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40 Best Vacations
The real deals right now
October 2005 issue
Tuesday, September 20, 2005;
United States
Hawaii for $885
Five-Star La Jolla for $799
Las Vegas for $109
Miami Beach for $299
New York for $499
Oahu for $549
Orlando for $295
Canada
Quebec City for $539
Mexico
Mayan Palace Resorts for $275
Northern Mexico & Copper Canyon Tour for $1,095
Puerto Vallarta for $449Charter flights from Denver, transfers, and seven nights at the Costa Club Punta Arena, with two pools, an open-air restaurant, and a bar. When Select departures Oct. 1--Dec. 12. Other Gateways Oakland ($479). Details No extra nights. Single supplement $150. Contact SunTrips, 800/786-8747, suntrips.com.
Caribbean
Barbados for $454
Bermuda's All-Bungalow Resort for $680
Jamaica for $449
Central America
Costa Rica for $789
Honduras New Year's Tour for $655
Nicaragua for $889
South America
Buenos Aires for $599
Chile for $2,199
Rio de Janeiro & Paraty for $799
Europe
Amsterdam for $639
Croatia for $1,390
Ireland for $499
Paris for $559
St. Petersburg & Moscow for $999
Turkey Tour for $1,299
Venice or Rome for $499
Africa & Middle East
Botswana for $2,295
A Cultural Journey to Senegal for $1,395
Southern Africa Camping Safari for $2,491
Asia
Bali for $805
Beijing & Shanghai Tour for $699
China Tour for $999
South India Tour for $2,095
Thailand Tour for $1,395
Tokyo & Kyoto for $1,459
South Pacific
Fly South for the Holidays for $799
Bora-Bora for $2,395
Australia
Sydney Combo for $1,799
New Zealand
New Zealand for $1,053
Air from L.A. to the Big Island, a six-day car rental, and five nights in a garden-view room at the oceanfront Royal Kona Resort, within walking distance of historic Kailua-Kona. The hotel has a private swimming lagoon, a pool, tennis facilities, spa, open-air restaurant, and Internet café. When Until Dec. 8. Other Gateways Dates vary by gateway; Denver (from $999), New York (from $1,143), Chicago (from $1,159). Details Extra nights $58. Single supplement from $393. Contact Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.
With its secluded coves, myriad boutiques, and year-round gorgeous weather, La Jolla feels more like a Mediterranean resort town than a San Diego suburb. On the cliffs a few miles north of La Jolla, the five-star Lodge at Torrey Pines is especially popular with golfers (there are two courses overlooking the Pacific), but the resort also has two restaurants, a lounge, and a spa, and is adjacent to a pristine state reserve with more than eight miles of hiking trails. Leisure Link's latest deal includes air from Kansas City to San Diego, a four-day car rental, and four nights at the Lodge. When Oct. 1--Dec. 15. Other Gateways Chicago ($815), Dallas ($819), Philadelphia ($899), Atlanta ($969). Details Extra nights $174. Single supplement $642. Contact Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Air from L.A., Phoenix, or Seattle and two nights at the three-star medieval-themed Excalibur Resort Hotel and Casino, on the Strip. When Nov. 21--Dec. 20. Other Gateways San Francisco ($126); Dallas ($233). Details Extra nights $54. Single supplement $54. Contact America West Vacations, 800/235-9298, americawestvacations.com.
Air from Atlantic City, Chicago, D.C., or New York, and three nights at one of four Miami Beach hotels: Howard Johnson Dezerland, Howard Johnson Caribbean, Greenview South Beach, or Ocean Surf. When Oct. 1--31 ($299); Nov. 1--Dec. 15 ($399). Other Gateways Boston (add $69); Dallas (add $99); L.A., San Francisco (add $149). Details These prices are based on midweek stays. Extra nights from $39. Single supplement from $117. For an additional $39, upgrade to the Beach House in Bal Harbour or the Albion South Beach. Contact Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Air from Boston or D.C., transfers, and three nights at the Wellington Hotel on Seventh Avenue at 55th Street, not far from Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Carnegie Hall, and Central Park. When Monday departures until Dec. 12. Other Gateways Philadelphia, Pittsburgh ($599); Charlotte ($619). Details Extra nights from $125. Single supplement from $265. Upgrade to the downtown Millennium Hilton (in the Financial District) for $180 more. Contact US Airways Vacations, 800/352-8747, usairwaysvacations.com.
