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40 Best Deals
From the December/January issue: Quebec's Winter Carnival, tennis in Palm Springs, sea-kayaking tours in Baja, and more.
December 2007/January 2008 issue
Tuesday, November 20, 2007;
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Beyond Hotels
DEAL OF THE MONTH
Quebec City from $759
UNITED STATES
Palm Springs, Calif. from $490
Honolulu from $690
Huntington Beach, Calif. from $799
New Hampshire Snowshoeing from $280
Orlando from $196
San Francisco from $426
CANADA
MEXICO
Baja Peninsula from $1,095
Playa del Carmen from $699
CARIBBEAN
British Virgin Islands from $1,527
Caribbean Cruise from $649
Jamaica from $464
CENTRAL AMERICA
Nicaragua from $839
Panama from $999
SOUTH AMERICA
Cape Horn Cruise from $999
Peru & Bolivia from $2,880
EUROPE
Ireland Tour from $799
Istria, Croatia from $1,290
London from $549
Prague, Vienna & Budapest from $1,169
Turkey Tour from $2,259
AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST
Sabah Orangutans from $695
Namibia Elephants from $1,665
South Africa Meerkats from $2,695
Cairo & Nile Cruise from $2,136
ASIA
China Tour & Yangtze Cruise from $2,071
Japan & Hong Kong from $2,199
Philippines Tour from $2,480
Rajasthan, India from $2,645
Singapore & Thailand from $1,399
SOUTH PACIFIC
AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND
Sydney & Melbourne from $1,899
Looking for an affordable place to stay during the holidays? Consider renting an apartment or even a house. Check out websites like rentalo.com, interhome.us, villasintl.com, vrbo.com, and craigslist.org.
Here Comes the Snow
The historic, French-speaking city of Quebec attracts thousands of visitors for its annual Winter Carnival, when it hosts two night parades, a snow sculpture competition, and a canoe race across the St. Lawrence River (if it ices over, contestants get out and push) during the first three weekends in February. But Quebec City is worth a visit in winter even without a carnival. The quaint Upper and Lower Towns are filled with narrow streets decorated in seasonal white lights and crammed with boutiques, cafés, and 18th- and 19th-century houses. In 2008, the city will also mark the 400th anniversary of its founding by Samuel de Champlain with a yearlong series of celebrations.
Air Canada or United Airlines flights from Atlanta, Boston, or New York and three nights at the downtown Delta Québec hotel, one block from Parc de L'Esplanade. When: Until Apr. 30. Add from $100 on weekends during Winter Carnival (Feb. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16). Other Gateways: Miami (from $768), Chicago (from $799), L.A. (from $857). SS: From $209. Information: Maxxim Vacations, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.
A Smashing Time
Every March, 250 players duke it out for the Pacific Life Open title at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, near Palm Springs, Calif. On the first weekend, there are more than 30 matches a day. This deal gets you access to every match, as well as two nights at the new Homewood Suites by Hilton across the street.
Two nights at Homewood Suites, three-day Pacific Life Open passes, and breakfasts. Airfare is extra. When: Mar. 14-16. SS: $115. Information: Pacific Life Open, 800/999-1585, pacificlifeopen.com.
Northwest Airlines flights from L.A. and seven nights at the Castle Maile Sky Court hotel near the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in Waikiki. When: Dec. 17-27 ($845); Jan. 9-Feb. 14 ($690). Other Gateways: Seattle (from $715); Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis (from $970). SS: From $372. Information: NWA WorldVacations, 800/800-1504, nwaworldvacations.com.
Air from Philadelphia, a five-day car rental, and four nights at the oceanfront Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. When: Dec. 1-Feb. 29. Other Gateways: Chicago ($815); Atlanta ($859); Miami, New York ($899); Houston ($925); Boston ($945). SS: $629. Information: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
A three-day snow-shoeing trip through New Hampshire's White Mountains round trip from Crawford Notch, two and a half hours from Manchester. The price covers two nights in huts with bunk beds, snowshoes and trekking poles, all meals, guides, and transportation to and from the trailheads. This is a land-only price. When: Dec. 28, Jan. 19, Feb. 16 ($360); Feb. 29 ($280). SS: None. Information: REI Adventures, 800/622-2236, reiadventures.com.
