Los Angeles for $164

Southwest Airlines flights from Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Tucson, and two nights at Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn, with free shuttle service to Universal Studios Hollywood, one mile away. When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday departures July 2--Sept. 10. Other Gateways: Austin, Oklahoma City (from $284); Chicago, Philadelphia (from $314). Details: Extra nights from $45. Single supplement from $95. Contact: Southwest Airlines Vacations, 800/423-5683, swavacations.com.

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

New Orleans for $260

American Airlines flights from Dallas and three nights at the Fairmont New Orleans, a block from the French Quarter. When: Monday--Thursday departures July 4--Sept. 5 ($260) and Sept. 6--Oct. 21 ($375). Other Gateways: L.A. ($383/$498); Chicago ($400/$515); Boston, New York ($409/$524). Details: Extra nights from $60. Single supplement from $105. Contact: AmericanAirlines Vacations, 800/321-2121, aavacations.com.

Oahu for $570

Delta Airlines flights from L.A., transfers, and five nights at the Ohana Maile Sky Court, near the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and within walking distance of Waikiki Beach. When: Daily departures until Nov. 11. Other Gateways: Denver ($801), New York ($830), Chicago ($845). Details: Extra nights $67. Single supplement from $199. Land-only price is $204 until Dec. 16. Contact: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.

Palm Springs for $309

American Airlines flights from Chicago to Palm Springs and three nights at the Doral Desert Princess Resort, with a large pool, full spa, 10 tennis courts, and 27 holes of championship golf. When: Daily departures until Sept. 30. Other Gateways: Dallas ($328), Boston ($387), New York ($426). Details: Extra nights from $41. The rate for a single starts at $255 (single room). Contact: AmericanAirlines Vacations, 800/321-2121, aavacations.com.

San Juan Islands for $899

Six days of sea kayaking in northwest Washington State, departing from Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Includes eight to nine miles of paddling per day, five nights of camping, guides, meals, use of a double kayak, and camping gear (tents, cooking equipment; bring your own sleeping bag). When: July 17--22 and Aug. 21--26 ($999); July 31--Aug. 5 ($999, women only); Sept. 4--9 ($899). Details: Airfare is not included. Add $15 for the one-time REI membership fee. Single supplement $59. Contact: REI Adventures, 800/622-2236, reiadventures.com.

Canada

Banff for $688