40 Best Bargain Vacations

American Airlines flights from Miami, transfers, and five nights in an oceanview room at the Carisa y Palma, a beachfront condo hotel with a restaurant/bar, pool, and tennis court. When: April 1-15 ($364); May 5-30 and June 1-30 ($385). Other Gateways: Philadelphia ($443/$462), New York ($484/$504), Baltimore ($493/$513). Details: Extra nights from $68. Single supplement from $170. Contact: Vacation Travel Mart, 800/288-1435, vacmart.com.

Mazatlán for $439

America West flights from Phoenix, transfers, and two all-inclusive nights at the El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel, with five restaurants, three bars, a disco, a huge pool, tennis courts, and lots of water sports. When: Select Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday departures until June 29. Other Gateways: L.A. (from $461). Details: Extra nights from $98. Single supplement from $120. Contact: America West Vacations, 800/235-9298, americawestvacations.com.

Puerto Vallarta for $435

Alaska Airlines flights from L.A. and four nights at the Hacienda Hotel & Spa, with a pool and swim-up bar. The beach is a short walk away. When: April 3-Dec. 19. Other Gateways: Chicago ($556, with American flights from April 3-Dec. 15), Denver ($624, Delta, April 3-June 27), New York ($653, Delta, April 3-June 27). Details: Extra nights $88. Single supplement from $235. Contact: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.

Caribbean

Week in Bermuda for $806

Worry-Free Vacations is putting this normally budget-busting island within reach for folks from the Detroit area. You get Northwest Airlines flights, transfers, and seven nights at the Harmony Club, a beautifully landscaped hotel with a restaurant and lounge, a pool, tennis courts, a sauna, and a Jacuzzi. Mile-long Elbow Beach--protected by coral reefs and famous for its pale pink sand--is a 15-minute walk away, though most visitors zip around by scooter (rentals are available nearby starting at $50 per day). Owing to the still-strong British influence, Bermuda has a more formal atmosphere than the Caribbean islands. At the Harmony Club, guests dress for dinner: shorts, T-shirts, and sneakers are not allowed. When: Saturday departures: April 9 (from $806); April 16, 23, 30 ($1,058); May 7, 14 ($1,118); May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25 ($1,148). Other Gateways: None. Details: No extra nights. Single supplement from $800. Contact: Worry-Free Vacations, 888/225-5658, worryfreevacations.com.

Curaçao for $1,079

Air Jamaica flights from New York, transfers, and five all-inclusive nights at Breezes Curaçao Resort Spa & Casino, with three restaurants, a nightclub, three pools, tennis courts, and a dive shop. When: April 4-June 30. Other Gateways: Atlanta ($1,099); Baltimore ($1,119); Chicago ($1,139); Boston ($1,149); L.A. ($1,269). Details: Extra nights $120. Single supplement $300. Contact: Air Jamaica Vacations, 800/568-3247, airjamaicavacations.com.

Dominican Republic for $445

American Airlines flights from New York and four all-inclusive nights at the Playa Naco Resort & Spa in Puerto Plata. The resort has eight restaurants, several bars, tennis courts, and a gym. Motorized water sports are included (banana boat, waterskiing, etc.). When: April 1-30 ($490); May 1-26, May 31-June 30 ($445). Other Gateways: D.C. (add $124), St. Louis (add $132), Chicago (add $209), L.A. (add $292). Details: Extra nights $52. Single supplement $120. Contact: Beach Destinations, 877/433-4378, beachdestinations.com.