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40 Best Vacations
The real deals right now
May 2006 issue
Tuesday, April 18, 2006;
United States
Honolulu for $535
Las Vegas for $306
New York City for $250
Phoenix for $269
Vieques Is Getting Hot for $431
Nova Scotia & New Brunswick for $979
Cancún for $500
Mazatlán for $607
Northern Mexico & Copper Canyon Tour for $1,195
Puerto Vallarta for $572
Bermuda for $569
Bonaire for $1,354
Jamaica for $399
St. Lucia for $699
Belize for $744
Buenos Aires & Santiago for $899
Costa Rica for $898
El Salvador for $997
Nicaragua for $899
Summer Skiing for $1,200
Peru for $1,678
A New Way to See Scandinavia for $979
Greece by Land & Sea for $2,495
Austria Biking for $540
Italy Tour for $1,549
Lisbon & Porto for $1,239
Norwegian Coast & Baltic Capitals Cruises for $1,985
Prague, Vienna & Budapest for $1,399
Switzerland for $459
Turkey Tour for $2,310
Cape Town & Kenya Safari for $2,473
Egypt for $1,399
Morocco Tour for $2,225
Borneo Tour for $1,699
China Tour for $1,699
Hong Kong & Bali for $799
Tokyo & Kyoto for $1,679
Fiji for $1,729
Sydney Combo for $1,399
North & South Island for $1,999
Air from L.A., transfers, and six 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 Until Dec. 21. Other Gateways Phoenix, Seattle ($639); Houston, Kansas City ($785); Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York, Philadelphia ($855). Details Extra nights from $34. Single supplement from $170. Contact Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
US Airways flights from Seattle and two nights at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, on the Strip. Includes a $35 dining credit, a two-for-one spa pass, and a 15 percent discount on spa treatments. When Select Monday departures May 1--July 31. Other Gateways Denver (from $317), New York (from $377), Boston (from $421), Philadelphia (from $465). Details Extra nights from $146. Single supplement from $146. Contact US Airways Vacations, 800/455-0123, usairwaysvacations.com.
Ongoing renovations at the Flatotel in Midtown mean some suites are 50 percent off. Unremodeled one-bedroom suites that usually start at $500 a night are going for as little as $250. They sleep two (though some also have pullout couches or Murphy beds), have full kitchens, and range in size from 1,100 to 1,400 square feet. When Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until July 31 ($275), August 1--31 ($250). Details Unrenovated two-bedroom suites start at $300. Contact Flatotel, 800/352-8683, flatotel.com.
Southwest Airlines flights from Albuquerque or Las Vegas and four nights at the Wigwam Resort & Golf Club, with two pools, three golf courses, nine tennis courts, a gym, spa, four restaurants, and a bar. When Wednesday and Saturday departures May 13--July 29 (from $269). Other Gateways Lubbock, Oakland (from $344); D.C., Kansas City (from $389). Details Get a fifth night free on Tuesday and Saturday departures May 23--July 29. Single supplement from $185. Contact Southwest Airlines Vacations, 800/423-5683, swavacations.com.
A 21-mile-long sliver off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, Vieques made headlines in 2003 when the U.S. Navy handed two-thirds of the island over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Overnight, the former bomb test site became the Caribbean's largest wildlife refuge--more than 60 years of Navy control had protected the white-sand beaches from development. The Starwood-owned Martineau Bay Resort & Spa is in the civilian section of Vieques, a small belt in the middle of the island. It's six miles from one of the biggest ecotourist draws: a bioluminescent bay at Puerto Mosquito where phytoplankton make the water glow at the slightest disturbance. AmericanAirlines Vacations is selling three-night packages at the Martineau until mid-August, when the resort will close for renovations (reopening in December as the Caribbean's first W Hotel). When May 1--Aug. 19. Details Airfare must be booked separately: From San Juan, flights to Vieques cost about $165 round trip; the high-speed ferry is $78. Extra nights $143. Single supplement $861. Contact AmericanAirlines Vacations, 800/321-2121, aavacations.com.
Air from Atlanta, Boston, or New York to Halifax, a six-day car rental, six nights' lodging (two in Halifax, and one each in Annapolis Royal, Saint John, Moncton, and Parrsboro), and admission to Hopewell Rocks park along the Bay of Fundy. When May 1--July 31. Other Gateways Chicago ($1,019), L.A. ($1,079), Miami ($1,229). Details Extra nights $75. Single supplement $519. Contact Maxxim Vacations, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.
