BudgetTravel.com
40 Best Deals
From the March issue: Rio, a Yangtze cruise, the Galápagos Islands, and 37 other tempting destinations worldwide.

March 2008 issue
Tuesday, February 19, 2008;

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Beyond hotels 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.

DEAL OF THE MONTH
Hot Times in Iceland
The city of Reykjavík is internationally renowned for its nightlife--an especially noteworthy feat considering the city has fewer than 200,000 residents. And yet, every weekend, visitors from all over the world join locals to crawl down Laugavegur Street from one bar to another. This three-night Icelandair package is designed with revelers in mind. In addition to airfare and accommodations, it covers a three-course dinner and entry to the ice bar at Restaurant Reykjavík, a late-morning tour to geysers and the Gullfoss waterfall, an afternoon horseback-riding expedition, and some time to recuperate in between it all with an evening soak in the therapeutic waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Iceland from $927
Icelandair flights from Boston or New York, transfers, three nights at the Icelandair Hotel Loftleidir, breakfast daily, and more. When: Until Mar. 31 ($927); Apr. 1-May 31 ($1,029). Other Gateways: Minneapolis (add from $50), Orlando (five-night packages only, add from $148). SS: From $96. Information: Icelandair, 800/223-5500, icelandair.com.

THIS MONTH'S READER REPORT
A Super-duper Safari
Dr. Alicia Crabbe and her husband, Bob Lawrence, of Rochester, Mass., booked a safari to Tanzania and Kenya after reading about 2Afrika in a 2005 issue. "We were so delighted at what we saw, where we stayed, and even the food!" she says. "We went on an outstanding nature hike in the Masai Mara National Reserve with this knowledgeable Masai warrior." Information: Kenya is politically dicey now, but 2Afrika also has a 13-day Tanzania safari with airfare starting at $3,195 (866/462-2374, 2afrika.com).

UNITED STATES
Alaska Cruise from $649
A seven-night sailing aboard the Sapphire Princess from Vancouver to Anchorage with stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. The price includes port charges, but not airfare. When: May 17, 24, 31 ($649 inside cabin/ $698 ocean-view cabin). SS: From $649. Information: American Discount Cruises & Travel, 866/214-7447, americandiscountcruises.com.

Maui from $896
Northwest Airlines flights from Seattle to Kahului and seven nights at the ResortQuest Paki Maui on the Kaanapali Coast. Children 12 years and under stay and eat free with a paying adult. Add $59 for round-trip transfers. When: Mar. 3-13 ($1,087); Apr. 1-15 ($985); May 1-22 ($896). Other Gateways: Detroit, L.A., Memphis, Minneapolis (from $1,224). SS: From $546. Information: NWA WorldVacations, 800/800-1504, nwaworldvacations.com.

Orlando from $592
US Airways flights from Philadelphia and six nights at the Sheraton Vistana Resort on Lake Buena Vista, three miles from Disney World. When: Until May 15. Other Gateways: Baltimore (from $646), New York (from $658), Boston (from $691). SS: $407. Information: US Airways Vacations, 800/455-0123, usairwaysvacations.com.

San Francisco from $368
US Airways flights from Las Vegas and three nights at the Hilton San Francisco Financial District hotel, near Chinatown. When: Until May 31. Other Gateways: Phoenix ($463), Denver ($468). SS: $225. Information: US Airways Vacations, 800/455-0123, usairwaysvacations.com.

CANADA
Halifax from $901
Air Canada flights from Atlanta, Boston, or New York; three nights' accommodations at the Prince George Hotel, next to the World Trade and Convention Center; and dinner at Da Maurizio restaurant in the historic Alexander Keith Brewery. When: Until Apr. 30 ($901); May 1-31 ($961). Other Gateways: Chicago (from $991), L.A. (from $1,021), Miami (from $1,081). SS: $239. Information: Maxxim Vacations, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.

