Tahiti Airfare Sale

The Real Deal: Group tours to Eastern Europe include a set itinerary, a guide and up to 12 people in the traveling group (4 is the minimum number of participants in order for the trip to take place), accommodations, and some food. When: Various departure dates through June 25, 2006 Gateways: Airfare is not included Details: Depending on the trip, you may be expected to pay a "host fee" of an additional $100-$300. Book By: June 25, 2006 Contact: Intrepid Travel, intrepidtravel.com Although the fall of the Iron Curtain and the resulting relative political and economic stability have been bringing more and more Western tourists to the region (aside from a few new-found tourist meccas like Prague) many parts of Eastern Europe worth seeing remain little explored. So, the next time you feel like taking a trip to Europe, forgo the more conventional tourist-jammed Western destinations, and choose the road less traveled by visiting the Eastern end of the Old World. Companies like Intrepid Travel specialize in non-commercial authentic group trips to all parts of the world. This month, Intrepid, a company that embraces local traditions and encourages their groups to experience travel like locals, has launched a series of trips to Eastern Europe with catchy names ranging from "Hungary for Turkey" to "Russia Revealed." For the various trip options and details go to Intrepid's website. Intrepid's trips to Eastern Europe range in length between 9 and 22 days, each trip has a set itinerary, a guide and up to 12 people in the traveling group (4 is the minimum number of participants in order for the trip to take place), accommodations, and some food. Depending on the trip, you may be expected to pay a "host fee" of an additional $100-$300. Prices are valid through Dec. 31, 2005. "Hungary for Turkey" is a 22-day trip from Budapest to Istanbul, which for a price of $1,705 per person encompasses a walking tour of Hungary's capital, Budapest, a trip through Romania's Transylvania region, across the Carpathian mountains visiting medieval towns, castles, rustic villages, traveling through Bulgaria and visiting its Rila Monastery, hiking the Pirin Mountains and ending the trip in the Turkish city of Istanbul. This trip departs on July 24 and September 4 of this year as well as May 28 and June 25, 2006. If opting for the "Eastern Europe Explorer," as its name states, you would spend 15 days discovering the beauties of Eastern Europe from Bulgaria through Romania and ending in Serbia's capital, Belgrade for $1,450 per person. The departure dates are July 31, August 15, September 12, and Oct. 22, 2005. "Russia Revealed" is a 9-day adventure from Moscow to St. Petersburg including the city of Novgord that will cost you $1,240 per person. You will visit the Red Square, have a meal in the walls of the Kremlin and see a variety of famous cathedrals, including the UNESCO protected Cathedral of Transfiguration, museums and palaces. A trip to the Secret Police headquarters will ensure that your exploration of Russia is complete. Departures for Russia are on August 27 and September 24, 2005 and June 4, 2006. And saving the best for last, "Best of Croatia" - the Eastern European version of the Mediterranean coast - is especially suited for those of us who, although unwilling to settle for the conventional, strongly believe that vacations and palm trees belong together. For $1,360, you get to explore the coast of the Adriatic and three of Croatia's 1,185 islands. But fear not, this will also be a cultural exploration since the coast is lined with ruins of the Roman Empire. Since the Croatian coast is quickly becoming the new hot spot for tourists far and wide, you may want to hurry to beat the crowd. The departure days for this trip are August 29, September 12, 2005, May 22 and June 12, 2006.