Charter flights from Oakland to Honolulu, transfers, lei greeting, and seven nights at the Waikiki Resort Hotel, a half-block from Kuhio Beach, with a pool and private balconies for all rooms. When Oct. 28, 29; Nov. 5, 12; Dec. 2, 9. Other Gateways None. Details No extra nights. Single supplement $180. Contact SunTrips, 800/786-8747, suntrips.com.
Charter flights from Atlanta, Cincinnati, D.C., Louisville, or Syracuse and seven nights in a one- or two-bedroom suite at your choice of a dozen Orlando-area properties, including Florida Vacation Villas and Lifetime of Vacations at Grand Lake Resort. When Dates vary by gateway and property, but for the two properties mentioned above: Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12; Dec. 3, 10. Other Gateways None. Details Price includes taxes. No extra nights. No rate for singles. Contact SkyAuction.com, skyauction.com/orlando295, book on the Internet.
Air from Boston or New York and three nights at the four-star Hotel Manoir Victoria in the heart of Old Quebec. When Until Oct. 21 ($649), Oct. 22--Dec. 25 ($539). Other Gateways Chicago, Miami ($669/ $559); Atlanta ($709/$599); L.A. ($809/$699). Details Extra nights from $49. Single supplement from $149. Contact Maxxim Vacations Gray Line, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.
Seven nights' lodging in one of four Mayan Palace Resorts on the Riviera Maya, Acapulco, and Puerto Vallarta. When Check in on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays Oct. 1--Dec. 11, except Nov. 18. Details Price is per unit, not per person. No extra nights; book by the week. Upgrade to one-bedroom suite for $100 more. Contact SkyAuction.com, skyauction.com/mayan275, online bookings only.
A 14-day fully guided tour (round trip from Tucson, Ariz.), including stops in San Carlos, El Fuerte, Divisadero, Chihuahua, and Casas Grandes. The price includes all local transportation (by private bus, boat, and rail), 13 nights' hotel, some meals, lots of sightseeing tours, and even Spanish lessons. When Nov. 12, 18 ($1,395); Dec. 6 ($1,195); Dec. 18 ($1,095). Details Geared toward people over the age of 50. Price does not include airfare to Tucson. Single supplement $445. Contact Grand Circle Travel, 800/248-3737, gct.com.
Air from Fort Lauderdale or Miami and seven nights with breakfast daily at the Allamanda Beach Hotel on the south coast of Barbados, near Bridgetown. Facilities include a pool, restaurant, and waterfront grill; the beach is a four-minute walk away. When Until Dec. 15, except Nov. 19--23 (southbound) and Nov. 26--28 (northbound). Other Gateways Baltimore, New York ($499); Philadelphia ($544); Chicago ($587); Denver ($625); L.A. ($690). Details Extra nights $57. Single supplement from $350. Contact Atlas Vacations, 800/634-1057, atlasvacations.net.
The April opening of 9 Beaches--an 18-acre waterfront resort on the island's westernmost tip--caught our eye, but its "5th Night Free" offer this fall earned it a place in 40 Best. All of 9 Beaches' 84 soft-sided bungalows (or cabanas, as the resort calls them) are up on stilts with verandas facing the water; the most expensive Top Banana units are actually out over the water, with clear floor panels revealing the fish below. There's also a restaurant, beach bar, a pool, lots of sports, and nine private beaches. Despite its distance from the U.S. mainland (600 miles off the coast of North Carolina), getting to Bermuda is easier than ever with nonstop flights from more than a dozen cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York, Miami, and Philadelphia. When Until Oct. 10 ($960), Oct. 11--Dec. 31 ($680). Details Airfare is not included. Prices listed above are for two people in one of the hillside Coco Coral Cabanas. Other options include Sea Forever ($1,120/$920), Aqua Vista ($1,220/$1,100), and Top Banana ($1,400/$1,180). When booking, mention promotional code "5th Free." Contact 9 Beaches, 866/841-9009, 9beaches.com.
