40 Best Vacations

JetBlue's New Package Deals for $299
In November, JetBlue started selling packages that bundle flights from 12 of its gateways with hotels handpicked by its staff members. You won't get the umpteen choices of other packagers, but you also won't end up unwittingly booking your beach holiday at an airport hotel nowhere near the sand. "We're offering only those hotels we think people will really like," says Rusty McNeal, director of JetBlue Getaways. This month, Boston, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., will be added to the current roster of more than a dozen vacation destinations. Customize your own package or choose a themed deal like "Royal Flush" (two nights at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas, from $299), "Spa-ahhh" (three nights at the Westin Rio Mar in San Juan, from $399), or "So-Be-It" (two nights at the Marriott South Beach Miami, from $499). Details: Each getaway is offered from multiple (but not all) JetBlue gateways. Contact: JetBlue Getaways, 800/538-2583, jetblue.com/getaways.

United States

Colorado Skiing for $489
Air from Chicago or Dallas to Denver; three nights at the Winter Park Mountain Lodge, a five-minute, free shuttle ride from Winter Park's ski lifts; and a two-day lift pass. When: Monday and Tuesday departures Feb. 3--Mar. 28 ($579), Apr. 4--14 ($489). Other Gateways: Houston, L.A., San Francisco ($599/$509); D.C. ($669/$579); Miami, Orlando ($679/$589). Details: Extra nights from $44. Single supplement from $140. Airport transfers to Winter Park are $90 round trip. Contact: United Vacations, 888/328-6877, unitedvacations.com.

Florida for $515
Air from Boston, Chicago, New York, or Syracuse to Tampa and three nights at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, with two restaurants, a pool, and a gym. When: Feb. 1--Mar. 31, Apr. 17--30. Other Gateways: Atlanta, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh ($535); Houston, Kansas City ($555). Details: Extra nights $69. Single supplement $317. Add $49 for a four-day rental car. Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.

Honolulu for $664
Air from L.A. or San Francisco, transfers, and five nights at the Ohana Maile Sky Court, a high-rise hotel on Kuhio Avenue, near the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and within walking distance of Waikiki Beach. When: Wednesday and Thursday departures Mar. 15--Apr. 19. Other Gateways: Denver ($824); Chicago, New York ($974); D.C. ($1,034). Details: Extra nights from $37. Single supplement from $180. Contact: United Vacations, 888/328-6877, unitedvacations.com.

Seattle for $382
Air from San Francisco, transfers, and three nights at the Roosevelt Hotel, just across the street from the Pacific Place shopping mall and only six blocks from Pike Place Market. When: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday departures Feb. 1--Apr. 15. Other Gateways: L.A. ($426); New York, Orlando ($552). Details: Extra nights from $70. Single supplement from $164. Contact: Alaska Airlines Vacations, 800/468-2248, alaskaair.com.

Canada

Vancouver for $276
Alaska Airlines flights from San Francisco, transfers, and three nights at the Empire Landmark Hotel on Robson Street. When: Sunday--Wednesday departures Feb. 1--Apr. 30. Other Gateways: L.A. ($287); New York, Orlando ($533). Details: Extra nights $34. Single supplement $106. Contact: Alaska Airlines Vacations, 800/468-2248, alaskaair.com.

Mexico

Acapulco for $699
Air from Chicago or Miami and five nights at the beachfront Fiesta Inn Acapulco, with a pool, gym, restaurant, and bar. When: Feb. 1--Apr. 30. Other Gateways: Denver, New York ($745); L.A. ($789); Atlanta ($795). Details: Extra nights from $88. Single supplement from $220. Upgrade to the Fiesta Americana Condesa starting at $10 more. Take $50 off per booking using the promotional code Budget50. Contact: Sunburst Vacations, 800/786-2877, sunburstvacations.com.

Cabo San Lucas for $599
Air from L.A. and five nights at the Fiesta Inn San José del Cabo, across from the Plaza Los Cabos. The hotel has a beach, pool, spa, restaurant, and two bars. When: Feb. 1--Apr. 30. Other Gateways: Denver, Seattle ($699); D.C. ($769); Atlanta ($799); Chicago ($869). Details: Extra nights from $115. Single supplement from $290. Take $50 off per booking with promotional code Budget50. Contact: Sunburst Vacations, 800/786-2877, sunburstvacations.com.

Mexican Riviera Cruise for $629
Eight days aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Star on a round-trip sailing from L.A., with three days at sea and stops in Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas. When: Mar. 1, Apr. 18, and Apr. 26 ($629 inside cabin/$699 ocean-view). Details: Prices include port charges, but not airfare. Call for the single price. Contact: American Discount Cruises & Travel, 866/214-7447, americandiscountcruises.com.