Spirit Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale and three nights at the Best Western Lakeside hotel, two miles from Disney World. Includes transfers to Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, and Universal Studios. When: Dec. 3-17; Jan. 7-Feb. 25. Other Gateways: Atlanta, Atlantic City, Detroit ($335). SS: $91. Information: Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.
US Airways flights from Las Vegas and two nights at the Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf Hotel. When: Dec. 1-Feb. 29. Blacked out Feb. 9-10. Other Gateways: Denver ($511); Dallas ($529); Charlotte, Philadelphia ($591). SS: $57. Information: US Airways Vacations, 800/455-0123, usairwaysvacations.com.
Canadian Rockies by Rail from $1,627
A seven-night trip from Vancouver, B.C., to Calgary, Alberta, with two days in the Canadian Rockies, on VIA Rail's Canadian. Covers most transfers, six nights' lodging (two each in Vancouver and Banff, one each in Jasper, Lake Louise, and on the train), and more. This is a land-only price. When: Dec. 9-14, Dec. 30-Jan. 25 ($1,627); Dec. 16-28 ($1,852); Jan. 27-Mar. 19 ($1,736); Mar. 21-26 ($1,695). SS: From $647. Information: Fresh Tracks, 800/667-4744, canadiantrainvacations.com.
Make Ripples in Mexico
Winter on the Baja Peninsula means blue skies and 60-degree daytime temperatures. You can enjoy both on REI Adventures' eight- or nine-day sea-kayaking tours along the coast of the Sea of Cortés, round trip from Loreto (length varies by departure date).
Transfers, seven or eight nights in tents or hotels, instruction, meals en route, and most equipment. Airfare and $15 membership fee not covered. When: Dec. 23, Feb. 16, Mar. 1 ($1,195); Jan. 3, 19, Feb. 2 ($1,095). SS: $100. Information: 800/622-2236, reiadventures.com.
Air from Fort Lauder-dale to Cancún and five nights at the all-inclusive beachfront Occidental Grand Xcaret resort in Playa del Carmen, one hour's drive south of the Cancún airport. When: Dec. 1-21 ($699); Jan. 2-31 ($878); Feb. 1-29 ($968). Other Gateways: Baltimore, Chicago, New York (from $855); Houston, Kansas City (from $899). SS: From $499. Information: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Aruba from $679
Continental Airlines flights from Boston and three nights at the beachfront Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort. Book by Dec. 31. When: Mondays or Tuesdays Jan. 7-18; Mondays Jan. 28-Feb. 14. Other Gateways: New York (from $699), Cleveland (from $719), Pittsburgh (from $759). SS: From $320. Information: Continental Airlines Vacations, 800/829-7777, covacations.com.
Air from Miami (via San Juan) to the British Virgin Islands, transfers, and seven nights at the Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas. The hotel is on a 52-acre estate on the north shore of Tortola. When: Until Dec. 15; Jan. 3-Mar. 31. Other Gateways: New York (add $100). SS: $675. Information: Caradonna Dive Adventures, 800/328-2288, caradonna.com.
An 11-night sailing on the Royal Caribbean's Empress of the Seas round trip from San Juan, with two days at sea and stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe; St. John's, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia; Bridgetown, Barbados; Margarita Island, Venezuela; Willemstad, Curaçao; and Oranjestad, Aruba. Prices cover port charges, but not airfare. When: Dec. 3; Jan. 14, 28; Feb. 11, 25 ($649 inside cabin/$749 ocean-view cabin). SS: $1,030. Information: American Discount Cruises & Travel, 866/214-7447, americandiscountcruises.com.
Spirit Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale, transfers, and three nights at the Crane Ridge Resort in Ocho Rios. When: Monday departures Dec. 3-17; Jan. 7-Feb. 25. Other Gateways: Orlando, Tampa ($494); Atlanta, Atlantic City, Chicago, D.C., Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York ($526). SS: $160. Information: Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.