American or US Airways flights from Baltimore or New York to Montego Bay, transfers, and five nights at the all-inclusive, adults-only Club Ambiance in Runaway Bay; it's about an hour east of Montego Bay on the north shore of the island. The resort features several beaches, a pool, and two restaurants. When Oct. 1--Dec. 14. Other Gateways Philadelphia ($479), Miami ($689). Details Must be 18 or older. Extra nights $63. Single supplement $370. Contact Vacation Travel Mart, 800/288-1435, vacmart.com.
American Airlines flights from Miami to San José, a seven-day car rental, and seven nights' lodging with breakfast daily. Spend three nights in the mountains west of San José at the La Finca Que Ama bed-and-breakfast, then four nights at the Best Western Jacó Beach on the Pacific Coast. When Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday departures Oct. 1--Dec. 9. Other Gateways Dallas ($849); New York ($921); Chicago ($927); L.A., San Francisco ($953); Seattle ($999). Details Add $50 for departures on other days of the week. Extra nights from $49. Single supplement $399. Contact Capricorn Leisure, 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
This 10-day, fully escorted trip includes a visit to the Mayan ruins of Copán, snorkeling in the waters off the Bay Island of Roatán, exploring the beach of Tela on the Caribbean coast, and a tour of the country's second-largest city, San Pedro Sula. The price covers nine nights' hotel, local transportation (by bus, boat, and van), and an English-speaking guide throughout. When Departs from San Pedro Sula on Dec. 31. Details The price does not include flights to San Pedro Sula. A local payment of $150 is due upon arrival. Extra nights from $25. Single travelers will be paired with other singles of the same sex. Contact G.A.P Adventures, 800/465-5600, gapadventures.com.
American Airlines flights from Miami, all transfers, two nights at the new Holiday Inn in Managua with breakfast daily and a half-day city tour, and four all-inclusive nights at the oceanfront Barceló Montelimar Beach Resort, with seven restaurants, a beach bar, a disco, a gym, and two pools. When Wednesday or Thursday departures until Dec. 7 ($889), Dec. 9--Dec. 26 ($1,139). Other Gateways Dallas, Houston ($939/$1,189); Atlanta, Boston, D.C., New York ($1,079/$1,329); Chicago, L.A. ($1,139/$1,389). Details Add $60 for departures on other days of the week. Extra nights $60. Single supplement $261. Contact Tara Tours, 800/327-0080, taratours.com.
Copa Airlines flights from Miami (via Panama City), transfers, five nights at the Regis Hotel (on pedestrian-only Lavalle Street), breakfast daily, and a half-day city tour. When Until Dec. 5 ($599), Dec. 6--31 ($699). Other Gateways New York ($739/$859), L.A. ($829/$949). Details Extra nights from $24. Single supplement $120. Stop over in Panama City starting at $122 more, including one night at the Hotel Marbella, transfers, and a half-day tour of the Panama Canal. Contact Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
LanChile flights from New York to Santiago (via Lima), all transfers and local transportation, six nights' hotel (three in Santiago, two in Puerto Varas, and one on Chiloé Island) with breakfast daily, three lunches, and the services of local hosts/guides. Itinerary includes visits to Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, a vineyard in the Colchagua Valley, Chiloé Island, and the fishing village of Ancud. When Oct. 11, 25; Nov. 1, 8, 15; Dec. 6. Other Gateways Boston, L.A., Miami (add $100). Details Add an excursion to the Atacama Desert, including airfare, transfers, three nights' hotel, and all meals, from $899. Contact General Tours, 800/ 221-2216, generaltours.com.
