USA
The 2005 Alaska Cruises Are Going, Going, Gone… for $579 The Alaska cruising season doesn’t kick off until May, but you’d better act fast to secure the route and cabin of your choice. Pat Webb, CEO of GalaxSea Cruises, tells us that even now you might be too late to book an outside cabin. “With no new ships being delivered in the near future and many more passengers, we’re seeing reservations made six or seven months ahead, whereas a few years ago, the window was only about two months. Carnival Corporation [owner of Carnival, Princess, Holland America, etc.] is reporting its ships 50 percent sold from April through June.” There are two basic seven-night Alaska itineraries. The first is a round trip from Vancouver or Seattle, sailing the Inside Passage and calling at Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. The second route runs Vancouver to Seward (or vice versa), with similar ports of call but better glacier viewing north of Juneau. Once you pick your itinerary and dates, shop around. GalaxSea has the May 15 sailing of Holland America’s Veendam for $579 (seven nights, southbound from Seward to Vancouver). Holland America’s own rate starts at $799. Contact GalaxSea Cruises and Tours, 800/662-5450, cruisestar.com.
Las Vegas for $144Air from Phoenix and two nights on the Strip at the 2,000-room Riviera Hotel & Casino. When Monday or Tuesday departures April 4–June 27, except May 16. No returns allowed April 15–16 or May 15–16. Other Gateways Dallas ($199), Seattle ($207), Chicago ($239), New York ($256), Boston ($285). Details Extra nights $58. Single supplement $58. Contact America West Vacations, 800/235-9298, americawestvacations.com.
Maui for $664 Air from L.A., a six-day car rental, and five nights in a garden-view room at the Aston Maui Lu in Kihei, on Maui’s sunny south shore. The 28-acre resort has a pool, two tennis courts, and two private beach coves. When April 7–June 9. Other Gateways Dates vary by gateway; Denver (from $883), New York (from $910), Chicago (from $926). Details Land-only price $382. Extra nights $109. Single supplement from $429. Contact Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.
New York City for $473Air from D.C., transfers, and three nights at the Wellington Hotel on Seventh Avenue at 55th Street, near Times Square. When Monday departures March 7–May 23. Other Gateways Boston (from $476); Philadelphia, Pittsburgh (from $546); Charlotte (from $570). Details Extra nights $104. Single supplement $224. Contact US Airways Vacations, 800/352-8747, usairwaysvacations.com.
Orlando for $343Air from Chicago or New York, a five-day car rental, and five nights with breakfast daily at the Sleep Inn Maingate near Disney. When Until May 31. Other Gateways Atlanta, D.C. (add $49); Boston (add $59); Dallas (add $149). Details Extra nights $18. Single supplement $79. Upgrade to a two-bedroom condo at the Caribbean-style Bahama Bay Resort for $50 more (based on quadruple occupancy). Contact Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Canada
Toronto for $549Air Canada flights from New York, transfers, three nights at the Delta Chelsea Hotel, and admission to the CN Tower. When Until April 30 ($549), May 1–31 ($638). Other Gateways Boston, Chicago ($569/$658); Atlanta ($589/$678); Miami ($629/$718); L.A. ($729/$818). Details Extra nights $59. Single supplement $169. For $99 more, add a full-day Gray Line tour to Niagara Falls (includes private bus transportation, buffet lunch, a ride on the Maid of the Mist, and stops at Niagara-on-the-Lake and a local winery). Contact Maxxim Vacations–Gray Line, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.
Victoria for $389Alaska Airlines flights from San Francisco, transfers, and three nights at the Best Western Carlton Plaza downtown, a few blocks from the Inner Harbour. When Wednesday departures until May 15. Other Gateways L.A. ($441); Boston, New York, Orlando ($584). Details Extra nights from $38. Single supplement from $120. Contact Alaska Airlines Vacations, 800/468-2248, alaskaair.com.
Mexico
Cabo San Lucas for $569Air from Denver, transfers, and seven nights at the Los Patios Hotel. There’s a pool and Jacuzzi; you’ll have to take a bus or taxi to the beach, five minutes away. When Wednesday departures March 1–31 (from $569), April 1–May 31 (from $599). Other Gateways Oakland (add $100). Details No extra nights. Single supplement $100. Contact SunTrips, 800/786-8747, suntrips.com.