MEXICO
Both Posh and Spicy
A Four Seasons hotel in Budget Travel? No, we haven't lost our minds. This remarkable Leisure Link package for Mexico City covers airfare and five nights at the Four Seasons Hotel, just outside the Zona Rosa--all for under a grand per person.

Mexico City from $979
Air from Chicago, transfers, and five nights at the Four Seasons. When: Mar. 3-May 22. Other Gateways: Houston (add $35), Philadelphia (add $89), L.A. (add $100), Miami (add $135), New York (add $165), Boston (add $175). SS: $725. Information: 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.

Cancún from $408
Spirit Airlines flights from Orlando or Tampa and three nights at the all-inclusive Hotel Hotetur Beach Paradise, between the Caribbean and Nichupté Lagoon, about nine miles from the airport. Kids 12 and under stay free. When: Mar. 3-May 26. Other Gateways: Fort Lauderdale ($471); Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, D.C., Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York ($573). SS: $105. Information: Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.

Puerto Vallarta from $555
Air from L.A. and three nights at the Hacienda Hotel & Spa in the north hotel zone, five minutes from the airport. When: Mar. 1-May 29. Other Gateways: Denver, until June 2 ($569); Chicago, until May 27 ($745); New York, until May 29 ($905). SS: From $291. Information: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.

CARIBBEAN
Aruba from $999
Air from Miami or New York and four nights at the all-inclusive Occidental Grand Aruba on Palm Beach. When: Mar. 1-22 ($1,099); Apr. 1-May 22 ($999). Other Gateways: Boston (add $99); Chicago, Hartford (add $199); L.A. (add $275); Philadelphia (add $299). SS: $799. Information: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.

Bahamas from $373
Spirit Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale and three nights at the Nassau Palm Hotel overlooking Nassau Harbor. When: Mar. 3-May 26. Other Gateways: Orlando, Tampa ($448); Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, D.C., Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York ($493). SS: $173. Information: Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.

Tobago from $140
Half Moon Blue Hotel, a French-colonial-style hotel on Bacolet Bay, is taking 40 percent off its rack rates. Rooms now start at $140 a night and include a welcome drink and breakfast at La Belle Creole restaurant. The hotel, with an outdoor pool and a nearby beach, is a 15-minute walk from the capital, Scarborough. The price is per room but doesn't cover international airfare. When: Until Apr. 21 ($160); Apr. 22-Oct. 31 ($140). Information: Half Moon Blue Hotel, 868/639-3551, halfmoonblue.com.

CENTRAL AMERICA
Belize from $1,179
Air from Houston or L.A. to Belize City, seven nights on Ambergris Cay at Exotic Caye Beach Resort, and a full-day boat tour. Round-trip transfers to Ambergris Cay are an extra $30 (ferry) or $116 (plane). When: Until Apr. 30 ($1,229); May 1-Dec. 14 ($1,179). Other Gateways: New York (add $40), Miami (add $70), Chicago (add $130). SS: $625. Information: Caradonna Dive Adventures, 800/328-2288, caradonna.com.

Costa Rica from $1,239
Air from Chicago or L.A.; transfers; seven nights at Flamingo Marina Resort, in northern Guanacaste on the Pacific Coast; a full-day scuba-diving lesson; a kayak rental; and breakfasts. When: Mar. 28-Nov. 30. Other Gateways: Dallas, Houston, New York (add $60); Miami (add $70). SS: $450. Information: Caradonna Dive Adventures, 800/328-2288, caradonna.com.

Nicaragua from $939
American Airlines flights from Miami to Managua, all transfers, and seven nights' hotel accommodations (two in Granada, three in San Juan del Sur, and two in Norome). When: Until Nov. 15. Add $219 between Mar. 16 and Mar. 23. Other Gateways: Dallas ($949); New York, Seattle ($999); L.A. ($1,019); Chicago ($1,129). SS: From $505. Information: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.

