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40 Best Deals
From the November issue: Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, the aurora borealis in Norway, early-season ski deals, and more.
November 2007 issue
Tuesday, October 23, 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!
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DEAL OF THE MONTH
Hong Kong from $1,278
UNITED STATES
Crested Butte from $33
Jackson Hole from $532
Salt Lake City from $149
Anaheim from $242
Fort Lauderdale from $799
Las Vegas from $249
Maui from $681
CANADA
Vancouver from $699
MEXICO
Puerto Vallarta from $537
CARIBBEAN
Jamaica from $999
CENTRAL AMERICA
Honduras from $1,199
Panama from $1,168
SOUTH AMERICA
Galápagos & Amazon from $3,200
Peru Amazon Cruise from $2,095
EUROPE
London & Paris from $699
Madrid & Barcelona from $899
Rome & Florence from $1,099
Special: Lights of Your Life
Norway from $2,199
Malta from $1,299
Prague from $599
Western Ireland Tour from $739
AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST
Israel Tour from $1,699
Morocco Tour from $1,399
Namibia Safari from $1,445
South Africa from $1,399
ASIA
Southern India Tour from $695
Thailand Tour from $1,160
Vietnam from $1,099
Yunnan Province Tour from $2,678
SOUTH PACIFIC
AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND
Sydney and Beyond from $2,799
For our 10th anniversary, we're dying to hear about any 40 Best trips you've taken over the years. Please drop us a line at Letters@BudgetTravel.com saying where (and when) you went, with which operator, and what it was like.
Some of the best prices are found last minute--check out the Real Deals section at BudgetTravel.com.
On the Road
"When we saw Sunspots' New Zealand camper-van trip in 40 Best Deals, my sister and I were thrilled, because our cousin was studying there at the time," writes Hilary Miller, of Catonsville, Md. "We explored just about all of the North Island. The quarters were tight, but we made it through with only one quarrel!" Information: Sunspots International's seven-night packages, with Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A., start at $1,521 (800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com).
Party Like It's 4705
In Hong Kong, the Chinese New Year--which will kick off the year 4706 on February 7--is celebrated over a three-day public holiday. The party begins with a massive parade on the first day, a fireworks display over Victoria Harbour on the second, and a horse race on the third. But things are festive even before the official celebrations begin: Flower vendors take over public squares, skyscrapers display neon good-luck characters, and nearly every doorway is draped in orange and red banners proclaiming peace and prosperity. Pacific Delight's five-night package includes tickets to the spectator stands of the Chinese New Year parade, for the best views of its lion and dragon dancers.
Northwest Airlines flights from L.A., transfers, five nights at the Majestic Hotel, tickets to the spectator stands at the Chinese New Year parade, and breakfast daily. Includes a half-day island tour with a boat ride through Aberdeen's sampan community and a drive up Victoria Peak. When: Feb. 3, 4, 5. Other Gateways: Many. SS: From $360. Information: Pacific Delight Tours, 800/221-7179, pacificdelighttours.com.
Special: Downhill From Here
If you're antsy to hit the slopes, here are three terrific early-season Western U.S. ski deals.
All lift tickets are free during Crested Butte Mountain's Ski Free Program. Two-bedroom condos (with free shuttle service to the slopes) start at $33 per person a night. Based on quad occupancy. This price doesn't cover airfare. When: Nov. 25-Dec. 15. Information: Crested Butte Lodging, 866/380-5745, crestedbuttelodging.com.
Four nights in a two-bedroom condominium at Teton Village Condominiums (with free shuttle service to the slopes), five-day car rental, and three-day lift ticket. This package is based on quad occupancy and does not include airfare. When: Dec. 1-Feb. 14 (from $532). Blacked out Dec. 22-Jan. 5. SS: Not available. Information: Ski.com, 800/916-9463, ski.com.
Southwest Airlines flights from Boise or Denver to Salt Lake City and two nights at the Homestead Studio Suites Mid Valley hotel. Add $103 for a two-day lift ticket to any of four area ski resorts: Alta, Solitude, Snowbird, or Brighton. A three-day car rental costs from $180. When: Monday and Tuesday departures Dec. 3-Jan. 29. Other Gateways: L.A. (from $184), Orlando (from $294). SS: $60. Information: Southwest Airlines Vacations, 800/423-5683, southwestvacations.com.