Cancún for $411Champion Air or Omni Air International charter flights from Denver, transfers, and seven nights at the Radisson Hacienda, two miles from the beach (there’s a free shuttle). When Wednesday departures March 2 and 9 ($411), April 6–27 ($551), May 4–25 ($509). Other Gateways Departure dates and prices vary by gateway. Dallas (from $471 in March, $491 April, $449 May), St. Louis (from $531 in March and April, $489 May), Minneapolis (from $581 in March, $611 April, $569 May). Details No extra nights. Single supplement from $217. Contact Worry-Free Vacations, 888/225-5658, worryfreevacations.com.
Mazatlán for $395Mexicana Airlines flights from L.A., transfers, and four nights at the El Cid Granada, part of a 720-acre country club with multiple pools, golf courses, tennis courts, and restaurants, as well as a beach club. When April 7–June 23. Other Gateways None. Details Extra nights $94. Single supplement $202. Contact Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.
Puerto Vallarta for $129Villa Premiere’s Destination Spa package includes three nights in a deluxe ocean-view suite, breakfast daily, a 25-minute massage, and unlimited use of the spa (gym, sauna, steam room) for $129 per night. This small, beachfront hotel has a pool and restaurant, and is a 10-minute walk from the famous Malecón (boardwalk). When Until May 31. Details The offer doesn’t include airfare. Guests must be older than 16. Taxes and gratuities are included, except for spa services. Extra nights from $140. Single supplement $130 per night. Contact Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa, 877/886-9176, premiereonline.com.mx.
Caribbean
Aruba for $797American Airlines flights from Houston, transfers, and seven nights at the Talk of the Town Beach Club in the capital, Oranjestad. Just across the street from its own beach, the resort has a pool and a poolside bar and grill. Passes to a nearby health club are included. When March 1–April 15 (from $918), April 16–June 1 (from $797). Other Gateways Miami ($979/$868); Chicago ($1,047/$1,008); New York, Philadelphia ($1,048/$868); Baltimore, Boston ($1,114/$931); Atlanta ($1,126/$942); New Orleans ($1,158/$975); L.A. ($1,273/$1,127). Details Extra nights from $52. Single supplement from $363. Contact Caradonna Caribbean Tours, 800/328-2288, caradonna.com.
Dominican Republic for $616 American Airlines flights from Miami, transfers, and five all-inclusive nights in Punta Cana at the four-star Grand Paradise Bávaro Beach (an enormous resort with four restaurants, four bars, a disco, two pools, a spa, and a gym). When March 3–31 ($782), April 1–14 ($696), May 2–31 ($616). Other Gateways New York, Philadelphia ($860/$773/$693); Baltimore, D.C. ($921/$835/$755). Details Extra nights from $59. Single supplement from $144. Contact Vacation Travel Mart, 800/288-1435, vacmart.com.
Jamaica for $599Air Jamaica flights from Orlando, transfers, and four nights in a garden room at Jake’s, in laid-back Treasure Beach on Jamaica’s south coast. Jake’s has two restaurants, a saltwater pool and poolside bar, and a private beach. When March 1–April 15. Other Gateways Boston, New York, Philadelphia ($629); Atlanta, Baltimore ($639); Fort Lauderdale, Miami ($669); Chicago ($679); L.A. ($769). Details Book by March 31. Extra nights from $63. Single supplement from $159. Contact Air Jamaica Vacations, 800/568-3247, airjamaicavacations.com.