Guatemala from $790
American Airlines or Taca Airlines flights from Miami to Guatemala City, transfers and local transportation, five nights at the Hotel Biltmore Express, most entrance fees, breakfast daily, and guided trips to Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and the Chichicastenango craft market. When: Wednesday and Thursday departures until Dec. 8 ($790); Dec. 9-31 ($1,040); Jan. 1- Mar. 30 ($880). Other Gateways: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, L.A., New York (add $140); San Francisco (add $230); Chicago (add $290). SS: $367. Information: Tara Tours, 800/327-0080, taratours.com.
American Airlines flights from Miami to Managua; all transfers and local transportation; three nights in Granada at the La Gran Francia Hotel; four nights on the Pacific Coast at the Pelican Eyes, Piedras y Olas Hotel & Resort; and breakfast daily. When: Until Dec. 9 ($839); Jan. 4-Mar. 15 ($899). Other Gateways: Dallas (from $859); New York (from $909); L.A., San Francisco (from $919); Portland, Seattle (from $949); Chicago (from $1,029). SS: From $430. Information: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
American Airlines flights from Miami or New York, transfers, and seven nights at the all-inclusive Playa Blanca Hotel & Resort on the Pacific Coast. When: Until Dec. 9 ($999); Jan. 9-Mar. 14 ($1,269). Other Gateways: Dallas (from $1,009); L.A., San Francisco (from $1,049); Portland, Seattle (from $1,109); Chicago (from $1,139). SS: From $229. Information: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
Buenos Aires from $749
Copa Airlines flights from Miami, transfers, five nights at Regis Orho Hotel on pedestrian-only Lavalle Street, a city tour and excursion to the Tigre River delta, and breakfasts. When: Until Dec. 7, Jan. 8-Mar. 31 ($749); Dec. 8-Jan. 7 ($949). Other Gateways: Orlando (add $127), New York (add $275), D.C. (add $335), L.A. (add $360). SS: $250. Information: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
A 14-day sailing on the NCL Norwegian Dream from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Santiago, Chile. The itinerary includes nine days at sea; and stops in Uruguay at Montevideo; in Argentina at Puerto Madryn and Ushuaia; the Falkland Islands at Port Stanley; and in Chile at Punta Arenas, Puerto Chacabuco, and Puerto Montt. The route is reversed on some dates. Price includes port charges, but not airfare. When: Dec. 9, Jan. 6, 20, Feb. 3, 17 ($999 inside cabin/$1,199 ocean-view cabin). SS: $999. Information: American Discount Cruises, 866/214-7447, americandiscountcruises.com.
American Airlines flights from Miami to La Paz, Bolivia; transfers and local transportation (van, hydrofoil, plane, train); and a nine-day tour of Bolivia and Peru with seven nights' lodging (one each in La Paz, Puno, Aguas Calientes, and Lima, and three in Cuzco), guided sightseeing; and breakfasts. Highlights include a flight over the Nazca Lines, and visits to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. When: Until Dec. 9 ($2,880); Dec. 10-31 ($3,130); Jan. 2-Apr. 16 ($2,980). Other Gateways: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York (add $260); L.A., San Francisco (add $310). SS: $1,070. Information: Tara Tours, 800/327-0080, taratours.com.
Austrian Alps from $857
Air from New York to Munich, transfers, seven nights in Innsbruck at the Tourotel Breinössl Hotel, and breakfasts. A three-day Glacier Ski Pass is $152 more. When: Jan. 3-Apr. 1 (from $857). Other Gateways: Chicago (add $78); Dallas (add $117); L.A., San Francisco (add $157); Miami (add $165). SS: $173. Information: World on Skis, 866/678-5858, worldonskis.com.
Aer Lingus flights from New York to Dublin, all transfers and bus transportation, and a four-night escorted tour from Dublin to Shannon with entrance fees, breakfasts, and two dinners. Includes one night each in Dublin and Bunratty, and two in Killarney; a drive along the Ring of Kerry; and visits to the Blarney Stone and Cliffs of Moher. When: Tuesday departures Jan. 15-Mar. 25. Other Gateways: Boston, Chicago (add $30). SS: $200. Information: Brian Moore International Tours, 800/982-2299, bmit.com.