The Real Deal: Roundtrip air from New York or Chicago and a five-night stay at the Sleep Inn Maingate near the entrance to Disney World, plus a five-day car rental without a limit on mileage, shuttle service to Disney Parks, free discount coupon book, and daily continental breakfast. When: Through Dec. 15, 2005 Gateways: New York or Chicago; other gateways available for a surcharge Details: Some high season dates have surcharge; airport taxes are not included Book By: Dec. 15, 2005 Contact: Eleisurelink.com, eleisurelink.com Eleisurelink.com's Orlando special has not changed in two years and we've been covering it regularly. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," must be their motto. And you won't be either, broke that is, by spending from $343 a person for roundtrip airfare from New York or Chicago and a five-night stay at the Sleep Inn Maingate near the entrance to Disney World. To stay longer will cost you $18 per person per night. But that alone would not make it one of the most popular U.S. deals that it is. But what does, is a five-day car rental without a limit on mileage, shuttle service to Disney Parks, daily continental breakfast, all of which are included in the package, which is good for departures between now and December 15. (Airport taxes are, unfortunately, not included.) As a bonus, you get a free discount coupon book that can save you some money on tickets to major Orlando attractions--Sea World, Wet 'n Wild, Kennedy Space Center--to name a few, and even some neighboring restaurants. If you need more information on Orlando theme parks, visit the Orlando Tourist Bureau website. So why not go meet the Mouse, if you haven't already, and have some fun--with or without the kids. Here's a sample listing of add-on prices per person for departures from other major U.S. gateways:   $49--Washington, D.C/Atlanta   $59--Boston   $149--Dallas

There is a growing consensus, especially among the younger generation, that single people cannot only travel alone, but should. In seminar after seminar, workshop after workshop, arguments are made that it is preferable to travel alone, that unaccompanied adults become more sensitive to the local culture and language, more capable of meeting people, when they travel without a friend of their own background, and without even their spouse. I can understand those views. Though I've been married for most of my life, my profession as a travel writer has required that I travel alone for large parts of the year. And though I would have wanted my wife to be along, I have nevertheless valued some of the rewards of solitary travel and the time it has given me to ponder, reflect, absorb, and "listen" to foreign lifestyles. Like Thoreau, I've learned that a certain amount of solitude--not as much as he craved--is healthy and pleasant. But what about the special case of women traveling alone, problems I can't share? They're less than they used to be. People no longer stare at a woman dining alone. Countries like Spain and Turkey no longer treat the solitary female traveler as if she were a libertine. With the increasing participation of women in business and travel, attitudes have improved towards the traveling woman in almost all parts of the world other than in certain rigid societies of the Middle East. Though it's easy for me to say, I'm still convinced that some of the fear of dining, sightseeing, attending the theatre, alone, is mainly in the mind; that other people around the world are not preoccupied with the single female traveler or making judgments about her. That's not to say that the woman tourist should go strolling the docks of Liverpool. There are obviously common-sense limits to observe. But by staying in standard areas, adopting normal precautions, a great many women have found it is sometimes positively advantageous to travel alone. What problems remain? The big bugaboo is the single room supplement, which can't be overcome; it is part of the economics of hotel-keeping or cruise-operating that most rooms and cabins are capable of being occupied by two persons. Therefore, the single traveler pays the same amount for that room as two persons would pay--i.e., more per person. The solution? Bargaining. Just as so many Americans have learned that hotel prices are sometimes negotiable, a single traveler--whether male or female--should be conscious of their right to request a better price, and to "shop around" until such a rate is secured. And may I suggest that single travelers should consider the "Learning Vacation" and "Volunteer Vacation" section, of which we've written so much in these pages. On a "volunteer vacation" where people are focused on a goal outside of themselves, on "Earthwatch" or with "Habitat for Humanity," the