Central America
Belize for $849American Airlines flights from Miami and seven nights in a one-bedroom condo at the Exotic Caye Beach Resort, just south of San Pedro on Ambergris Cay. All condos are air-conditioned and overlook the beach and pool area. The small resort has a bar, a café, and an on-site dive shop. When March 1–May 31. Other Gateways Dallas ($916); New York ($965); Chicago ($1,067); L.A., San Francisco ($1,132); Seattle ($1,167). Details Extra nights $59. Single supplement $383. Contact Capricorn Leisure, 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
Costa Rica for $457
Grupo Taca flights from Miami to San José and four all-inclusive nights at the Fiesta Resort, on the Pacific coast near Puntarenas. The beachfront hotel has a pool, a gym, tennis courts, mini golf, water sports, several restaurants and bars, and a casino. When March 1–27 ($545), March 28–May 31 ($457). Other Gateways Dallas, New York (add $175); L.A. (add $199). Details The resort is 90 minutes from the airport. Shuttle transfers cost $50 round trip; car rentals can be arranged starting at about $20 per day. Extra nights from $63. Single supplement from $148. Contact Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Nicaragua for $699American Airlines flights from Miami, transfers, and five nights’ hotel with breakfast daily. Spend two nights at the Hotel Los Balcones in León (famous for its many churches, including the largest cathedral in Central America) and three nights at the Hotel Colonial in Granada, on the banks of Lake Nicaragua. When March 1–May 31. Other Gateways Dallas ($735); New York ($865); Chicago ($930); L.A., San Francisco ($920); Seattle ($1,058). Details Extra nights from $29. Single supplement $232. Contact Capricorn Leisure, 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
Panama for $799 American Airlines flights from Miami, transfers, and six all-inclusive nights at the four-star Royal Decamerón Playa Blanca, 90 minutes from Panama City on the Pacific coast. The resort has eight restaurants and bars, seven pools, tennis courts, a casino, a disco, and lots of water sports. When Until March 22 ($961), March 23–26 ($1,147), March 27–June 30 ($799). Other Gateways Dallas, New Orleans (add $40); Atlanta, Tampa (add $60); Boston, D.C., New York (add $80); Chicago, Detroit (add $170); Denver, San Juan (add $220); L.A., San Francisco (add $270). Details Extra nights from $60. Single supplement from $252. Contact Tara Tours, 800/327-0800, taratours.com.
South America
Down B.A. Way for $599Travelers from the U.S. are visiting Buenos Aires in droves, on the hunt for a chic foreign city where $5 will buy more than a cup of coffee. You’ll still get about three pesos to the dollar in Argentina, which may be why it’s hard to snag a reservation at some of the capital’s best new restaurants these days. Escapes Unlimited’s latest deal includes COPA flights from Miami to Buenos Aires via Panama City, transfers, five nights of three-star lodging downtown (the Regis Hotel, near the Galerías Pacífico, or the Castelar Hotel, just off Avenida 9 de Julio), breakfast daily, and a half-day city tour. When Until June 15. Other Gateways New York (add $175), L.A. (add $230). Details Extra nights from $25. Single supplement $120. Stop over and see the Panama Canal for $122 more (includes one night at the Hotel Marbella in Panama City, transfers, and a half-day tour of the Miraflores Locks). Contact Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Bolivia for $859American Airlines flights from Miami, transfers, five nights at the three-star El Dorado Hotel in La Paz with breakfast daily, and tours of the city, Moon Valley, and the ruins at Tiwanaku. When Until May 31. Other Gateways Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, New York ($1,069); L.A., San Francisco ($1,179). Details Extra nights $25. Single supplement $150. Upgrade to the Radisson Plaza for $160 more. Optional day trips to Lake Titicaca start at $148; multiday trips (including transfers, hotel, tours, meals) start at $259. Contact Marnella Tours, 866/993-0033, marnellatours.com.
Rio de Janeiro for $699Varig Airlines flights from Miami, transfers, five nights at the Savoy Othon Hotel on Copacabana Beach, breakfast daily, and half-day tours of Corcovado and Sugar Loaf. When March 1–June 1. Other Gateways New York (add $100), Chicago (add $120), Atlanta (add $145), L.A. (add $220). Details Extra nights $28. Single supplement $120. A full-day tour to the beaches of Búzios costs $25. Contact Analie Tours, 800/811-6027, analietours.com.
Europe
News flash
If you think the fluctuating exchange rates are making your holiday plans difficult, consider the tour operators that send us their packages month after month. “We have to recalculate our rates almost daily!” says Dawn Bosco, president of Amelia International. So, although everyone has provided the most accurate prices possible, bear in mind that they’re subject to change with the dollar.