Champion Air charter flights from Detroit to Cancún, transfers, and seven nights at the Radisson Hotel Hacienda. The resort has a pool, gym, two restaurants, a bar, and free shuttle service to a nearby beach. When May 3--24, June 7--21, July 5--19. Other Gateways Dallas: May 12--26 ($562); June 9--23, July 7, and July 21--28 ($505). Minneapolis: May 3--24, June 7--21, and July 5--19 ($585). Details No extra nights. Single supplement $238. Upgrade to the all-inclusive Barceló Tucancun Beach Hotel starting at $896. Contact Worry-Free Vacations, 888/225-5658, worryfreevacations.com.
Air from Seattle, transfers, and four nights at the El Cid Granada Country Club, with a pool, tennis courts, and 27 holes of golf. The hotel is directly connected to the beach via a walkway. When Until Nov. 9. Other Gateways Portland ($610), Las Vegas ($801), Phoenix ($804), San Diego ($806). Details Extra nights $97. Single supplement $230. Kids under 14 stay and eat free with a paying adult. Contact Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.
A 14-day round-trip tour from Tucson, including transportation (by private bus and the Chihuahua al Pacífico Railroad along the edge of Copper Canyon), 13 nights' lodging (two in Tucson at La Posada Lodge & Casitas, two in Casas Grandes at the Hacienda Hotel, two in Chihuahua at the Hotel Palacio del Sol, two in Divisadero at the Hotel Divisadero-Barrancas, two in El Fuerte at the Fuerte Hotel, and three in San Carlos at the San Carlos Plaza Hotel & Resort), most meals, excursions and tours, and an English-speaking guide throughout. The itinerary also includes a basic Spanish lesson, Mata Ortiz village tour, visit to an apple orchard, and Mexican folkloric performance. When May 24, 28 ($1,295); June 1, 27 ($1,195); Sept. 2, 8, 14, 22, 28 ($1,395). Details Geared toward people over the age of 50. Single supplement from $445. This is a land-only price. Pre- and post-trip extensions are available. Contact Grand Circle Travel, 800/248-3737, gct.com.
US Airways flights from Phoenix to Puerto Vallarta, transfers, and three nights at the all-inclusive Hacienda Hotel & Spa, one block from the beach. The hotel has four restaurants, a pool, spa, and hot tub. When Monday and Tuesday departures May 1--July 31. Other Gateways L.A., Las Vegas, San Diego ($608). Details Extra nights from $75. Single supplement from $124. These prices include taxes and fees. Contact US Airways Vacations, 800/455-0123, usairwaysvacations.com.
JetBlue Airways flights from New York and two nights in a room with a balcony or patio at the Wyndham Bermuda Resort and Spa Southampton Beach. The hotel, which is on the south coast of the island, has four restaurants, a gym, spa, dive shop, and even a water park with four pools. When May 8--13, June 2--10, July 5--14. Other Gateways Similar packages are offered from many JetBlue gateways, including Buffalo, Burlington, Richmond, and Rochester. Details Call for the extra-night price. Single supplement from $185. Contact JetBlue Airways, 800/538-2583, jetblue.com.
Air from Miami, transfers, and eight nights at the beachfront Plaza Resort Bonaire, near the capital of Kralendijk. The hotel has a pool, man-made lagoon, spa, gym, dive shop, four tennis courts, three restaurants, and a bar. When Until July 31. Other Gateways Houston (add $7), New York (add $122), Chicago (add $186), D.C. (add $194), Boston (add $204). Details Extra nights from $79. Single supplement from $517. Contact Caradonna Dive Adventures, 800/328-2288, caradonna.com.
Air from Fort Lauderdale, transfers, and three nights near Montego Bay at the all-inclusive Starfish Trelawny Resort & Spa--with a three-mile-long beach, 18 holes of golf, four tennis courts, four pools, four restaurants, six bars, and a disco. When May 1--June 30 ($418), July 1--31 ($399). Other Gateways Orlando, Tampa ($478/$459); D.C. ($568/$549); Atlantic City, Chicago, Dallas, New York, Providence ($598/$579). Details Extra nights from $99. Single supplement from $149. Contact Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Air from Miami and seven nights at the Bay Gardens Hotel on Rodney Bay. The locally owned 71-room hotel has two pools, a restaurant, two bars, and a free shuttle to the beach, five minutes away. When May 1--4, May 16--July 31. Other Gateways New York ($852), Baltimore ($912), Charlotte ($932). Details Extra nights $57. Single supplement $399. Add $55 for round-trip transfers; the hotel is just over an hour from the airport. Contact Atlas Vacations, 800/634-1057, atlasvacations.net.