fact that one is traveling alone and not as a couple becomes unimportant. Beyond that, the "alternative traveler" usually stays in dorms. On an educational trip, like an "Elderhostel" study week, or at foreign universities, the same applies. If you nevertheless feel that you must travel with a companion (but don't have one), remember that both commercial and non-profit services exist to aid you. Jens Jurgen's long-established "Travel Companion Exchange" (travelcompanions.com/) enables singles to advertise inexpensively and effectively for a travel partner. One other solution? Seek out a travel companion, perhaps using the above service, but hedge your bets. Tell the prospective companion that sharing costs is your main aim, and that you will be sightseeing and dining alone, unless the two of you prove especially congenial. I know someone who has done that on numerous occasions, and enjoyed the best of both worlds while traveling. Tour operators and travel agents for singles There are great many organizations provide assistance to traveling singles. Not surprising as one out of every four travelers nowadays is now going it alone (according to the Travel Industry Association). We have the space here to list just a few of the top firms, but if there are terrific ones we're missing, we'd love to hear about them. Scroll down the list, and good luck! All Singles Travel Travel Services Worldwide 2300 Lakeview Pkwy Suite 700Alpharetta GA 30004Tel: 800/717-3231Web: allsinglestravel.com/ In business nine years, All Singles Travel is just that: a company catering exclusively to solo travelers, and thus offering tours and cruises free of the dreaded singles supplement. Along with such standard holidays as cruises to Bermuda and escorted tours of Ireland, the company offers active vacations in Costa Rica (hiking, horseback riding and the like) as well as cruises to the Galapagos Islands. Club Med 75 Valencia Avenue, 12th floorCoral Gables, Florida 33134Tel: 888/WEB-CLUBWeb: clubmed.com/ The biggie all-inclusive resort chain devotes a substantial percentage of its properties each year to "cray weeks": seven-day periods when the adults-only resorts become sunny mixers for single travelers. In 2002, these singles only weeks were offered at Club Med Cancun, Turks and Caicos, Tunisia and Corfu among others. Majestic Sun Tours Division of Aim Higher, Inc.654 Essex LaneWinfield, IL 60190Tel: 630/752-9858Web: majesticsun.com/ A cruise specialist, Majestic engages in "bulk buying" and then passes on the savings to its customers. It also offers a "guaranteed share program"travelers who make their reservations 65 days or more in advance do not have to pay a singles supplement. The company will try to find a roommate for you, but if that fails, it will pay the supplement fee. O Solo Mio Single Tours 160 Main StreetLos Altos, CA 94022Tel: 800/959-8568Email: info@osolomio.comWeb: osolomio.com/ In business since 1991, O Solo Mio arranges tours for travelers aged between 35-65. In 2005, trips included trips to Thailand, Baja and Greek Islands. While O Solo Mio does charge a singles supplement, it does its best to arrange roommates for all participants. Regency Travel 10330 Friars RoadSan Diego, CA 92120Tel: 800/362-6221Web: egencytravel.com/ This large travel agency serves as a clearinghouse for vacations on which no singles supplement is charged. These include Club Med stays, Mexican cruises, tall ship vacations, African safaris, and river rafting through the Grand Canyon. Travel Buddies c/o 401-601 West BroadwayVancouver BC V5Z 4C2 CanadaTel: 800/998-9099, 604/534-5602Web: travelbuddiesworldwide.com/ Active, interesting tours for singles. Past programs have included wine tasting in Italy, a golf tournament in Costa Rica, Irish pub tours, and cruises, cruises, cruises. Travel buddies has plied the waters of the Caribbean, the rivers of Russia, the Inside Passage of Alaska, the Mediterranean and the Mexican "Riviera". The company will hook up travelers with roommates, free of charge. Windjammer Barefoot Cruise P.O. Box 190120Miami, Florida 33119-0120Tel: 800/327-2601Web: windjammer.com/ The famed tall-ship cruise company sets three cruises per year for single travelers. Perhaps the most popular of the Line's sailings, these tend to fill up early, with many repeat sailors. The World Outdoors 2840 Wilderness PlaceSuite DBoulder, CO 80301Tel: (800)488-8483Web: theworldoutdoors.com/ Massive wildlife/adventure company the World Outdoors sets aside a full two dozen of its outings each year for solo travelers. Since many of these vacations involve camping, singles supplements only apply when inns are used. Solos need not limit themselves to these specialty weeks: on most of its regular outings a full 50% of the participants