Choose Your Own Adventure in France for $639
We’ve been touting the popular Ireland B&B packages for years and have waited eagerly (as we’re sure you have) for other countries to follow suit. Free-spirited travelers—people who bridle at making reservations before they ever step foot in the country they’re visiting—love these programs because they offer the ability to reserve as you go. EuropeASAP has put together flights from Boston or New York to Paris, a seven-day car rental, six nights of open vouchers good at more than 300 B&Bs throughout France, breakfast daily (of course), maps, and a lodging directory. Most people choose to make a reservation for their first night outside Paris at the time of booking. You can reserve all nights ahead of time, but that takes the fun out of it, right? Among your B&B choices is 2 Rue de l'Eglise (top left), 25 miles east of Paris in Trilbardou, one of the many tiny villages on the banks of the Marne River. Château de Chazepaud (top right) is 19 miles east of Aubusson, in the Limousin region near Limoges. There’s a swimming pool on the grounds and tennis courts nearby. Ferme de Marcelet (bottom left), just south of Bayeux in Normandy, is a working farm. The house dates from the 12th century. Le Logis des Bessons (bottom right), in Cognac, is the heart of a family vineyard that’s been in business since 1850. Visit the winegrower’s museum, learn how Pineau and Cognac are made, and sample the different vintages with the owner. A pool is also available for guests’ use. When Until March 24 ($639), April 1–May 31 ($699). Other Gateways Philadelphia (from $729); D.C. (from $739); Chicago (from $779); Miami (from $799); Houston (from $839); Denver, L.A., Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle (from $859). Details The B&Bs are private homes, most are outside the city centers, and all rooms have private baths. Extra nights from $80. Single supplement from $100. Contact EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.
Copenhagen for $499Air from New York, three nights at the Mermaid Hotel (near Town Hall Square and Tivoli Gardens) with breakfast daily, and admission to the new Hans Christian Andersen Museum. When Until March 17 ($499), March 18–May 26 ($669, at the Ibis Triton Hotel). Other Gateways Boston ($559/$689); D.C. ($599/$719); Miami ($629/$719); Chicago ($629/$769); L.A., San Francisco ($729/$869); Seattle ($739/$869). Details Extra nights from $58. Single supplement from $150. Contact Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.
Edinburgh for $459Air from New York and four nights at the Ramada Learmonth with breakfast daily. The hotel has a restaurant and bar and is on a quiet street of Georgian town houses, a 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street. When Until March 13 (from $459), March 14–May 29 (from $689). Other Gateways Boston, Philadelphia (from $509/$719); Baltimore, D.C. (from $559/$769); Chicago (from $609/$839); Miami (from $659/$839); Dallas, L.A., San Francisco (from $679/$869); Denver ($709/$919). Details Extra nights from $49. Single supplement from $150. Contact Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.
Ireland for $479 Seven nights of three-star lodging with breakfast daily (three in Dublin at the Jurys Custom House Hotel and four in Killarney at the Killarney Towers Hotel), airport transfers and transportation between the two cities (via the Waterford Crystal factory, admission included), a welcome reception in Dublin, and concierge services throughout. When March 6, 27 ($479); April 17 ($599); May 18, 22 and June 5, 19 ($699). Details This price is land-only; add flights from Boston or New York to Dublin starting at $445. Extra nights from $69. Single supplement $459. Contact Brian Moore International Tours, 800/982-2299, bmit.com.
Switzerland for $1,399British Airways or Swiss International Air Lines flights from Boston or New York to Zürich, 14 nights in a fully equipped apartment in central Switzerland (between Interlaken and Lucerne), and a two-week rail pass. When March 9 ($1,399); March 23 and April 6 ($1,569); April 20 and May 4 ($1,719); May 18 ($1,839). Other Gateways Miami (add $115), Chicago (add $145), L.A. (add $210). Details Single supplement from $367. For departures on April 20, May 4, and May 18, 14 nights in Ticino (on the Swiss border, near Italy’s Lake District) costs the same as a stay in central Switzerland. Similar packages are available in 11 countries, including France, Italy, and Spain. Contact Untours, 888/868-6871, untours.com.
Africa & Middle East
Egypt for $899Egyptair flights from New York to Cairo, transfers, five nights at the deluxe Sheraton Royal Gardens Hotel in Giza, breakfast daily, and two half-day guided tours of the Pyramids and Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. When Sunday departures until March 13 ($899) and March 20–May 29 ($999). Other Gateways None. Details Single supplement $125. Add three nights on the Red Sea in the resort area of Sharm al-Sheik for $400 (at the Mövenpick, Hilton, or Marriott hotels, depending on availability) or a three-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor for $550. Contact Misr Travel, 800/223-4978, misrtravel.org.
Kenya & Tanzania Safari for $2,795 Virgin Atlantic flights from New York to London, Kenya Airways flights from London to Nairobi, and a 13-day safari. Includes transfers and local transportation, nine nights of four- and five-star lodging, most meals, park entrance fees, guides, nine game drives, and visits to Olduvai Gorge and Mto Wa Mbu village. See five national parks in one trip: Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara. When March 5, 19; April 2, 16; May 7, 21. Other Gateways Boston, D.C. (add $100); Miami, Orlando (add $150); L.A., San Francisco (add $200). Details Single supplement $420. Add four nights on the island of Zanzibar for $695. Stopovers in London are permitted in both directions, $75 per stop. Contact 2Afrika, 877/200-5610, 2afrika.com.