Air from New York to Rio, all transfers, and five nights' hotel with breakfast daily. Spend three nights at the Savoy Othon Hotel in Rio, a block from the Copacabana Beach, followed by two nights at Pousada Porto Imperial in colonial Paraty. When Until Dec. 9. Other Gateways Boston, D.C. (add $25); Atlanta, Chicago (add $50); Denver, L.A., San Francisco (add $100); Miami (add $125); Portland, Seattle (add $225). Details For weekend departures add $25. Extra nights $31. Single supplement $240. Contact FlySouthVacations.com, 800/234-5245, flysouthvacations.com.
Air from New York and six nights with breakfast daily at the Hotel Acro, less than a block from the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, and also near the Concertgebouwplein. When Oct. 1--31 ($849), Nov. 1--Dec. 11 ($639). Other Gateways Boston, Philadelphia ($869/$659); Atlanta ($979/$719); D.C. ($999/$669); Chicago ($1,029/$739); Baltimore ($1,069/$729); Detroit ($1,099/$789); Dallas ($1,109/$789); New Orleans ($1,109/ $819); L.A. ($1,179/$829); Portland ($1,189/ $899). Details Extra nights from $60. Single supplement from $230. Contact EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.
Delta, Lufthansa, or Austrian Airlines flights from New York to Dubrovnik, transfers, 11 nights' of three-star lodging (three nights in Split, three on the island of KorÇcula, and five in Dubrovnik), ferry transfers to and from KorÇcula, with breakfast and dinner daily. When Wednesday departures Oct. 5--26 ($1,690), Nov. 2--Dec. 7 ($1,390). Other Gateways D.C. (add $80); Atlanta, Miami (add $90); Chicago (add $150); L.A., San Francisco (add $260). Details Extra nights from $85. Single supplement from $280. Contact Travel Time, 800/354-8728, traveltimeny.com.
Air from Boston or New York, a seven-day car rental (with unlimited miles), five nights of open vouchers good at any of more than 2,500 B&Bs throughout Ireland, one night at Cabra Castle (a 1760 landmark 90 minutes north of Dublin, in County Cavan), and breakfast daily. When Until Oct. 31 ($699), Nov. 1--Dec. 14 ($499). Other Gateways Chicago (add from $60). Details Extra nights (voucher and car) from $49. Single supplement from $299. Contact Brian Moore International Tours, 800/982-2299, bmit.com.
Air from New York, six nights at the Timotel Nation Hôtel (near Place de la Nation and the Gare de Lyon train station), and breakfast daily. When Until Oct. 31 ($629), Nov. 1--Dec. 11 ($559). Other Gateways Boston, D.C., Philadelphia ($669/$599); Atlanta ($729/$679); Chicago, Miami ($749/$699); Dallas ($779/$689); L.A., San Francisco ($849/$759); Denver ($859/$759). Details Extra nights from $40. Single supplement from $110. Contact EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.
Finnair flights from New York to St. Petersburg (via Helsinki), transfers, five nights in three-star hotels (three in St. Petersburg, two in Moscow), overnight train between cities, breakfast daily, and guided sightseeing, including visits to the Hermitage and the Kremlin. When Oct. 1--15 ($1,199), Oct. 16--31 ($1,099), Nov. 1--March 31 ($999). Other Gateways Boston, D.C. (add $150); Miami, Dallas (add $310); L.A., San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Juan (add $375). Details Extra nights $130. Single supplement $255. Contact Eastern Tours, 800/339-6967, traveltorussia.com.
Turkish Airlines flights from New York to Istanbul, all transfers and local transportation (private bus, flight), 12 nights in four- and five-star hotels with breakfast daily, 10 dinners, all entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide throughout. The 14-day itinerary includes stops in Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Ku¸sadasi, Troy, and Gallipoli. When Oct. 13, 27 ($1,619); Nov. 10, 24 ($1,299); Dec. 15, 29 ($1,419). Other Gateways Boston (add $50); Atlanta (add $175); Miami (add $225); L.A., San Francisco (add $310). Details Extra nights from $59. Single supplement from $295. Contact Flo USA, 888/435-6872, flo-usa.com.