SOUTH AMERICA
Buenos Aires & Montevideo from $1,049
Copa Airlines from D.C. or Miami to Buenos Aires (via Panama City, with the return flight originating from Montevideo, Uruguay), transfers, four nights in Buenos Aires at the Art Hotel in the Recoleta district, a city tour, ferry transfer to Montevideo, and two nights with breakfasts at Balmoral Plaza Hotel. When: Until June 16. Other Gateways: Orlando (add $80), New York (add $100), L.A. (add $275). SS: $300. Information: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.

Colombia Resort Combo from $961
American Airlines flights from Miami to Barranquilla, transfers, four nights in Cartagena at the all-inclusive Decameron Cartagena resort, three nights in Santa Marta at the all-inclusive Decameron Galeón resort, and a tour of each city. When: Mar. 1-June 30. Other Gateways: Boston, D.C., New York, Philadelphia (add $200); Atlanta, Dallas, Orlando (add $250); Chicago, Cleveland, Denver (add $320); L.A., San Francisco, Seattle (add $370). SS: $333. Information: Tara Tours, 800/327-0080, taratours.com.

Quito & Galápagos Islands from $2,970
Air from Miami to Quito, transfers, three nights at the Four Points Sheraton, a city tour, onward flight to the Galápagos Islands, three nights on the catamaran Anahi with meals and excursions, and more. When: Until May 31. Other Gateways: New York ($3,040), L.A. ($3,180). SS: $1,470. Information: Marnella Tours, 866/993-0033, marnellatours.com.

Rio de Janeiro from $849
Air from Miami or New York; transfers; five nights at the Savoy Othon Travel Hotel, two blocks from Copacabana Beach; and more. When: Mar. 1-June 26. Other Gateways: None. SS: $260. Information: Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.

EUROPE
Continental Drifting
Cruising is a great way to see a lot of Europe without having to pack and unpack your bags over and over.

Black Sea from $2,699
A 12-night sailing on the Taras Shevchenko from Istanbul to Kiev, Ukraine; meals; port charges; and two nights in Istanbul. No airfare. When: May 6, 20, 30; June 13; July 7; Aug. 24 (from $2,699). SS: From $1,200. Information: General Tours, 800/221-2216, generaltours.com.

Mediterranean from $799
Seven-night sailing on the Norwegian Gem round trip from Barcelona, with port charges but not airfare. When: May 4, 11, 18, 25 (from $799 inside cabin/from $899 ocean-view). SS: From $799. Information: American Discount Cruises, 866/214-7447, americandiscountcruises.com.

Rhine River from $2,049
Nine-day sailing on the Grand River Ambassador from Basel, Switzerland, to Amsterdam; transfers; meals; more. The airfare is not covered. When: Saturdays May 3 ($2,049); May 10-June 28 ($2,199). SS: From $1,549. Information: Uniworld, 800/360-9550, uniworld.com.

Baltic Capitals from $1,499
Finnair flights from New York to Vilnius, Lithuania (return flight from Tallinn, Estonia); transfers; intercity bus transportation; three half-day city tours; and six nights' lodging split between Vilnius; Riga, Latvia; and Tallinn. When: Mar. 1-31 ($1,499); Apr. 1-30 ($1,599); May 1-20 ($1,699). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C. (add $250); Chicago, Miami (add $350); Dallas, Denver (add $450); L.A., San Francisco (add $525). SS: $595. Information: Eastern Tours, 800/339-6967, traveltorussia.com.

Budapest from $729
Delta Airlines flights from New York; transfers; six nights at the Hotel Sissi, near the Ferenc körút metro stop; a half-day city tour; and breakfasts. When: Until Mar. 13 ($729); Mar. 14-May 15 ($929). Other Gateways: None. SS: $369. Information: Tatra Travel, 800/321-2999, tatratravel.com.

Paris from $599
Air from New York; six nights at the Comfort Hotel Davout Nation, in the 20th arrondissement; and breakfast daily. When: Mar. 1-14 (from $599); Mar. 15-24 (from $669); Mar. 25-May 31 (from $699). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C. (add $100); Chicago (add $130); Detroit (add $140); Atlanta, Dallas, Denver (add $150); Miami (add $180). SS: $160. Information: Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.

