399); Nov. 16-Dec. 10 ($699). Other Gateways: Baltimore (from $438); Charlotte, Miami (from $483); Boston (from $533); L.A. (from $545). SS: From $350. Information: Atlas Vacations, 800/634-1057, atlasvacations.net.
Eurofly won us over with nonstop flights from New York to Rome, Naples, Bologna, and Palermo. Now the carrier is giving us another reason to like it: new tours and packages. "I personally visit all the hotels to make sure they're up to American standards," says Eurofly USA vice president Rosario Mariani.
Eurofly flights from New York and four nights' lodging. When: Oct. 28-Apr. 4. Other Gateways: None. SS: From $159. Information: 800/459-0581, euroflyusa.com.
European cities make up for short winter days with extravagant Christmas fairs in their central plazas. These tours cover some of the best seasonal markets on the continent.
Air from New York to Budapest (returning from Prague); transportation; a nine-night escorted tour to Budapest, Vienna, and Prague; and more. When: Nov. 23; Dec. 2, 9. Other Gateways: Boston (add $140); Chicago, Miami (add $200); L.A. (add $310). SS: $324. Information: Go Ahead Tours, 888/462-4323, goaheadtours.com.
Air from Boston or New York to Nürnberg (returning from Vienna), a seven-night Danube sailing, and more. Geared to people over the age of 50. When: Nov. 27, 28, 29; Dec. 12, 14, 15. Other Gateways: Philadelphia ($1,445), Miami ($1,545), L.A. ($1,595). SS: From $349. Information: Grand Circle Travel, 800/248-3737, gct.com.
Air from New York to Vienna (returning from Zurich); a seven-night escorted tour to Innsbruck, Vienna, Munich, and Lucerne; and more. When: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 ($1,895); Dec. 2, 12 ($1,860); Dec. 4 ($1,825). Other Gateways: Chicago, (add $110); L.A. (add $210). SS: $340. Information: Trafalgar, 866/544-4434, trafalgar.com.
General Tours World Traveler announced that solo passengers on 43 of its European sailings in 2008 will be charged the same rates as cruisers who share a room. The eight- and 10-day itineraries head along the Rhine, Elbe, and Moselle rivers, and start at $1,999 (800/221-2216; generaltours.com).
Hawaii for $1,375
Air from L.A. to Kailua-Kona, a six-day car rental, and six nights at The Fairmont Orchid hotel on the Kohala Coast. When: Oct. 1-Dec. 13. Other Gateways: Boston (add $239); Dallas, New York, Philadelphia (add $299); Syracuse (add $339); Baltimore (add $369); Miami (add $389). SS: $1,009. Information: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Air from Chicago, Cleveland, D.C., Detroit, Hartford, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or Providence to Orlando; a five-day car rental; and five nights at Cypress Pointe Resort, six miles from Disney World. When: Oct. 1-Dec. 21. Other Gateways: Atlanta (add $49), Boston (add $59), Dallas (add $149), San Francisco (add $169). SS: $359. Information: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
A 10-night wine-themed sailing on Celebrity's Mercury from Vancouver to San Diego, with three days at sea and stops in Victoria, Seattle, San Francisco, and Santa Catalina island. Prices include port charges but not airfare. When: Nov. 2 (from $719 inside cabin/from $899 ocean-view cabin). SS: From $530. Information: CruiseStar.com, 800/662-5450, cruisestar.com.
Two nights in a cabin at Evergreen Lodge in Yosemite National Park. Includes breakfasts, a full-day guided hike or bike trip with lunch, two massages, one dinner, and more. This is a land-only price. When: Until Oct 24 (from $385); Oct. 25-Dec. 20 (from $369). Blacked out Oct. 5-7, 25-28; Nov. 21-24. SS: None. Information: Evergreen Lodge, 209/379-2606, evergreenlodge.com.
Banff Skiing for $1,155
United Airlines flights from L.A. to Calgary, transfers, five nights at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, and a four-day lift ticket to Banff. Book by Nov. 15. When: Nov. 11-Dec. 18. Other Gateways: Chicago ($1,160), New York ($1,223). SS: From $188. Information: Ski.com, 800/916-9463, ski.com.
Air from Atlanta, Boston, Miami, or New York; four nights at Hotel Le Clos St.-Louis in the old city; a dinner cruise on the St. Lawrence River, and more. When: Oct. 1-31 ($1,099); Nov. 1-Dec. 23 ($1,059). Other Gateways: Chicago ($1,129); L.A. ($1,199). SS: From $445. Information: Maxxim Vacations, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.
