BudgetTravel

What You Need to Know to Use This Section

All of the rates and packages are accurate and available as of press time, but these trips usually sell out quickly.

Over-water bungalows at the Lagoon Resort and Spa on Bora-Bora FROM THE JULY/AUGUST ISSUE • Secret Hotels of Tuscany • Road Trip: Maine • Trip Coach: Pacific Coast • America's Grandest Mansions • Reno, Nevada

Additional fees: Any service fees, security and passenger-facility charges, and visa costs generally aren't included; neither are hotel, car rental, and airport taxes. Such charges vary widely--expect $300 (and higher) for spots where visas alone cost $100 or more.

Timing: Most rates are based on midweek airfare; weekend travel can raise the price $100 or more each way. Be flexible.

Singles: Rates are per person, for two people traveling together and sharing a room. The single supplement is the fee levied for going alone.

Itinerary changes: You can often add nights: The extra-night rate is per person, double occupancy. Most operators will bundle excursions, meals, and tours for an additional cost.

Research: Hotels will be clean and safe, offering the basics for a basic price. The lowest-priced ones may not be centrally located. As with any serious purchase, you should do some research. Many websites--TripAdvisor and Epinions, for example--post reviews of hotels and cruises. If you don't like what you see, upgrades to better hotels are almost always available.

Airfare: Where flights are included, we list prices from several airports ("gateways"), but we don't have space to show them all. Operators may arrange connections from other airports, but don't assume they'll always give you the best rate. It might make more sense to book your flights using frequent-flier miles or a low-cost airline. Also, check to see how many connections you'll have to make.

All-inclusives: All-inclusive resorts usually cover lodging, three meals daily, entertainment, and nonmotorized water sports. Some also include alcoholic drinks and gratuities.

United States

Florida Keys for $435

Air from New Orleans to Miami or Key West and three nights on Islamorada at the Cheeca Lodge & Spa, with a golf course, two pools, and a private beach. When: Monday--Thursday departures July 5--Sept. 30. Other Gateways: New York ($455), Kansas City ($465), Chicago ($479), L.A. ($555). Details: Extra nights $56. Single supplement $196. The resort is 72 miles south of Miami or 90 miles northeast of Key West; add a round-trip car rental starting at $128. Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.