Turkey Tour from $1,549
Air from New York, transfers and local transportation, and a 12-night tour with guided sightseeing, most meals, and entrance fees. Spend four nights in Istanbul; two each in Izmir, Antalya, and Cappadocia; and one each in Çanakkale and Ankara. When: Apr. 10 ($1,549), Apr. 24 ($1,589), May 8 ($1,579), May 22 ($1,649). Other Gateways: Boston (add $19), Philadelphia (add $43). SS: $255. Information: Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.

Tuscany from $1,599
Alitalia flights from D.C. or New York to Florence (via Milan or Rome), a seven-day car rental, six nights in the town of Chiusi at the Villa il Patriarca hotel, breakfasts, two dinners, two wine tours, and a wine tasting. When: Mar. 1-14 ($1,599); Mar. 15-31, June 1-30 ($2,299); Apr. 1-May 31 ($1,899). Other Gateways: None. SS: From $899. Information: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com.

AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
Egypt from $2,399
EgyptAir flights from New York to Cairo; local transportation (bus, car, plane); five nights at the Sofitel Le Sphinx Hotel with breakfasts; a four-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor on the King of Thebes with meals and excursions; four nights in Hurghada, on the Red Sea coast, at the all-inclusive Al Nabila Grand Makadi Hotel; and more. When: Thursday departures Mar. 6, 13 ($2,619); Mar. 20 ($3,119); Mar. 27 ($2,399); Apr. 3-24 ($2,679). Other Gateways: Baltimore, Boston, D.C. (add from $35); Chicago (add from $170); L.A., Seattle (add from $270). SS: From $519. Information: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com.

Israel & Palestine Tour from $1,900
Reality Tours, the educational-travel branch of Global Exchange, a U.S.-based international human rights organization, is leading two 10-day Prospects for Peace tours to Jerusalem and the West Bank that focus on the social and political impact of the occupation of Palestinian territories. The price covers local transportation, nine nights' lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, program activities (including meeting with Israeli settlers and a homestay with a Palestinian family), and a guide and translator throughout. Note: International airfare isn't included. When: Apr. 5, Dec. 6. SS: $350. Information: Global Exchange Reality Tours, 800/497-1994, globalexchange.org.

South Africa from $2,399
South African Airways flights from D.C. or New York to Cape Town (via Johannesburg), four nights at the Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel off Kloof Street, an onward flight to Jo'burg, and two nights inside the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve at Lion Sands River Lodge. The price covers four game drives and all meals while on safari. When: Mar. 1-31 ($2,999); Apr. 1-30 ($3,299); May 1-31 ($2,399). Other Gateways: Atlanta (add $50), Houston (add $100), L.A. (add $150). SS: From $575. Information: Visit Southern Africa Vacations, 888/722-4872, vsavacations.com.

Tanzania Safari from $2,695
Virgin Atlantic flights from Boston, D.C., or New York to Nairobi (via London); an onward flight to Kilimanjaro airport, Tanzania; and a five-night safari at Serena Safari Lodges with meals and game drives. Spend two nights each at the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, and one night at Lake Manyara National Park. When: Mar. 1-19 ($2,995); Mar. 20-27 ($3,475); Mar. 28-May 31 ($2,695); June 1-Sept. 15 ($3,735). Other Gateways: Miami, Orlando (add $170); L.A., San Francisco (add $190); Chicago (add $210). SS: From $100. Information: Masai Travel, 800/587-1644, masaitravel.com.

ASIA
Taipei and Beyond
With the recent boom in travel to China, more and more people are discovering the neighboring island of Taiwan, drawn by its hot springs, forests, mountains, and bustling capital.