Cancún for $630
Sun Country Airlines flights from Dallas, transfers, and seven nights at the all-inclusive Oasis Palm Beach resort. When: Nov. 7, 14, 28. Other Gateways: Detroit: Nov. 14, 28; Dec. 5, 12 ($650). Chicago: Dec. 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14 ($850). D.C.: Nov. 11, 13, 14, 15, 25, 26, 27, 28; Dec. 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 ($850). Denver: Nov. 26, 28, 30; Dec. 8, 10, 14 ($850). Milwaukee: Nov. 3, 4, 10, 25; Dec. 8, 9 ($850). Salt Lake City: Nov. 24, 25; Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9 ($880). SS: From $370. Information: Funjet Vacations, funjet.com.
Air from L.A., transfers, and four nights in a junior suite at the Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa on Medano Beach. When: Until Dec. 13. Other Gateways: New York ($786); Chicago, until Dec. 7 ($805); Denver, until Dec. 4 ($912). SS: From $377. Information: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.
Dominican Republic for $689
Delta Airlines flights from Atlanta to Punta Cana, transfers, and seven nights at the all-inclusive IFA Villas Bávaro Resort & Spa on Playa Bávaro. When: Saturday and Sunday departures Oct. 6-Dec. 16. Other Gateways: Charleston, Charlotte, Nashville (add $80); Cleveland, D.C., Memphis, Philadelphia, Roanoke (add $100). SS: $150. Information: Vacation Express, 877/784-3786, vacationexpress.com.
Spirit Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale to Montego Bay, transfers, and three nights at the beachfront all-inclusive Starfish Trelawny Resort & Spa, a 45-minute drive from the airport. When: Oct. 1-Dec. 17. Other Gateways: Orlando, Tampa ($494); Chicago, D.C., Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York ($570). SS: $240. Information: Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.
Belize for $699
American Airlines flights from Dallas, onward flight to San Pedro on Ambergris Cay, seven nights at the oceanfront Corona del Mar hotel, and breakfasts. When: Oct. 1-Nov. 15, Dec. 1-9 ($699); Nov. 16-30 ($845). Other Gateways: Miami (from $729); New York (from $819); Chicago, L.A., San Francisco (from $869); Seattle (from $939). SS: From $270. Information: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
American Airlines flights from Miami to San José, a seven-day car rental, four nights at the Arenal Volcano Inn with breakfast daily, and three nights at the Monteverde Lodge near Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. When: Oct. 1-31 ($619); Nov. 1-30 ($639); Dec. 1-9 ($708). Other Gateways: L.A., San Francisco (from $745); New York (from $759); Dallas (from $795); Portland, Seattle (from $835); Chicago (from $859). SS: From $319. Information: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
American Airlines flights from Miami to Guatemala City, all transfers and local transportation, five nights at the Hotel Biltmore Express, most entrance fees, breakfasts, and guided visits to Antigua, the Chichicastenango market, and Lake Atitlán. When: Thursday departures until Dec. 9 ($790); Dec. 10-31 ($1,040). Other Gateways: Atlanta, Boston, Houston, L.A., New York (add $198); San Francisco (add $230); Chicago (add $290). SS: $295. Information: Tara Tours, 800/327-0080, taratours.com.
Buenos Aires & Mar del Plata for $999
Aerolineas Argentinas flights from Miami to Buenos Aires, all transfers, five nights at Regis Orho Hotel, a half-day city tour, two nights in Mar del Plata at the Amerian Mar del Plata hotel, and breakfasts. When: Until Dec. 9. Other Gateways: New York (add $200). SS: $400. Information: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Air from Chicago, L.A., Miami, or New York to Buenos Aires (returning from Santiago); transfers and flights within South America; six nights' lodging (two each in Buenos Aires and Santiago, one each in Ushuaia and Punta Arenas); a three-night Patagonia cruise; and more. When: Oct. 20, Mar. 12, 22 ($3,099); Dec. 5 ($3,639); Jan. 2, 23, Feb. 13 ($3,679). Other Gateways: None. SS: From $1,201. Information: Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.