American Airlines flights from Miami to Belize City, an onward flight to Ambergris Cay, and seven nights' lodging. Spend four nights at the Spindrift Hotel in the center of Ambergris's San Pedro Town, and three nights at the beachfront Anchorage Resort on Caye Caulker. When Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday departures May 1--June 30 and Sept. 1--Oct. 31 ($744), July 1--Aug. 31 ($804). Other Gateways Dallas ($789/$849); New York ($843/$903); Chicago ($946/$1,006); L.A., San Francisco ($1,006/$1,066); Seattle ($1,048/$1,108). Details Extra nights from $25. Single supplement from $189. Water taxi transport from San Pedro Town to Caye Caulker is not included ($12). Contact Capricorn Leisure, 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
Aerolíneas Argentinas flights from Miami to Buenos Aires, four nights at the downtown Regis Hotel, a half-day city tour with an English-speaking guide, onward flights to Santiago, Chile, two nights at the Hotel Principado in Plaza Italia, and breakfast daily throughout. When Until Nov. 30. Other Gateways New York (add $60). Details Extra nights from $27. Single supplement $240. Add on a tour of the Cusino Macul Winery ($40), or a full-day trip to coastal Chile's Viña del Mar beach community and the port city of Valparaíso ($65). Contact Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
American Airlines flights from Dallas, Houston, or Miami to San José, all transfers and local transportation (by bus and boat), six nights' lodging (three in San José at the Hotel Irazú Best Western and three at the Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero), breakfast daily, two lunches, two dinners, and a four-hour river-sightseeing cruise through the rain forest with an English-speaking guide. When Until June 30 ($898), July 1--Aug. 15 ($998). Other Gateways Boston, D.C., New York (add $120); Atlanta, Chicago, L.A., San Francisco (add $180). Details Extra nights from $48. Single supplement $432. Contact Tara Tours, 800/327-0080, taratours.com.
American Airlines flights from Dallas, D.C., Houston, Miami, or New York to San Salvador, transfers, and six nights at the all-inclusive Hotel Royal Decameron Salinitas. The beachfront hotel has both fresh- and saltwater pools, a kids' club, three restaurants, and a disco. When Wednesday and Thursday departures until June 30 and Aug. 17--Dec. 8 ($997), July 1--Aug. 16 ($1,057). Other Gateways Atlanta, L.A., San Francisco ($1,047/$1,167); Chicago, Philadelphia, Seattle ($1,147/$1,267). Details Add $60 for weekend travel. Extra nights from $48. Single supplement from $360. Contact Tara Tours, 800/327-0080, taratours.com.
American Airlines flights from Miami to Managua, all transfers, and seven nights' lodging. Spend two nights in the colonial city of Granada at the Hotel Alhambra (on the main park), three nights near the beach at the Pelican Eyes Piedras y Olas Hotel & Resort (on the Pacific coast in San Juan del Sur), and two nights near Lake Apoyo at the Norome Resort and Villas (in the Norome Private Reserve). When May 1--June 30 and Sept. 1--Dec. 9 ($899), July 1--Aug. 16 ($959). Other Gateways Dallas ($937/$997); New York ($1,069/$1,129); L.A., San Francisco ($1,123/$1,183); Chicago ($1,135/$1,195); Portland, Seattle ($1,264/$1,324). Details Extra nights from $25. Single supplement from $410. Contact Capricorn Leisure, 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
When the last pockets of snow melt in the Rockies, die-hard skiers and boarders head south of the equator, where the season is roughly mid-June to mid-October. Chile's Portillo is the oldest (and, many would argue, the most charming) ski resort in the Andes. Its three lodging options can only accommodate 450 guests at a time, which means the slopes are never crowded. Weeklong packages--the only kind that are sold--include seven nights at the Hotel Portillo, all meals, a seven-day ski pass, and unlimited use of the resort's extensive facilities (gym, pool, hot tubs, yoga classes, climbing wall, cinema, etc.). When Saturday-to-Saturday stays. June 17, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30 ($1,200); June 24, July 1, 8, 29, Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26, Sept. 2 ($1,900); July 15, 22 ($2,340). Details Extra nights from $171 (all-inclusive). Single supplement from $100. Portillo is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the Santiago airport; add $90 for round-trip shuttle transfers. The resort offers free day care for children ages 3--7. Contact Ski Portillo Chile, 800/829-5325, skiportillo.com.