$1,199
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A., transportation, three nights in Taipei, a three-night island tour with most meals, and more. When: Until June 5. Other Gateways: Portland (add $175); Austin (add $275); Boston, Chicago, D.C., New York (add $335). SS: $350. Information: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.

Bali from $899
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco (via Singapore), transfers, three nights in Sanur Beach at the Parigata Resort N Spa, three nights in Ubud at the Sahadewa Resort, a full-day tour with lunch, and breakfast daily. When: Until June 4. Other Gateways: Denver, New York, Seattle (add $175); Boston, Chicago, D.C., Philadelphia (add $250); Dallas, Miami (add $300). SS: From $250. Information: Sayang Holidays, 888/472-9264, sayangholidays.com.

China Tour & Yangtze Cruise from $2,549
Air China flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Beijing, local transportation (bus, plane), guided sightseeing, three nights in Beijing, two nights each in Xi'an and Shanghai, a three-night cruise on the Victoria Star along the Yangtze River with all meals, and more. When: Friday departures Mar. 7, 14 ($2,549); Mar. 21-Apr. 25 ($2,649); May 2 ($2,759); May 9-30 ($2,849). Other Gateways: New York (from $2,699). SS: From $700. Information: Ritz Tours, 800/900-2446, ritztours.com.

Hong Kong from $1,470
Asiana Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco, transfers, five nights at the Renaissance Kowloon Hotel in the Tsimshatsui district, a half-day island tour with visits to the Wan Chai waterfront and Victoria Peak, an evening boat cruise around Victoria Harbour, and breakfast daily. When: Until Aug. 31. Other Gateways: Chicago, New York (add from $250). SS: $600. Information: SITA World Tours, 800/421-5643, sitatours.com.

Japan Tour from $2,399
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. to Tokyo, local transportation (Shinkansen bullet train, bus), three nights in Tokyo at the Grand Prince New Takanawa hotel, two nights in Kyoto at the Rihga Royal hotel, breakfasts, sightseeing in Tokyo and Kyoto, and a full-day tour to Mount Fuji, Hakone National Park, and Lake Ashi. When: Mar. 24, Apr. 14, May 12, June 16. Other Gateways: Phoenix, Seattle (add $175); Chicago (add $375). SS: From $453. Information: Globotours, 800/988-4833, globotours.net.

SOUTH PACIFIC
Fiji from $1,799
Air Pacific flights from L.A., transfers, three nights in a bure at Barefoot Lodge with four full-day trips through the southern Yasawa Islands on the 108-foot schooner Spirit of the Pacific, and four nights at Crusoe's Retreat on Viti Levu's Coral Coast. When: Until Mar. 31, 2009. Other Gateways: None. SS: $350. Information: Air Pacific, 800/704-7094, airpacificusa.com.

Tahiti from $1,499
Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A., transfers, and six nights at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort on Point Tataa. When: Until Mar. 31 ($1,499); Apr. 1-May 31 ($1,799). Other Gateways: None. SS: $700. Information: Islands in the Sun, 800/828-6877, islandsinthesun.com.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand from $2,559
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Auckland, transfers and all flights within New Zealand, three nights in Queenstown, two nights in Christchurch, and two nights in Rotorua. When: Until Apr. 30 ($2,699); May 1-31 ($2,559). Other Gateways: None. SS: $999. Information: ATS Tours, 888/423-9181, atstours.com.

Queensland Outback Tour from $1,190
An eight-day escorted tour from Brisbane to Cairns, to explore the sandstone cliffs, forests, dunes, and savannas of Queensland's Outback. The itinerary includes local transportation, seven nights' lodging (hotel, cabin, and farm), guided walks through Carnarvon Gorge and Porcupine Gorge, a sunset cruise on the Thomson River, and more. A $200 local payment is due upon arrival (only Australian dollars are accepted). Add $130 for meals. Land-only package; airfare isn't covered. When: Mar. 14, Apr. 11, May 23, June 20, July 18. SS: Not available. Information: G.A.P Adventures, 800/465-5600, gapadventures.com.