Air from New York to Zagreb, seven nights in Opatija at the Hotel Millennium (in the historic district), and all breakfasts and dinners. Round-trip transfers are $60 extra. When: Until Mar. 31. Blacked out Dec. 10-31. Other Gateways: D.C, Miami (add $90); Denver (add $100); Chicago (add $110); L.A., San Francisco (add $150). SS: $290. Information: Travel Time, 800/354-8728, traveltimeny.com.
Air from New York; six nights at the Apollo Hotel in Bayswater; and breakfasts. When: Until Jan 7 (from $999); Jan. 8-Mar. 24 (from $549). Other Gateways: Baltimore, Denver, Detroit, San Francisco, and Seattle (add $50); San Diego (add $90); Fort Lauderdale (add $170). SS: $230. Information: Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.
Austrian Airlines flights from New York to Prague (return flight from Budapest), all intercity train transfers, breakfasts, and three nights each in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. When: Until Dec. 13, Jan. 4-Mar. 20. Other Gateways: D.C. (add $80), Chicago (add $105). SS: $220. Information: Austrian Airlines Vacation Center, 800/790-4682, austrianair-vacations.com.
Air from Boston or New York to Istanbul, onward flight to Antalya, transfers and local transportation (bus), and a 12-day escorted tour of Turkey. The itinerary includes 10 nights' lodging (three each in Istanbul and Cappadocia, two in Antalya, and one each in Ankara and Bursa), most meals, and guided sightseeing. When: Until Dec. 15 ($2,259); Dec. 16-31 ($2,699); Jan. 1-7 ($2,399); Jan. 8-31 ($2,599); Feb. 1-29 ($2,799). Other Gateways: Chicago (add $50); Atlanta, Miami (add $100). SS: $399. Information: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com.
All the World's a Zoo
Three tours get you close to exotic animals--some of them even endangered--in their own habitats.
Ten-day tour of Sabah (Malaysian Borneo) with transport, nine nights' lodging, orangutan visit, more. Airfare, meals, and $150 in local fees are extra. When: Dec. 9; Jan. 6, 20; Feb. 3, 17; Mar. 2, 16, 30. SS: N/A. Information: G.A.P Adventures, 800/465-5600, gapadventures.com.
Two-week volunteer program in Namibia with local transport, training, bush-camp lodging, meals. Monitor elephants, interact with farmers, more. Airfare is extra. When: Jan. 28; Feb. 11, 25; Mar. 10, 24. SS: None. Information: Global Vision International, 888/653-6028, gviusa.com.
Air from D.C. or New York, transport, seven nights' lodging, a meerkat tour, more. When: Until Dec. 6 ($2,695); Dec. 7-Jan. 11 ($3,245); Jan. 12-May 31 ($2,795). Other Gateways: Many. SS: $745. Information: 2Afrika, 866/462-2374, 2afrika.com.
EgyptAir flights from New York to Cairo, transfers and local transportation (car, plane), four nights in Cairo at the InterContinental Pyramids Park Resort Cairo, breakfasts, and a four-night Nile cruise with all meals and shore excursions. When: Friday departures until Dec. 7, Jan. 11-Feb. 1 ($2,136); Dec. 14-Jan. 4 ($2,910). Other Gateways: Baltimore, D.C. (add $185); Atlanta, Detroit, Miami (add $295); L.A., San Diego, San Francisco (add $455). SS: From $258. Information: Karell Holidays, 800/327-0373, karellholidays.com.
Bangkok & Beaches from $1,149
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Bangkok (return is from Phuket), transfers and flights within Thailand, three nights at the Ibis Siam Hotel, two nights on Koh Samui Island at the Fair House Beach Resort, two nights on Phuket at the Deevana Patong Resort & Spa, breakfasts, and more. When: Dec. 1-4, Jan. 8-May 31 ($1,149); Dec. 5-Jan. 7 ($1,649). Other Gateways: Seattle (add $175); New York (add $200); Dallas, Houston, Tulsa (add $275); Detroit, Minneapolis, Philadelphia (add $435). SS: $300. Information: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Air China flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Beijing, transfers and local transportation (bus, plane), and a 12-day tour of China. Includes three nights in Beijing, two nights each in Xi'an and Shanghai, a three-night Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing to Yichang with excursions and meals, most meals throughout, and guided sightseeing. When: Dec. 21; Jan. 11, 25; Feb. 8, 22; Mar. 7. Other Gateways: New York (add $150); Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia (add $300). SS: From $650. Information: Ritz Tours, 800/900-2446, ritztours.com.
