40 Best Bargain Vacations
In April, May, and June
India Tour for $999
Air India flights from New York to Delhi, transfers, assistance from an on-site tour director, six nights in five-star hotels (two each in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur), breakfast daily, a farewell dinner, and guided tours of the Taj Mahal and the Fatehpur Sikri. With the exception of the tours mentioned above, days are free to explore on your own. When: April 12, 26, May 3, 17 ($999); June 7 ($1,299). Other Gateways: Chicago, L.A. (add from $100, because flight schedules require at least one extra night in Delhi before tour begins). Details: These are cash-discount prices; add $50-$65 for credit card payments. Extra nights $60 in Delhi. Single supplement from $150. Add four nights in Kathmandu for $599, including flights, five-star hotels, and touring. Contact: Friendly Planet, 800/555-5765, friendlyplanet.com.
Japan Tour for $1,899
Korean Air flights from L.A. to Tokyo, all transfers, and eight nights' lodging split between Tokyo (at the Asakusa View Hotel, with nine restaurants and bars, a pool, and a gym) and Kyoto (Rihga Royal Hotel; seven restaurants and bars, and a pool), breakfast daily, one lunch, Shinkansen (bullet) train between cities, and guided sightseeing throughout, including city tours and an excursion to Mount Fuji and Hakone-Izu National Park. When: April 5, May 3 and 17 ($1,899); July 5 ($2,199). Other Gateways: None. Details: No extra nights. Single supplement from $299. Contact: Smartours, 800/337-7773, smartours.com.
Vietnam for $899
Cathay Pacific flights from L.A. or San Francisco to your choice of either Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) or Hanoi, transfers, four nights in Saigon (at the three-star Saigon Royal Hotel, or similar) or Hanoi (at the three-star Halong Hotel, or similar), breakfast daily, and a half-day city tour. When: Until May 31 ($899), June 1-30 ($1,099). Other Gateways: Portland, Seattle (add $50); New York (add $100); Denver, Salt Lake City (add $160); Boston, D.C., Philadelphia (add $180); Chicago, Detroit (add $280). Details: Add $50 for weekend travel. Extra nights from $25. Single supplement $140. Free stopovers in Hong Kong are allowed in either direction. Or choose to spend six nights split between Saigon and Hanoi starting at $1,179, including lodging, breakfast daily, flights between cities, and two half-day city tours. Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
South Pacific
Bora-Bora for $1,419
Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A. to Bora-Bora (via Papeete), transfers, lei greetings, and five nights in an air-conditioned oceanview room at Le Maitai Polynesia, on Matira Point near the town of Vaitape. The resort has two restaurants and a bar. The use of snorkeling gear, kayaks, and outriggers is included. When: Monday or Wednesday departures April 2-May 26. Other Gateways: None. Details: Extra nights from $128. Single supplement from $300. Upgrade to a beach bungalow from $139 more; an overwater bungalow starts at $397 more. Contact: Islands in the Sun, 800/828-6877, islandsinthesun.com.
Fiji for $1,013
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Nandi and five nights in a garden-court bure (bungalow) at the Club Fiji Resort, with a bar, restaurant, pool, and lots of water sports. When: April 1-May 22 ($1,013), May 23-June 12 ($1,052), June 13-Aug. 22 ($1,152). Other Gateways: None. Details: These are cash-discount prices; add $35 for credit card payments. Extra nights from $72. Single supplement from $213. Contact: Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.
Budget Travel Real Deals
- From $909
- From $449
- From $849
- From $99
- From $179
- From $1,285
- From $1,155
- From $1,075
- From $728
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