come alone. Samples from the 2005 catalogue: Alaska Wildlands Hiker, Colorado Backcountry Multi-Sport and Belize Eco-Lodge Multi-Sport. Travel clubs Connecting Solo Travel Network 689 Park Road, Unit 6Gibsons, BC V0N 1V7 CanadaTel: 604/886-9099Web: cstn.org/ A network of traveling singles who host other traveling singles around the world. Constantly updated list of travel hosts is provided. In addition, members receive a newsletter detailing tours and cruises that are "singles friendly," and including free travel companion advertising. Going Solo Travel Club 629-11 Avenue S.W.Calgary, AB T2R 0E1 CanadaTel: 403/298-3532, 888/475-3755Web: goingsolotravel.com/ For singles of all ages: international tours, monthly activities, and weekend getaways in Alberta and British Columbia. There are no membership fees with this club. Outdoor Singles Network OSN-IN,P.O. Box 781Haines, AK 99827Web: kcd.com/ci/osn Established quarterly newsletter (since 1989) for outdoor-loving singles, ages 19-90, will help you find a travel companion, pen-pal, or soulmate; $55 for a one-year hard-copy subscription with your personal ad printed in the next issue, $35 for online membership ($75 for both), $15 to receive the current issue, or write for free information. Check out its Web site at kcd.com/ci/osn The Single Gourmet Club GLB1-60 Old Mill RoadOakville, Ontario L6J 7V9 CanadaTel: 416/929-7591Web: singlegourmet.ca/ An international social, dining and travel club for singles, with offices in 21 cities in USA and Canada, and one in London. Offers three trips a year to all parts of the world. As you might imagine, food and gourmet meals are the focus of these trips. Single Travelers Action Group c/o Jean JewellSTAGChurch LaneSharnbrook, Bedfordshire MK44 1HR, EnglandTel: (011) 44-1234-782415A nonprofit singles networking organization with over 2,500 members throughout the U.K. and 14 other countries. Membership is £10 (US$15) per year. TravelChums P.O. Box 231295New York, NY 10023Tel: 212/787-2621Web: travelchums.com/This free, online service, run by educational travel publisher Shaw Guides, connects solo nomads from around the world. Members create detailed profiles, which include such travel-oriented info as desired companion qualities and favorite past trips (there are currently 29,000 profiles online). Members can contact each other through the site's internal messaging system, or directly via e-mail. Travelin' Singles c/o John La PointP.O. Box 2702Laguna Hills, CA 92654Tel: 800/748-6662Web: travelinsingles.com/This singles' travel club has been organizing tours for solos in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s, since 1980. Members can subscribe free to an online newsletter detailing the prospective trips, or pay $15/year for a printed copy. T.G.I.F. (Canada) 977 Wellington DriveNorth Vancouver, BC BCV7 K1L1 CanadaTel: 800/661-7151 or 604/988-5231Web: tgifbc.com/This singles club for travelers 20 and up has over 1,200 members. Events include "Get-away Weekends," ski-trips, river rafting, sailing, cruises and other longer trips. Single travelers of all nations, travel! You have nothing to lose but your unwarranted fears. You have a world to win!

The Real Deal: Buy roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane for $999 and fly to three other Australian cities for free. When: July 19 - Aug. 26, 2005 Gateways: Los Angeles and Honolulu; other gateways and dates available for a surcharge. Details: Minimum stay of 7 days and maximum of 21 days from your first transpacific flight. Book By: Aug. 31, 2005 Contact: Qantas, qantasusa.com The concept behind the new travel pass from Qantas is a simple rip-off of Cathay Pacific's much more extensive "" and it even carries the same price-tag: $999. Here's how it works: for $999, you--the intrepid traveler-- will get to fly from Los Angeles or Honolulu to Oz and then hop to three cities on this massive continent, without paying a cent extra. Considering that airfares from LA to Sydney often top the $999 mark, and fares from say, Brisbane to Sydney can cost $150 each way, this is a superb opportunity for anyone who's ever wanted to really get around Down Under. Travelers have 30 days tops to use their pass and can only fly to one city apiece in three different sectors during that time. But still, these are the cities you'll want to visit: Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Gold Coast Queensland, Perth, Ayers Rock, Darwin, Cairns and others. To extend your trip for another 30 days costs an additional $100. The $999 price-tag is good until Dec. 9, 2004 and again after Apr. 26, 2005. In the months in between the rate will rise by about $300. Add-ons from other cities, including those on the East Coast and Midwest, are certainly available.