US Airways flights from Phoenix and three nights at the Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort, one block from Disneyland. When: Nov. 1-Jan. 31. Blacked out Dec. 20-Jan. 2. Other Gateways: Dallas, Denver ($345); Charlotte ($409); Philadelphia ($431). SS: $133. Information: US Airways Vacations, 800/455-0123, usairwaysvacations.com.
Air from Atlanta, Atlantic City, Chicago, or New York, and seven nights at the beachfront Sheraton Yankee Clipper Hotel. When: Nov. 1-Dec. 23 ($799); Jan. 8-31 ($979). Other Gateways: Boston, Detroit, Philadelphia (add $49); New Orleans (add $79); Houston, Oakland (add $99). SS: $599. Information: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Southwest flights from L.A. or Reno and two nights at the Luxor Hotel & Casino. When: Monday and Tuesday departures Nov. 5-Dec. 18; Jan. 14-29. Other Gateways: Albuquerque, El Paso (from $299); Little Rock, Providence (from $389). SS: $160. Information: Southwest Airlines Vacations, 800/423-5683, southwestvacations.com.
Air from L.A., six-day car rental, and five nights at Kihei's beachfront Aston Maui Lu. When: Until Dec. 13 ($681); Jan. 9-Mar. 6 ($796). Other Gateways: Denver (from $1,005), Chicago (from $1,060), New York (from $1,065). SS: From $374. Information: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.
Toronto from $739
Air from Chicago and three nights at the downtown Delta Chelsea hotel, just off Yonge Street. When: Nov. 1-Mar. 31. Blacked out Dec. 22-Jan. 2. Other Gateways: Miami ($769); Atlanta, Boston, New York ($829). SS: $219. Information: Maxxim Vacations, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.
Air from L.A. and three nights at the Delta Vancouver Suites hotel, across from the Harbour Centre Tower. When: Nov. 1-Mar. 31. Blacked out Dec. 22-Jan. 2. Other Gateways: Chicago ($799); Boston, New York ($829); Atlanta ($889); Miami ($929). SS: $159. Information: Maxxim Vacations, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.
Mexican Riviera Cruise from $499
Seven-night sailing round trip from L.A. on NCL's Norwegian Star with three days at sea and stops at Acapulco, Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas. Prices cover port charges, but not airfare. When: Nov. 8, 24, Dec. 2, 10, Jan. 19, 27 ($499 inside cabin/$649 ocean-view cabin). SS: From $499. Information: American Discount Cruises, 866/214-7447, americandiscountcruises.com.
Air from L.A., transfers, and four nights at Paradise Village Beach Resort in Nuevo Vallarta. When: Until Dec. 10 ($537); Jan. 3-28 ($647). Other Gateways: New York (from $637). SS: From $366. Information: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.
Aruba from $876
Spirit Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale, transfers, seven nights at the Brickell Bay Beach Club, outside Oranjestad. When: Saturday departures Nov. 17-Dec. 12 ($876); Jan. 12-26 ($958). Other Gateways: Orlando (from $976); Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, D.C., Detroit, New York (from $1,113). SS: From $469. Information: Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.