Continental or American Airlines flights from Miami to Lima, flights within Peru, transfers, and a nine-night escorted tour to Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca. Includes transportation to Machu Picchu aboard the Backpacker train and guided sightseeing. Add about $320 for meals and entry fees. When: Oct. 8, 29, Nov. 12, 19 ($1,860); Dec. 10, 31 ($2,010). Other Gateways: L.A. (from $2,035); New York (from $2,105). SS: $350. Information: Djoser, 877/356-7376, djoserusa.com.
TAM Brazilian Airlines flights from Miami or New York, transfers, and six nights at the Lancaster Othon Travel hotel on Copacabana Beach, and breakfast daily. When: Until Dec. 9. Other Gateways: None. SS: $300. Information: TAM Vacations, 866/627-2945, tamvacations.net.
Ireland B&B Road Trip for $699
Aer Lingus flights from Boston, Chicago, D.C., or New York to Dublin; a seven-day car rental; one night at The Regency Hotel, four miles from the airport; five nights of vouchers valid at 450 B&Bs; and breakfasts. When: Oct. 1-31 ($799); Nov. 1-Dec 31 ($699). Other Gateways: Denver (from $779); Dallas, L.A. (from $819); Orlando (from $879). SS: $225. Information: Sceptre Tours, 800/221-0924, sceptretours.com.
Finnair flights from New York to St. Petersburg (via Helsinki), transfers, three nights' hotel accommodations in St. Petersburg, an overnight train to Moscow, two nights' lodging there, breakfasts, and a guided tour and tickets to an evening performance in each city. When: Oct. 1-30, Dec. 12-Jan. 14 ($1,299); Nov. 1-Dec. 11 ($999). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C. (add from $300); Chicago, Detroit, Miami (add from $425). SS: $495. Information: Eastern Tours, 800/339-6967, traveltorussia.com.
Air from New York, four nights at the Comfort Hotel Gare de L'Est in the 10th arrondissement or similar, and breakfasts. When: Oct. 1-31 ($759); Nov. 1-Dec. 14 ($589). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C., Philadelphia (add $30); Miami (add $80); Baltimore (add $100); Chicago, Detroit (add $110); Houston (add $140). SS: From $100. Information: Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.
TAP Portugal flights from New York to Lisbon, onward flight to the Algarve, transfers, and three nights at Hotel Riu Falesia. When: Oct. 1-31 ($825); Nov. 1-Dec. 31 ($704). Other Gateways: None. SS: From $159. Information: Abreu Tours, 800/223-1580, abreu-tours.com.
Air from New York to Istanbul; local transportation (bus, plane); a 13-night escorted tour to Cappadocia, Istanbul, Antalya, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Ankara, and Bursa; all meals and entrance fees; and more. When: Oct. 16, 23 ($2,410); Oct. 30, Nov. 13, 27, Dec. 4, 25 ($2,320). Other Gateways: Chicago (add $220), D.C. (add $230), Miami (add $270), L.A. (add $420), San Francisco (add $510). SS: From $470. Information: Flo USA, 888/435-6872, flo-usa.com.
Egypt for $2,259
EgyptAir flights from New York to Cairo; local transportation (bus, plane); five nights at the Hotel Sofitel Le Sphinx; a four-night Nile cruise on the King of Thebes; four nights in Sharm al-Sheikh at the all-inclusive Oriental Resort; and more. When: Thursday departures Oct. 4-25 ($2,499); Nov. 1, 8 ($2,259); Nov. 15-Dec. 6 ($2,459). Other Gateways: Baltimore, Boston (add from $35); Albany, Detroit (add from $100); Atlanta, Chicago, (add from $170); Dallas, Houston (add from $235). SS: From $519. Information: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com.
Virgin Atlantic flights from New York to Nairobi (via London); local transportation; one night at the Nairobi Safari Club hotel; and a five-night safari through the Samburu and Masai Mara national reserves, as well as the Aberdares and Lake Nakuru national parks. Price covers seven game drives and all entrance fees and meals while on safari. When: Oct. 1-Dec. 14 ($2,295); Dec. 15-31 ($3,195). Other Gateways: Boston (add $30); D.C. (add $50); Chicago (add $100); Miami, Orlando (add $130); L.A., San Francisco (add $215); Las Vegas (add $345). SS: $499. Information: Karell Holidays, 800/327-0373, karellholidays.com.
Royal Air Maroc flights from New York to Agadir (via Casablanca), transfers, and six nights at the all-inclusive Valtur Agadir resort, in the center of town and five minutes from the beach. When: Oct. 1-Dec. 12 ($1,225); Dec. 13-27 ($1,540); Dec. 28-31 ($1,980). Other Gateways: Boston (add $72), Chicago (add $113), L.A. (add $170). SS: None. Information: Club Valtur, 877/582-2284, clubvaltur.com.
