40 Best Bargain Vacations

Airfare

Where flights are included, we try to list prices from a variety of airports or gateways around the country, but we don't have space for every city. Operators will often arrange connections from dozens of airports, but you have to call up or log on to their websites to find out the cost. Don't assume they'll always give you the best rate. It may make more sense to book your own connections using frequent-flier miles or a low-cost airline. Before you book, always check to see how many connections you'll have to make. Land-only prices do not include airfare. For international destinations, we've tried to give you the name of the airline wherever possible.

What all-inclusive means

As a general rule, all-inclusive resorts combine lodging, three meals per day, entertainment, and nonmotorized water sports (such as sea kayaking) into one price. Some, but not all, also include alcoholic drinks and gratuities.

USA

Philadelphia's Surreal Spring for $149

The City of Brotherly Love has rolled out the red carpet for one of Spain's most famous sons: Salvador Dalí. Timed to coincide with the 2004 centenary of Dalí's birth, the exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art features more than 200 works by the famed surrealist--including Premature Ossification of a Railway Station (above, right). The Boston Globe called it the most comprehensive retrospective since the artist's death in 1989. All of Philly is joining Dalímania: Restaurants have created Dalí-themed menus, shops have designed special window displays, and hotels are offering packages that include V.I.P. tickets to the show (so you can skip the lines). Among your choices are the Best Western Center City (doubles from $149), the Latham Hotel (doubles from $169), the Radisson Plaza (doubles from $225), the Sofitel (doubles from $300), or the Rittenhouse Hotel (doubles from $325). The free Dalí Deals card offers premiums and discounts at more than 150 shops, restaurants, and attractions. Download it from the website below or find it on brochure racks around the city. When: Until May 15. Contact: Greater Philadelphia Tourism, gophila.com/dali.

Alaska Cruise for $934

Seven nights aboard the Norwegian Star, cruising the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay on a round trip sailing from Seattle. The itinerary includes stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria. There's plenty on board to keep you occupied: restaurants, nightclubs, shops, a casino, a fitness center, and a spa. When: June 19. Details: Price is for an inside cabin and includes port charges. It does not cover flights to/from Seattle. Oceanview cabins start at $1,224. Contact: CruiseBrothers.com, 800/827-7779, cruisebrothers.com.

Kauai for $843

Air from L.A., a six-day car rental, and five nights in a garden-view one-bedroom at the Best Western Plantation Hale Suites, just off Waipouli Beach on Kauai's east coast. The suites have complete kitchens, living rooms, and private lanais. There are three pools on the property; golf and tennis are available nearby. When: April 20-May 26 ($843); June 16-Aug. 24 ($980). Other Gateways: Denver ($1,027/$1,147), Chicago ($1,167/$1,291), New York ($1,171/$1,272). Details: Land-only price from $366. Extra nights from $116. Single supplement from $276. Contact: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.

Las Vegas for $159