Air from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, transfers, and five nights at the all-inclusive beachfront Grand Lido Braco Resort & Spa, 27 miles east of Montego Bay. When: Nov. 1-Dec. 20 ($999); Jan. 7-31 ($1,199). Blacked out Nov. 10-14; Jan. 22-27. Other Gateways: New York (add from $99); D.C. (add from $149); Boston, Chicago, Dallas (add from $179); L.A. (add from $199). SS: $499. Information: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Costa Rica from $909
American Airlines flights from L.A., Miami, or San Francisco to Liberia; transfers; and seven nights at the all-inclusive Barceló Langosta Beach resort in Tamarindo. When: Nov. 1-Dec. 9 ($909); Jan. 2-Mar. 15 ($1,245). Other Gateways: New York (from $929), Dallas (from $959), Seattle (from $999), Chicago (from $1,029). SS: From $275. Information: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
Go on a Butterfly Tour
American Airlines flights from Miami to San Pedro Sula; all transfers; two nights in Copán at the Marina Copán Hotel and a choice of three activities, such as horseback riding and a butterfly-farm tour; an onward flight to Roatán Island; and five nights at the beachfront Lost Paradise Inn. When: Nov. 1-Dec. 9; Jan. 2-Mar. 31. Other Gateways: Dallas ($1,219); Seattle ($1,259); New York ($1,269); Chicago ($1,289); L.A., San Francisco ($1,299). SS: From $229. Information: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
American Airlines flights from Miami, all transfers, three nights at Gamboa Rainforest Resort with breakfasts, and four nights at the all-inclusive Royal Decameron Beach Resort, Golf, Spa & Casino on Playa Blanca. When: Until Dec. 8 ($1,168); Jan. 3-Apr. 15 ($1,384). Other Gateways: Atlanta (add $180); Boston, New York (add $200); Chicago (add $260); L.A., San Francisco (add $300). SS: $286. Information: Tara Tours, 800/327-0080, taratours.com.
Chile from $989
Copa Airlines flights from Miami (via Panama City) to Santiago; all transfers; four nights at the Hotel Principado de Asturias; a half-day city tour and full-day trip to Valparaíso; two nights along the coast in Viña del Mar, at the Hotel San Martín; and breakfasts. When: Until Dec. 15 ($989); Jan. 9-31 ($1,039). Other Gateways: Orlando (add $80); L.A., New York (add $185). SS: $450. Information: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Air from Miami to Quito; all transfers and transportation (van, plane); three nights at Dann Carlton hotel; three nights in the Galápagos Islands on the Legend, with meals and guided excursions; three nights at La Selva Jungle Lodge in the Amazon Basin, with excursions and meals; and more. When: Nov. 1-Dec. 9, Dec. 31-Jan. 31 ($3,200); Dec. 10-30 ($3,450). Other Gateways: New York (from $3,300). SS: From $1,300. Information: Marnella Tours, 866/993-0033, marnellatours.com.
Air from Miami to Lima, transfers and local transport, three nights in Lima, onward flight to Iquitos, and six-night sailing on the Amazon and Marañon rivers in a 24-passenger boat. Includes all meals and shore excursions during the cruise, and a guide throughout. When: Nov. 15, 23, 29, 30 ($2,095); Jan. 3, 11, 17, 25, 31 ($2,395). Other Gateways: L.A. (from $2,345); Baltimore, Chicago (from $2,495). SS: $395. Information: Overseas Adventure Travel, 800/873-5628, oattravel.com.
Special: Double Happiness
Why go to just one city on your next European vacation? Especially when these packages make it easy to see two great cities on the same trip.
Air from New York to London (return from Paris), three nights each at Adare Hotel and Roi René, flight to Paris, more. When: Nov. 1-Dec. 14; Jan. 8-Mar. 24. SS: $170. Information: EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.
Air from New York, three nights in Barcelona, two in Madrid, and a transfer flight. When: Nov. 7-21 ($899); Jan. 3 ($989), Jan. 10, 17 ($949). Other Gateways: Many. SS: From $260. Information: Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.
Air from Boston or New York, four nights each in Rome and Florence, tours, and more. When: Nov. 1-Dec. 23; Jan. 3-Mar. 31. Other Gateways: Some. SS: N/A. Information: Central Holidays, 800/935-5000, centralholidays.com.
Winter is the season to catch the aurora borealis, or northern lights. Hurtigruten (formerly known as Norwegian Coastal Voyage) takes passengers to some of the prime viewing spots along Norway's Arctic Coast and will even wake guests--if they request it in advance--when the northern lights are visible.
Four-night sailing from Bergen to Tromsø, flight to Oslo, and one night each in Bergen, Tromsø, and Oslo. When: Until Mar. 19. SS: None. Information: 800/323-7436, hurtigruten.us.