Libya Tour for $1,899 Alitalia flights from Boston, Chicago, D.C., or New York to Tripoli; local ground transportation and flights; guided sightseeing; and seven nights’ lodging with breakfast daily. The itinerary includes visits to Sabratha, Berber villages near Qasr El-Haf, Benghazi and the ruins of Ptolemai, the museum at Qasr Libya, Cyrene and Appolonia, the Tripoli museum, and the ancient Roman port of Leptis Magna, plus a night in a troglodyte lodge near the cliff-top village of Tormisa. When March 25, April 22, May 27 ($1,899). Add $100 from Chicago, D.C., and San Francisco for April 22 and May 27 departures. Other Gateways L.A., San Francisco (from $2,199). Details A local payment of $50 is due upon arrival in Libya. Optional single supplement $250 (or singles can share with others). Allow at least six weeks for the visa application process. Contact Adventure Center, 800/227-8747, adventurecenter.com.
Tunisia for $855Lufthansa or Alitalia flights from Boston or New York to Tunis, transfers, six nights at the beachfront four-star Abou Nawas resort in Hammamet, and breakfast and dinner daily. The hotel has two pools, three restaurants, windsurfing, and a golf course nearby. When Until March 24 ($855), April 1–May 31 ($1,269). Other Gateways Chicago ($925/$1,315), Miami ($999/$1,339), L.A. ($1,046/$1,519), D.C. ($1,073/$1,339). Details Extra nights from $44. Single supplement from $113. Contact Amelia International, 800/742-4591, ameliainternational.com.
Africa
Honeymoon on Mauritius for $1,999This small island nation escaped the worst of the December tsunami that devastated its neighbors in the Indian Ocean. It has long been a popular destination for honeymooners, and Lion World Tours is offering an extraordinary special for couples who can prove their recent nuptials with a marriage certificate. They’ll get round-trip flights on British Airways (via London) from Boston, D.C., or New York; transfers; a full-day island excursion; and seven nights (with breakfast and dinner daily) in a “premier sea-facing” room at the Belle Mare Plage Hotel, which faces a white-sand beach and turquoise lagoon. The resort has seven restaurants, five bars, a full spa, three 18-hole golf courses, and a dive shop. Most sports are free (waterskiing, windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling, tennis); other activities are available for a fee (golf, diving, parasailing, fishing). When Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday departures until March 31 ($2,299), April 1–30 ($2,399), and May 1–31 ($1,999). Other Gateways Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Orlando (add $150); Denver, L.A., Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle (add $250). Details Travel within six months of the wedding to get the honeymoon discount. Non-honeymoon couples, add $200 per person. One free stopover in London is allowed in either direction. Extra nights from $150. Single supplement $850. Contact Lion World Tours, 800/387-2706, lionworldtravel.com.
Asia
Bali for $799
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco, transfers, seven nights’ lodging with breakfast daily (choose between the Harris Resort on Kuta Beach, the Parigata Resort & Spa on Sanur Beach, or the Sahadewa Resort & Spa in Ubud), and a half-day tour of local fishing villages. When Until March 31 ($799), April 1–May 31 ($899). Other Gateways Denver (add $175); New York (add $200); Chicago (add $295); Dallas, Miami (add $325). Details Extra nights from $30. Single supplement $150. Contact Sayang Holidays, 888/472-9264, sayangholidays.com.
China Tour for $1,199
Air China flights from L.A. or San Francisco; transfers and all local transportation; 10 nights of four- or five-star lodging (three in Beijing, two each in Nanjing and Shanghai, and one each in Hangzhou, Wuxi, and Suzhou); most meals; escorted tours, guided sightseeing, and entrance fees; an acrobatic show in Beijing; and a cruise on the Grand Canal. When Wednesday departures March 2–23 ($1,199), March 30–May 25 ($1,399). Other Gateways New York (add $100; nonstop Air China flights). Details Extra nights $110. Single supplement $435. Contact Champion Holidays, 800/868-7658, china-discovery.com.