LanPeru flights from Miami to Lima, transfers, three nights at the Hotel Leon de Oro (or similar), an onward flight to Cuzco, three nights at the Plaza de Armas Hostal (or similar), a full-day tour of Machu Picchu by Backpacker train, a full-day excursion by bus to Nazca (includes a visit to Huacachina Lake and a flight over giant desert geoglyphs), breakfast daily, two lunches, all entrance fees, and tours of all three cities with English-speaking guides. When May 1--Sept. 30. Other Gateways New York (add $150), L.A. (add $250). Details Extra nights $25. Single supplement $180. Contact Analie Tours, 800/811-6027, analietours.com.
In January, Pennsylvania-based Gate 1 Travel expanded its roster of European destinations to include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. "This is our first season in Scandinavia, and basically, it's due to customer demand," says Ilene Braun, vice president of sales and marketing. After two years of researching the right hotels and tour guides, Gate 1 is now selling independent city stays in Copenhagen, Oslo, Helsinki, and Stockholm, as well as 12- and 15-day fully escorted trips. The Copenhagen package, for example, includes round-trip flights from New York and four nights at the Hotel Opera--a short walk from the Royal Theatre and Amalienborg Palace--and breakfast daily. When May 10 ($979); June 28, July 5 ($1,169); Aug. 9, Sept. 6 ($1,259), Oct. 4 ($999). Other Gateways Boston (add $4); Miami (add $62); Atlanta (add $73); Baltimore, Houston (add $97); San Francisco (add $228). Details Extra nights from $188. Single supplement from $221. Contact Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.
Viking Yacht Cruises' 13-night Magnificent Greece combines a seven-day cruise of the Aegean with seven days touring Athens and major archaeological sites. On a round-trip sailing from Athens, the 40-passenger yacht stops at the islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Delos, Páros, Kíthnos, Syros, and Naxos. Then the tour moves onto land and visits Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi, and Meteora. The price covers lodging (three nights in Athens, seven aboard the ship, and one each in Olympia, Delphi, and Kalambaka), transportation (by boat and private bus), most meals, and English-speaking guides throughout. When Thursday departures May 11--Oct. 19. Details BT readers will receive a $250-per-person discount on sailings July 6--Aug. 31. Airfare to Athens is not included; add $65 for port taxes. Extra nights from $85. Single supplement $490. Contact Viking Yacht Cruises, 800/341-3030, vikings.gr.
A Mozart-inspired, independent bike tour round trip from Salzburg, with visits to the composer's birthplace and later residence, a favorite guesthouse in Bad Reichenhall, and his mother's hometown of St. Gilgen on Wolfgangsee Lake. The self-guided trip requires 18--36 miles of cycling a day and includes seven nights' accommodation in three-star hotels and guesthouses along the way, breakfast daily, bike rental, luggage transport, 24-hour service hotline, route maps, and sightseeing information. When Saturday departures Apr. 22--Sept. 23. Add $45 for July and August departures; there's a 20 percent discount for the August 5 departure. Details Price does not include airfare to Salzburg. Extra nights from $65. Single supplement $116. Contact BikeToursDirect, 877/462-2423, biketoursdirect.com.
An eight-day, seven-night escorted tour including three nights in Rome, two nights in Florence, two nights in Venice, all transportation between cities (by private bus), sightseeing excursions, breakfast daily, one dinner, and English-speaking guides throughout. Visits to Siena, the Chianti region, and Verona are also on the itinerary. When July 7, 21, Aug. 11, 25, Nov. 3 ($1,549); May 12, 26, June 9, 23, Sept. 8, 22, Oct. 6, 20 ($1,599). Details Prices do not cover international airfare. Extra nights from $99. Single supplement $350. Contact Splendida Italia, 800/995-7997, splendidaitalia.com.
Air from New York to Lisbon, transfers, round-trip domestic flights between Lisbon and Porto, seven nights' lodging (four in Lisbon at the Mundial Hotel and three in Porto at the Mercure Batalha Hotel), breakfast daily, and two half-day guided tours. When Until June 15, Sept. 1--Oct. 31 ($1, 239); June 16--Aug. 31 ($1,629). Other Gateways None. Details Call for extra-night pricing. Single supplement from $461. Contact Abreu Tours, 800/223-1580, abreu-tours.com.