Alitalia flights from New York and four nights with breakfast daily in either Venice (at the Hotel Belle Epoque, in the Cannaregio area, which is on the north side of the city near the Grand Canal) or Rome (at the San Marco Hotel, not far from the Termini train station). When Nov. 1--Dec. 10. Other Gateways Boston (add $40), D.C. (add $80), Miami (add $90), Chicago (add $100). Details Extra nights from $50. Single supplement $100. Contact Troy Tours, 800/748-6878, troytours.com.
South African Airways flights from Atlanta or New York to Victoria Falls (via Johannesburg), local flights and transfers, one night in Johannesburg at the Airport Grand Hotel, six nights in a safari or river room at the Chobe Safari Lodge, breakfast daily, dinner daily at Chobe, and a total of 10 activities--two game drives, two game cruises on the Chobe River, two-hour private river cruise, fishing or birding outing, scenic flight over the national park, and full-day excursion to Victoria Falls. When Oct. 1--Nov. 30 ($2,295), Dec. 1--8 ($2,690), Dec. 9--23 ($2,890). Other Gateways None. Details Extend your stay in Africa for up to two months. Single supplement $395. Contact 2Afrika, 866/462-2374, 2afrika.com.
Senegal's pretty beaches and oceanfront resorts are popular with European tourists, but for many African-Americans a trip to the Senegalese capital of Dakar is more of a pilgrimage than a holiday. Its strategic position at the westernmost edge of the African continent once made it the very heart of the slave trade. A visit to nearby Gorée Island--from which an estimated 20 million slaves were shipped to the New World between the early 16th century and the mid-18th century--is at the top of every itinerary. "A trip to Dakar can also be a homecoming celebration," says Kenneth Hieber, president of 2Afrika. In addition to city tours, he arranges language courses, art classes, and even renaming ceremonies. "Many clients have told me that they've come back to the U.S. with a fuller knowledge of just who they are." 2Afrika's eight-day package includes flights from New York to Dakar (via Madrid) on Spanish airline Iberia, transfers, five nights at the three-star Hôtel Ganalé, breakfast daily, and a half-day city tour. When Until Oct. 31 and Dec. 15--31 ($1,595); Nov. 1--Dec. 14 and Jan. 1--March 31, 2006 ($1,395). Other Gateways Boston (add $50), Chicago (add $95), Miami (add $100). Details Extra nights $55. Single supplement $135. Add two days in The Gambia for $375, including transfers and a night at the four-star Atlantic Resort. Contact 2Afrika, 866/462-2374, 2afrika.com.
South African Airways flights from Atlanta, D.C., or New York to Cape Town (via Johannesburg) and a 22-day camping safari in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, including a visit to Victoria Falls. The nearly all-inclusive price covers 16 nights' accommodation (two in hotels, the rest camping), most meals, all transfers and local transportation, game drives and activities, and a guide throughout. When Oct. 1--Nov. 30. Other Gateways Miami (add $140); Chicago, Philadelphia (add $180); Dallas, L.A. (add $280). Details Call for extra nights. No rate for singles. Contact South African Airways Holidays, 888/777-1138, saaholidays.net.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco (via Singapore), transfers, and five nights at the Grand Balisani Suites in Kuta or the Yulia Village Inn in Ubud, breakfast daily, and a half-day island tour. When Until Dec. 5. Other Gateways Boston, Chicago, D.C., New York, Philadelphia (add $150); Denver, Seattle (add $175); Dallas, Miami (add $300). Details Extra nights from $25. Single supplement from $150. Free stopovers available in Singapore. Contact Sayang Holidays, 888/472-9264, sayangholidays.com.