India & Nepal Tour for $2,515
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. to New Delhi, transfers, local transportation and flights, 14 nights’ lodging and one overnight train, and guided sightseeing throughout. The 20-day itinerary includes visits to New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi, the Taj Mahal, and Shivpatnagar in India, as well as to the Royal Chitwan National Park and Kathmandu in Nepal. When March 30, April 27, May 25. Other Gateways New York ($2,595); Tucson ($2,750); Chicago, Miami ($2,830). Details Add roughly $250 per week for expenses (meals, entrance fees, etc.). Single supplement $300. A 29-day trip that includes six days in Tibet (with stops in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyantse) starts at $3,715. Contact Djoser, 877/356-7376, djoserusa.com.
Japan for $1,125
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. to Tokyo, arrival transfer, three nights at the Sunshine City Price Hotel in Tokyo’s Ikebukuru neighborhood, breakfast daily, a half-day city tour, and a seven-day Japan Rail Pass (valid on railways, bus lines, and ferries), which allows you to explore the rest of Japan on your own. When Until March 31 ($1,125), April 1–June 5 ($1,175). Other Gateways None. Details The rail pass is valid on all Shinkansen (bullet trains) except Nozomi. Extra nights from $182 (per room) in Tokyo. Single supplement from $272. Contact Globotours, 800/988-4833, globotours.net.
Vietnam for $1,179
Cathay Pacific flights from L.A. or San Francisco, transfers, six nights of three-star lodging split between Saigon (Bong Sen Hotel or similar) and Hanoi (Chains First Eden Hotel or similar), flights from Saigon to Hanoi or vice versa, breakfast daily, and a half-day tour of each city. When Until May 31. Other Gateways Portland, Seattle (add $50); New York (add $80); Boston, D.C., Denver, Salt Lake City (add $160); Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis (add $280). Details Add $50 for weekend travel. Extra nights from $20. Single supplement $300. Free stopovers in Hong Kong. Contact Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
South Pacific
Bora-Bora for $1,389Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A. to Tahiti, transfers and interisland flights, one night in a garden room at the Tahiti Intercontinental Resort, and five nights on Bora-Bora in an ocean-view room at Le Maitai Polynesia. When Thursday departures until March 27 ($1,389), April 1–30 (add $280), May 1–31 (add $420). Other Gateways None. Details Upgrade to a beach bungalow for $144 more; for an over-water bungalow, add $410. One night Tahiti, six nights Bora-Bora from $1,449 (Friday or Sunday departures). Single supplement from $425. Contact Tahiti Legends, 800/200-1213, tahitilegends.com.
Fiji for $1,249Air Pacific flights from L.A., transfers, lei greeting and welcome drink, five nights in a deluxe garden-view bure at the beachfront First Landing Resort near Nadi, breakfast daily, a three-course lobster dinner, and a half-day tour of Viseisei Village. When Until May 31. Other Gateways Phoenix (add from $172); Houston (add from $415); Chicago (add from $430); Boston, New York, Philadelphia (add from $455). Details Extra nights from $87. Single supplement from $375. Contact Air Pacific and Brendan Vacations, 800/421-8446, airpacificusa.com.
Australia & New Zealand
Sydney & Melbourne for $1,399
Qantas flights from L.A. to Sydney, domestic air in Australia, and eight nights split between Sydney (at the Ibis Darling Harbour, near the aquarium) and Melbourne (Ibis Melbourne, not far from Queen Victoria Market). When Until April 25 ($1,779), April 26–June 17 ($1,399). Other Gateways San Francisco (add $125), New York (add $375), Orlando (add $430). Details Call for the extra-night price. Single supplement $410. Contact Newmans South Pacific Vacations, 888/592-6224, newmansvacations.com.
New Zealand (& Australia) for $1,399Air New Zealand flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Auckland or Christchurch, a seven-night accommodations pass good at more than 90 Golden Chain Motel properties across New Zealand, and an eight-day compact-car rental. Best of all, you’ll get free, round-trip flights from Auckland or Christchurch to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Cairns. When Until April 25 ($1,599), April 26–Aug. 26 ($1,399). Other Gateways Dallas (add $393); Chicago, Miami, New York (add $458). Details Book by March 31. Extra nights (with car) from $60. Single supplement from $450. Upgrade to a Go Kiwi bronze hotel pass and medium-size car for $100 more. Contact Goway Travel, 800/387-8850, goway.com.
