Real Deals: May 2009

We're changing our name! The 40 Best Deals you know and love will now be called Real Deals—you'll still score great values every month, but we're also explaining why each package is a bargain. Normally, when you see our purple star logo, that means we've tracked down an exclusive itinerary or discount just for you. But in this special edition, every single deal has been customized with perks like theme-park tickets (SeaWorld), upgraded hotels (Ecuador), and private tours (Jordan).

How was your trip? Have you taken a Real Deals vacation? E-mail us how it went at RealDeals@BudgetTravel.com.

Santorini, Greece (Gräfenhain Günter/fototeca 9x12) [enlarge photo]

Before you book...
These trips sell out quickly, and details may change. Call the companies for complete info. Most rates are based on midweek dates; weekend travel can raise the price. Under "Why it's a deal:," round-trip flights are based on the lowest May departures on kayak.com at press time. Usually not included: service, security, and visa costs; hotel, car-rental, and airport taxes. Check each listing for fuel surcharges. Prices are per person, with two people in a room, unless otherwise noted. The single supplement ("SS") is the extra fee charged to solo travelers.

UNITED STATES

Alaska, from $719
A seven-night sail, on Princess Cruises' Star Princess, round trip from Seattle with three days at sea and stops in Victoria, B.C.; and Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, Alaska. The price includes all meals, port charges, and fuel surcharges, but not airfare. Add $96 for round-trip airport transfers. Why it's a deal: You save $45 off the lowest Princess interior-room rate; booking the same trip through Princess starts at $764. When: Sunday departures May 17 ($719); May 24–June 7 ($769); June 14 ($819); June 21–July 26 ($869). SS: From $649. Information: American Discount Cruises & Travel, 866/214-7447, americandiscountcruises.com.

Asheville, N.C., from $412
Two nights at the Crowne Plaza Resort, a $50 resort credit, and a pair of two-day Go Blue Ridge Cards valid at the Biltmore estate. The price is per room based on two people. Mention promo code IKALLGBT when booking. Why it's a deal: You save 30 percent off the regular room rate, plus you get the two passes (a $160 value), good at the Biltmore and other attractions, as well as the $50 for meals, golf, or tennis. When: May 1–July 31. SS: N/A. Information: Crowne Plaza Resort, 828/254-3211, crowneplaza.com.

Jackson Hole, Wyo., from $994
Three nights at the Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, breakfasts, a guided four-hour wildlife safari at Grand Teton National Park, and one half-day bike rental per person. Price is for four people. Why it's a deal: Booking the components separately would tack on $258. When: May 1–July 31. SS: N/A. Information: Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, 800/631-6271, tetonlodge.com.

Las Vegas, from $300
Spirit Airlines flights from Detroit, three nights at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino, and fuel surcharges. Add $12 for transfers. Book by June 30 and mention BT10. Why it's a deal: Spirit Vacations is taking 10 percent off all air/hotel packages to its 23 U.S. destinations, including Vegas. With this package, you save about $75 versus booking each component separately. When: Sunday and Monday departures May 3–July 27. Other gateways: Fort Lauderdale (from $359), New York (from $386). SS: $177. Information: Spirit Vacations, 407/583-5216, spiritvacations.com.

Napa Valley, Calif., from $149
One night at Vino Bello Resort, a wine tasting, and breakfast for two at Siena restaurant. The price is per room. Book by May 31 and mention WINE. Why it's a deal: This price is 25 percent off the best available nightly rate of $199 until May 25. It also includes the tasting and breakfast for free. When: May 3, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17–20 ($149); May 26-28, 31, June 1–4, 7–11, 14–18, 22–25, 28–30, July 1, 2 ($187). SS: N/A. Information: Shell Hospitality, 888/732-8232, shellhospitality.com.

New York City, from $798
Two nights at Buckingham Hotel, four front-mezzanine or orchestra tickets to the musical Mary Poppins, a CD of the show, and four Central Park Zoo passes. The price is for two adults and two kids. Why it's a deal: A two-night stay from May to September ranges from $498 to $718, but your rate is $408. The Broadway tickets are 24 percent off the price you'd get through Ticketmaster ($515); the zoo passes are free. When: Until Sept. 6. SS: N/A. Information: Buckingham Hotel, 888/511-1900, buckinghamhotel.com.

Olympic Peninsula, Wash., from $297
Three nights' hotel on the Olympic Peninsula with breakfasts. Spend one night each at Lake Quinault Lodge, Kalaloch Lodge, and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. Price is per room. Mention BUDTRV. Why it's a deal: The best available rate for this three-night package is 18 percent higher ($349), and booking each hotel separately would cost $486—about 64 percent more. When: May 1–21; May 26–June 26. SS: N/A. Information: Aramark Olympic Peninsula, 866/297-7367, visitwashingtonparks.com.

Orlando, from $529
Air from Atlanta or Fort Lau­derdale, a five-day car rental, five nights at the Comfort Suites Orlando Hotel, breakfasts, fuel surcharges, and unlimited entry to SeaWorld Orlando until Dec. 30. Why it's a deal: If you booked this trip independently, you would pay about $580 per person. Here, you save at least $50 and also receive a $75 SeaWorld ticket at no extra cost. When: May 1–July 31. Other gateways: D.C. (from $569); Chicago, New York (from $599); L.A. (from $649). SS: $209. Information: Travel Themes and Dreams, 877/870-7447, travelthemesanddreams.com.