Japan Airlines flights from L.A. to Tokyo, transfers and local transportation, and a 10-day tour with guided sightseeing. The itinerary includes eight nights' lodging (two nights in Tokyo, and three each in Kyoto and Hong Kong), breakfasts, and visits to Mt. Fuji, Nara, Hakone, and Lan Tau Island. When: Tuesday departures Jan. 15-Feb. 12 ($2,199); Feb. 19-Mar. 11 ($2,299). Other Gateways: New York (from $2,349). SS: From $540. Information: China Silk Tours, 800/945-7960, chinasilktours.com.
Cathay Pacific Airways flights from L.A. to Manila (via Hong Kong), transfers and local transportation, and a 12-day escorted tour of the country. The itinerary covers nine nights' lodging, meals, and sightseeing. It includes visits to the island of Bohol to see the world's smallest monkeys; the country's oldest city, Cebu; and the 2,000-year-old rice terraces of Banaue. When: Thursday departures Dec. 6-27 ($2,880); Jan. 3-31 ($2,480); Feb. 7-Mar. 27 ($2,940). Other Gateways: New York (add from $250), Chicago (add from $335). SS: $725. Information: Pacific Holidays, 800/355-8025, pacificholidaysinc.com.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Singapore, one night at the Furama Riverfront Hotel, an onward flight to Delhi, transfers and local transportation (private car), and a 15-day private tour through Rajasthan, in northeastern India. The price covers 14 nights' lodging, breakfasts, and guided sightseeing. Highlights include a camel ride, tour of the Shekawati region, elephant ride at the Amber Fort in Jaipur, and visit to the Taj Mahal. When: Until Dec. 5, Jan. 1-Mar. 31. Other Gateways: New York (add $150); Denver, Phoenix, Seattle (add $175); D.C. (add $250); Austin, Dallas (add $275); Chicago (add $325). SS: From $680. Information: Sayang Holidays, 888/472-9264, sayangholidays.com.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A., San Francisco, or New York to Singapore; transfers; two nights at the Four Seasons Regent Hotel; an onward SilkAir flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand; three nights at the Shangri-La Hotel (which opens December 22); breakfast daily; and a half-day tour of each city. When: Jan. 1- Mar. 31. Other Gateways: Phoenix, Salt Lake City (add from $220); Chicago (add from $250). SS: From $250. Information: Globotours, 800/988-4833, globotours.net.
Fiji from $1,531
Air Pacific flights from L.A. to Nandi, transfers, and seven nights on Denarau Island at the Radisson Resort Fiji Denarau Island. When: Until June 30. Blacked out Dec. 24-Jan. 4, and Apr. 7-28. Other Gateways: None. SS: From $427. Information: Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.
New Zealand Camper Van from $1,687
Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A. to Auckland, transfers, and a seven-night Eclipse 2 camper van rental with unlimited mileage. The van has a double bed and kitchenette, but no bathroom. When: Dec. 1-9 ($1,687); Dec. 10-Jan. 31 ($2,715); Feb. 1-29 ($1,847). Other Gateways: None. SS: From $308. Information: Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.
Qantas Airways flights from L.A. to Sydney, four nights at Hotel Ibis Darling Harbour, onward flight to Melbourne, and three nights at the Hotel Ibis Melbourne. When: Until Dec. 8 ($1,899); Dec. 9-Jan. 31 ($2,599); Feb. 1- Mar. 31 ($1,999). Other Gateways: San Diego (add from $90); Las Vegas, Seattle (add from $220); Denver (add from $250); New York (add from $300). SS: From $445. Information: ATS Tours, 888/423-9181, atstours.com.