Air from New York, transfers, five nights in Sliema at the Victoria Hotel, and breakfast daily. When: Nov. 1-Dec. 14, Jan. 5-31 ($1,299); Dec. 15-26 ($1,599); Dec. 27-Jan. 4 ($1,399). Other Gateways: Boston, Chicago, D.C., L.A., Miami, San Francisco (add $50). SS: $229. Information: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com.
Czech or Delta Airlines from Atlanta, Montreal, New York, or Toronto; transfers; six nights at the Prague Centre hotel; a half-day tour; and breakfast daily. When: Nov. 1-Dec. 10 ($629); Dec. 11-27 ($779); Jan. 1-Mar. 15 ($599). Other Gateways: None. SS: $219. Information: Tatra Travel, 800/321-2999, tatratravel.com.
Air from Boston, Chicago, or New York to Shannon; all transfers and transportation (bus); a six-day escorted tour with two nights' hotel accommodations each in Galway and Dublin; and breakfast daily. When: Nov. 1 ($779); Nov. 15, 29, Dec. 6, 13, Jan. 24, 31 ($739). Other Gateways: Pittsburgh (from $799); D.C. (from $889); L.A. (from $919); Houston (from $949); Atlanta, Detroit (from $989); Denver (from $1,099). SS: $160. Information: Sceptre Tours, 800/221-0924, sceptretours.com.
Botswana Safari from $2,895
South African Airways flights from D.C. or New York to Johannesburg, all transfers and local transportation (van, plane), one night's hotel in Jo'burg, and six nights at Chobe Safari Lodge outside Chobe National Park, Botswana. The price covers six game drives or cruises, most meals, a day trip to Victoria Falls, and more. When: Nov. 1-Dec. 6, Jan. 12-Mar. 31 ($2,895); Dec. 7-Jan. 11 ($3,495). Other Gateways: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago (add $195); Miami, San Antonio (add $225); L.A., San Francisco, Seattle (add $295). SS: $400. Information: 2Afrika, 866/462-2374, 2afrika.com.
Israir Airlines flights from New York to Tel Aviv-Jaffa, all transfers and bus transportation, eight nights' lodging (two each in Tel Aviv-Jaffa and Tiberias, one by the Dead Sea, and three in Jerusalem), entrance fees, most meals, and a guide. When: Nov. 8, Jan. 3 ($1,899); Nov. 22 ($1,799); Dec. 6, Jan 31 ($1,699); Dec. 13 ($1,749); Dec. 20 ($2,299); Dec. 27 ($2,199); Jan. 17 ($1,999). Other Gateways: Boston (add $46), Chicago (add $68), D.C. (add $130), Philadelphia (add $167), L.A. (add $201). SS: From $490. Information: Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.
Royal Air Maroc flights from New York to Casa-blanca, all transfers and bus transportation, six nights' lodging (one each in Rabat and Casablanca, two each in Fez and Marrakech), breakfasts and dinners, and guided sightseeing. When: Saturday departures Nov. 3, 10, Jan. 5 ($1,699); Nov. 17-Dec. 8 ($1,599); Dec. 15 ($1,899); Dec. 22 ($2,199); Dec. 29 ($2,499); Jan. 12 ($1,399); Jan. 19, 26 ($1,499). Other Gateways: D.C. (add $170); Montreal, Toronto (add $280); Atlanta, Chicago, Miami (add $305); L.A., San Francisco (add $450). SS: $299. Information: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com.
A 12-day camping safari round trip from Windhoek. Includes transportation in a four-wheel-drive vehicle; all meals, equipment, permits, and park fees; and a guide. This price doesn't cover airfare. When: Until Dec. 31 ($1,445); Jan. 1-31 ($1,510). SS: None. Information: Premier Tours, 800/545-1910, premiertours.com.
South African Airways flights from D.C. or New York to Cape Town (via Johannesburg), four nights at the Protea Hotel President in Bantry Bay, breakfast daily, and either round-trip airport transfers or a half-day city tour. When: Until Nov. 31; Feb. 1-Mar. 31. Other Gateways: Chicago (add $50); Dallas, Miami (add $100); L.A, San Francisco (add $150). SS: $410. Information: Lion World Tours, 800/387-2706, lionworldtravel.com.
