The Real Deal: Round-trip airfare, seven nights' accommodations, airport-hotel transfers, and a $100 beverage credit, from $862 per person—plus taxes of about $105.
When Departures May 10, 31, June 7, 14, 2008.
Gateways: Fort Lauderdale; add $35 for Orlando, Tampa; $45 for Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, D.C., Detroit, Myrtle Beach, S.C., New York City.
The fine print: Airport taxes and fees are about an additional $105 per person. Hotel taxes, service charges, and airport transfers are included. A $100 credit for beverage purchases is included. Meals, except for a daily continental breakfast, are not included. Based on double occupancy; single supplement is about $405. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: March 17
Contact: Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.
Why it's a deal: In comparison, the lowest round-trip fare we found for a May 10 flight from Fort Lauderdale to Providenciales, the major international airport in Turks and Caicos, was $421 (US Airways), including estimated taxes. For about an additional $545, the package from Spirit Vacations provides the airfare (with taxes) on Spirit Airlines as well as the seven-night stay, airport transfers, and a $100 beverage credit. To put it another way, your lodging and other perks cost about $78 a day, representing a savings of about 15 percent off the cost of booking the components separately.
Trip details: The package includes round-trip airfare to Providenciales (a.k.a. Provo) on Spirit Airlines and a seven-night stay at Comfort Suites Turks & Caicos. The 98 pastel-colored junior suites have recently been remodeled.
The hotel lies across the way from the white sand of the 12-mile-long Grace Bay Beach on the north shore of Providenciales, one of the most developed of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Princess Alexandra Marine Park, which is home to many examples of marine life, is within walking distance.
You can extend your stay only if you book seven additional nights. Ask tour operator for pricing.
Note: Passports are now required to return to the United States from Turks and Caicos.
May and June are ideal months for diving in Turks and Caicos. For more tips on what to see and do, visit the official tourism site of the Turks and Caicos Islands. And before you go, check the weather forecast at BudgetTravel.com.