South African Airways flights from D.C. or New York to Cape Town (via Johannesburg), local transportation, three nights at The PortsWood hotel, an onward flight to Jo'burg, one night at The Michelangelo Hotel, two nights at Bakubung Bush Lodge in Pilanesberg National Park, three game drives, and more. When: Oct. 1-31 ($2,299); Nov. 1-30 ($1,999). Other Gateways: Chicago (add $50); Miami (add $100); L.A., San Francisco (add $150). SS: $410. Information: Lion World Tours, 800/387-2706, lionworldtravel.com.
Bali & Lombok for $999
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Bali; all transfers; five nights in Legian Beach, Sanur Beach, Ubud, or a mix of all three; an onward flight to Lombok; two nights in Senggigi Beach, and more. When: Until Dec. 4 ($999); Dec. 5-Jan. 7 ($1,449). Other Gateways: New York (add $250); Dallas, (add $275); Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh (add $335). SS: $225. Information: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Air China flights from L.A. to Beijing; local transportation (bus, plane); 10 nights' lodging (three in Beijing, one in Hangzhou, and two each in Xi'an, Suzhou, and Shanghai); most meals; a visit to the terra-cotta warriors and horses; and more. When: Tuesday departures Oct. 1-Nov. 6, Dec. 25 ($1,899); Nov. 20, Dec. 4, 18 ($1,459). Other Gateways: New York (add $100). SS: $455. Information: Champion Holidays, 800/868-7658, china-discovery.com.
An eight-day escorted tour round trip from New Delhi with stops in Agra, Jaipur, and Rajasthan's Shekhawati region. Covers local transportation, seven nights' lodging, entrance fees, and some meals, but not airfare. When: Oct. 6, 27; Nov. 10, 24; Dec. 8, 22. SS: $379. Information: On the Go Tours, 866/377-6147, onthegotours.com.
Air from L.A. or San Francisco to Manila; local transportation; an eight-night escorted tour to Manila, Vigan, Banaue, Laoag, and Pagudpud; guided sightseeing; and more. When: Until Nov. 30. Other Gateways: New York ($1,899); Boston, Chicago, D.C. ($1,999); Miami, Philadelphia ($2,199); Dallas, Orlando ($2,399). SS: $285. Information: Pacific Asia Leisure, 212/661-3270, pacificasialeisure.com.
Air from San Francisco or L.A. to Tokyo, a seven-day Japan Rail pass, six nights split between the Le Méridien Pacific Tokyo hotel and the New Miyako Hotel in Kyoto, and a half-day city tour each in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara. When: Oct. 1-23 ($1,649); Oct. 24-Dec. 8 ($1,599); Dec. 9-15 ($1,849). Other Gateways: Chicago, New York (add $50). SS: $354. Information: NTA America, 800/682-7872, japanvacation.net.
Fiji for $1,799
Air Pacific flights from L.A. to Nandi, transfers, and seven nights in a bure (bungalow) at the Hideaway Resort on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu. When: Until Dec. 14. Other Gateways: None. SS: $525. Information: Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.
Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A. to Papeete, all transfers, one night at the InterContinental Resort Tahiti, onward ferry to Moorea, and five nights in a garden-suite bungalow at the InterContinental Resort and Spa Moorea with breakfasts and dinners. When: Tuesday and Thursday departures Oct. 1-31 ($3,190); Nov. 1-14 ($2,300); Nov. 15-Dec. 1, Jan. 4-Mar. 27 ($2,095). Other Gateways: New York (add $400). SS: From $1,270. Information: Tahiti Legends, 800/200-1213, tahitilegends.com.
Melbourne, Sydney & Tasmania for $2,199
Qantas Airways flights from L.A. to Sydney; flights within Australia; four nights' lodging each in Sydney, Melbourne, and Tasmania; and a four-day car rental. When: Until Dec. 7. Other Gateways: New York (add $300). SS: From $600. Information: Qantas Airways/Tourism Australia, 800/369-6863, qantasvacations.com.
Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A. to Auckland, N.Z.; transfers; a seven-night Eclipse 2 camper van rental. When: Oct. 1-31 ($1,379); Nov. 1-Dec. 14 ($1,484). Other Gateways: None. SS: From $219. Information: Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.