Air from Atlanta, Boston, D.C., Miami, New York, or Philadelphia and an 11-to-22-day round-trip sailing from Harwich, England, aboard Discovery World Cruises' Discovery. The ship has two pools, two hot tubs, a health club, two restaurants, and a casino. Cruise length and itinerary depend on the departure date. For example, the May 24 sailing cruises the Norwegian coast and fjords; the May 31 departure also hits the Baltic capitals. All trips include two nights' hotel in London prior to boarding. When May 24 ($1,985/11 days), May 31 ($3,295/16 days), June 12 ($2,950/14 days), June 22 ($3,695/18 days), July 18 ($2,450/12 days), July 26 ($3,095/15 days), Aug. 6 ($4,450/22 days), Aug. 24 ($2,195/11 days), Aug. 31 ($3,450/18 days). Other Gateways Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Toronto (add $99); L.A., Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle (add $199). Details Single supplement from $2,165. Contact Discovery World Cruises, 866/623-2689, discoveryworldcruises.com.
Austrian Airlines flights from D.C. or New York to Prague; three nights each in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest; and train tickets between cities. When Until May 25 and Sept. 4--Oct. 31 ($1,399), May 26--Sept. 3 ($1, 599). Other Gateways None. Details Extra nights from $69. Single supplement from $379. Contact Austrian Airlines Vacation Center, 800/790-4682, austrianair-vacations.com.
Air from New York to Zürich and a seven-day Hertz car rental with unlimited mileage. When Until May 24 ($459), June 1--Aug. 30 ($769). Other Gateways Boston ($489); Philadelphia ($519); D.C. ($529); Chicago ($579); Atlanta, Miami ($609); Dallas ($669); L.A. ($689); San Francisco ($749). Details Drivers must be at least 21 years old; those between the ages of 21 and 24 will pay an additional tax of 18 Swiss francs ($14) per day. Extra days with car from $50. Single supplement from $120. Contact EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.
Turkish Airlines flights from New York to Istanbul, transfers, 15 nights' accommodations, breakfast daily and 11 dinners, all entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide throughout. The 17-day, 15-night itinerary includes visits to Cappadocia, Ku¸sadasi, and Troy. When May 8, 22, Aug. 28, Sept. 11, 25 ($2,310); June 5, 19, July 3, 17, 31 ($2,579). Other Gateways D.C. (add $160), Atlanta (add $180), Houston (add $260), L.A. (add $350). Details Extra nights from $150. Single supplement $445. Contact Flo USA, 888/435-6872, flo-usa.com.
South African Airways flights from Atlanta, D.C., or New York to Cape Town (the return flight is from Nairobi, via Johannesburg), two nights in Cape Town at the City Lodge Victoria & Albert Waterfront, an onward flight to Nairobi, and six nights in Kenya (one night each at the Nairobi Safari Club, the Samburu Game Lodge at the Samburu Game Reserve, The Ark at Aberdare National Park, and Lake Elementaita Lodge at Lake Nakuru; and two nights at the Mara Simba Lodge at the Masai Mara Game Reserve). The 11-day, 8-night package includes all transfers, a half-day tour of Cape Town, breakfast daily in Cape Town and Nairobi, and all meals and activities while on safari. When Thursday departures May 1--June 30 ($2,473), July 1--31 ($2,643). Other Gateways Boston, Miami, Philadelphia (add $200); L.A. (add $300). Details Extra nights from $75. Single supplement from $263. Contact South African Airways Holidays, 888/777-1138, saaholidays.net.
EgyptAir flights from New York to Cairo, transfers, three nights at the Sheraton Royal Gardens hotel, a three-night Nile cruise on the Mövenpick HS Radamis II, breakfast daily, all meals while onboard the ship, and half-day guided tours of the Pyramids at Giza, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. When May 3, 4, 10, 11 ($1,399); Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday departures May 17--31 ($1,549), June 1--14 ($1,699), June 15--July 31 ($1,849). Other Gateways None. Details Extra nights from $40. Single supplement from $350. Contact Misr Travel, 800/223-4978, misrtravel.org.
Royal Air Maroc flights from New York to Casablanca, all transfers and local transportation by private bus between cities, nine nights' accommodations (two in Casablanca, two in Rabat, two in Fès, and three in Marrakech), and English-speaking guides throughout. The itinerary includes visits to King Mohammed V's mausoleum, the holy city of Moulay Idriss, and Marrakech's Djemaa el-Fna market. When May 25 ($2,225); June 22, July 30, Aug. 3, 31 ($2,475). Other Gateways Chicago, L.A., Miami ($2,450/$2,700). Details The land-only price is $1,595. Add approximately $275 per week for meals and entrance fees. Extra nights from $60. Single supplement from $195. Contact Djoser, 877/356-7376, djoserusa.com.