Beijing & Shanghai from $799
Air China flights from San Francisco to Beijing, transfers, four nights at the Capital Hotel, an onward flight to Shanghai, four nights at the Days Hotel, and breakfasts. When: Thursday departures Nov. 1-22, Mar. 13, 27 ($899); Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Jan. 17-Feb. 14 ($799); Dec. 20 ($999). Other Gateways: New York (add $100). SS: $250. Information: SmarTours, 800/337-7773, smartours.com.
A 12-day tour from Calcutta to Goa, with all local transportation (train, public and private bus, rickshaw, river boat, bicycle), 11 nights' accommodations, and a guide. Highlights include cycling through ruins in Hampi and camping by Chilika Lake. A local payment of $200 is due upon arrival. Add about $180 for meals. This price doesn't cover international airfare. When: Dec. 16, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, Mar. 9, Apr. 6. SS: Not available. Information: G.A.P Adventures, 800/465-5600, gapadventures.com.
Eight-day tour from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with all transfers and local transportation (plane, van, rickshaw), seven nights' hotel accommodations (three in Bangkok, and two each in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai), guided sightseeing with entrance fees, and breakfasts. Highlights include a tour of the Grand Palace in Bangkok, a Khantoke dinner and tribal dance in Chiang Mai, and a boat ride on the Mekong River. This price doesn't cover international airfare. When: Nov. 1-Mar. 31. Blacked out Dec. 10-Jan. 10. SS: From $295. Information: SITA World Tours, 800/421-5643, sitatours.com.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City, all transfers, three nights at the Palace Hotel, three nights on Phan Thiet beach at the Bamboo Village Resort & Spa, and breakfast daily. When: Until Dec. 5; Jan. 8-Feb. 6. Other Gateways: Denver, Phoenix, Portland (add $175); Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, D.C., Houston, Tulsa (add $275); Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis (add $335). SS: $470. Information: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Air from L.A. or San Francisco to Beijing, all transfers and local transportation (plane, van), and a 15-day escorted tour to Beijing, Shanghai, and the Yunnan province. Covers 13 nights' lodging, all meals, guided sightÂseeing, and entrance fees. Highlights include Jade Dragon Snow Mountain near Lijiang, Stone Forest near Kunming, and Panda Breeding Research Institute. When: Nov. 8, Feb. 12, Mar. 11, 25 ($2,688); Nov. 29, Jan. 15 ($2,678); Dec. 13, 20 ($2,888). Other Gateways: Dallas, Denver (add $100); Chicago, Minneapolis (add $140); Boston, New York, Philadelphia (add $180). SS: From $438. Information: China Travel Service, 800/899-8618, chinatravelservice.com.
Bora Bora from $2,099
Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A. to Bora Bora (via Papeete), transfers, lei greeting, five nights in a beach bungalow at the Hôtel Maitai Bora Bora, and breakfast and dinner daily. When: Wednesday departures Nov. 1-Mar. 31. Other Gateways: New York (add $400). SS: Not available. Information: Islands In The Sun, 888/280-2514, islandsinthesun.com.
New Zealand from $2,459
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Queenstown (via Auckland), all transfers and flights in New Zealand, and seven nights' lodging (three in Queenstown, two in Christchurch, and two in Rotorua). When: Until Mar. 31. Blacked out Dec. 10-Jan. 31. Other Gateways: San Francisco (add $125); Dallas, Denver (add $390); Chicago (add $430); New York (add $455). SS: $699. Information: ATS Tours, 888/423-9181, atstours.com.
Qantas flights from L.A. to Sydney, all flights in Australia, and 12 nights' lodging split between Sydney, Cairns (gateway to the Great Barrier Reef), and the Outback (two nights each in Alice Springs and Ayers Rock). When: Until Dec. 7 (from $2,799); Dec. 9-Jan. 31 (from $3,479). Other Gateways: New York (add from $300) SS: From $900. Information: Qantas Airways/Tourism Australia, 800/369-6863, qantasvacations.com.