Malaysia Airlines flights from L.A. or New York to Kuala Lumpur, 12 nights' hotel (four in Kuching, two in Batang Ai, two in Sandakan, two in Kota Kinabalu, and two in Kuala Lumpur), breakfast daily, five lunches, six dinners, all transfers and transportation between cities (by plane and bus), and English-speaking guides throughout. The itinerary includes a wildlife tour in Bako National Park and visits to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, Phu Thou Se Chinese temple, and Kuala Lumpur's Royal Palace. When May 13 ($1,699), June 3 ($1,799), July 1 ($1,999), Sept. 16 ($1,799). Other Gateways None. Details Add three days on Penang Island starting at $299. Single supplement from $200. Contact Friendly Planet Travel, 800/555-5765, friendlyplanet.com.
Air China flights from L.A. to Beijing, 10 nights in five-star hotels (three in Beijing, two in Xi'an, one in Hangzhou, two in Suzhou, and two in Shanghai), all meals, and transfers and transportation between cities (by bus and plane). The itinerary includes visits to the Great Wall of China, the Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses, and the Pagoda of Six Harmonies, as well as a Beijing acrobatic show and a cruise on the Grand Canal. When Tuesday departures May 1--29 ($1,699), May 30--Aug. 22 ($1,829). Other Gateways New York (nonstop Air China flights, $1,799/$1,949). Details Extra nights from $60. Single supplement $435. Contact Champion Holidays, 800/868-7658, china-discovery.com.
Cathay Pacific flights from L.A. to Hong Kong, transfers, two nights at the BP International hotel, an onward flight to Bali, three nights at your choice of the Ari Putri Hotel, Hotel Camplung Mas Legian, or Sri Bungalows (or you can mix and match), breakfast daily throughout, and a half-day tour of Bali. When May 1--31 ($799), June 1--Aug. 15 ($1,099). Other Gateways Portland, Seattle (add $135); Denver, Salt Lake City (add $175); Albuquerque, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, Omaha (add $285). Details Extra nights from $20. Single supplement $220. Contact Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Continental flights from Houston or New York to Tokyo, transfers, six nights' hotel (three at Le Meridien Pacific in Tokyo and three at the New Miyako Hotel in Kyoto), a seven-day Japan Rail pass to use for transportation between the cities, and half-day tours of Tokyo (Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace gardens, Sensoji Temple), Kyoto (the Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion Temple), and the nearby ancient city of Nara (Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Deer Park). When May 1--June 30 ($1,679), July 1--Aug. 31 ($1,779). Other Gateways For the same price, depart from Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, D.C., Detroit, Miami, Raleigh-Durham, or Syracuse, among other East Coast Continental gateways. Details Extra nights $81. Single supplement $354. Contact NTA America, 800/682-7872, japanvacation.net.
Air Pacific flights from L.A. to Fiji, five all-inclusive nights on the Coral Coast at the Naviti Resort, a 38-acre beachfront property with a spa, four restaurants, four bars, tennis courts, and a nine-hole golf course. All guest rooms have either a balcony or patio. Activities include glass-bottom boat cruises, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, kayaking, and windsurfing. There are also children's games and entertainment facilities (ball pit, bouncing castle, and playground). When Until Mar. 31, 2007. Other Gateways None. Details Extra nights $121. Single supplement $602. Contact Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.
Qantas Airways flights from L.A. to Sydney, flights within Australia, and six nights split between Sydney (at the Ibis Darling Harbour, downtown near the convention center) and either Brisbane (at the Ibis, near the shops on Queen Street) or Melbourne (at the Mercure Hotel Welcome, in the shopping and theater district). When May 1--June 8 ($1,399), June 9--July 25 ($1,699). Other Gateways New York (add $300). Details Call for the extra-night price. Single supplement $390. Choose a Sydney/Great Barrier Reef combo starting at $200 more. Contact Qantas Airways/Tourism Australia, 800/369-6863, australia.com.
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Auckland, domestic flights within New Zealand, and seven nights' lodging (two in Auckland at the New President Hotel, two in Rotorua at the Hotel Ibis, and three in Queenstown at Rydges Lakeland Resort). A guided boat tour of Waitomo's Glowworm Grotto is also included. When May 1--June 30. Other Gateways Connecting flights from many U.S. gateways are available upon request. Details Call for the extra-night price and single supplement. Contact Newmans South Pacific Vacations, 888/592-6224, newmansvacations.com.