Air China flights from San Francisco to Beijing, transfers, five nights in Beijing at the Capital Hotel, onward flight to Shanghai, three nights at the Holiday Inn Downtown, breakfast daily, and an English-speaking guide throughout. When Nov. 8, Dec. 29 ($799); Nov. 22, Dec. 1 ($699). Other Gateways New York (add $100). Details No extra nights. Single supplement from $199. Contact SmarTours, 800/337-7773, smartours.com.
Air China flights from San Francisco to Beijing, all local transportation, nine nights in three- or four-star hotels, one overnight train ride, most meals, and an English-speaking guide throughout. Includes stops in Beijing, Jinan, Tai'an, Qufu, Suzhou, and Shanghai. When Select departures Oct. 1--31 and Dec. 1--31 ($1,199), Nov. 1--30 ($999). Other Gateways L.A. (add $100); Las Vegas, Portland, San Diego, Seattle (add $120); many cities in the South, East, and Midwest (add $280). Details Extra-night costs vary. Single supplement from $220. The same package with direct flights from New York to Beijing costs $1,199 in November. Contact China Focus, 800/868-7244, chinafocustravel.com.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Madras (with an overnight in Singapore), all transfers and local transportation, 15 nights' lodging in India, breakfast daily, farewell dinner with the group, and guided sightseeing throughout. The comprehensive 18-day itinerary includes stops in Madras, Mahavalipuram, Bangalore, Mysore, Coonoor, Cochin, Alleppey, and Kovalam. When Oct. 24 ($2,095), Dec. 21 ($2,448). Other Gateways Boston, Chicago, D.C., New York, Philadelphia (add $150); Denver, Seattle (add $175); Dallas, Miami (add $300). Details Single supplement from $495. Free stopovers in Singapore are available. Contact Sayang Holidays, 888/472-9264, sayangholidays.com.
Northwest/KLM flights from L.A. to Bangkok (via Tokyo), transfers and transportation (bus, boat, train, one local flight), 10 nights' lodging (four in a Bangkok hotel, two in a floating bungalow on the River Kwai, one at a guesthouse in Ayutthaya, two in huts near Chiang Mai, and one on the overnight train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok), some meals, and an English-speaking guide throughout. The 12-day itinerary also includes visits to Nakhom Pathom, Dmanoen Saduak, and Sukhothai, and a two-day trek near Chiang Mai. When Oct. 5, Nov. 16 ($1,395); Dec. 21 ($1,640). Other Gateways New York ($1,495/$1,740), Chicago ($1,710/$1,955), Miami ($1,740/$1,985). Details Add $225 a week for expenses. Single supplement $95. Contact Djoser, 877/356-7376, djoserusa.com.
Continental flights from New York to Tokyo, transfers, six nights' hotel split between Tokyo (Shinagawa Prince Hotel New Tower) and Kyoto (New Miyako Hotel), half-day tour of each city, and seven-day rail pass, good for the bullet train between cities. When Wednesday and Thursday departures Oct. 1--31 ($1,559), Nov. 1--Dec. 14 ($1,459). Other Gateways For the same price, depart from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, D.C., Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, Miami, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, or Richmond, among other East Coast Continental gateways. Details Add $60 to travel on weekends. Extra nights from $90. Single supplement $420. You can choose to spend just four nights in Tokyo starting at $899. Contact NTA America, 800/682-7872, japanvacation.net.
Sunspots International has secured block space for holiday flights from L.A. to the South Pacific. (Block space is exactly what it sounds like: A tour operator buys a number of seats on a specific flight directly from the airline, at a discount, and then sells the seats to its customers, also at a discount.) Sunspots is offering extraordinary deals on flights to Papeete, Tahiti (on Air Tahiti Nui); Nadi, Fiji (on Air Pacific); Rarotonga, Cook Islands (on Air New Zealand); and New Zealand (Auckland or Christchurch, on Air New Zealand). Buy the airfare and make your own arrangements, or let Sunspots book accommodations, tours, transfers, and car rentals. When Select departures and returns Dec. 16--Jan. 8; call for exact dates. Tahiti ($799 adults or kids), Fiji ($969 adults, kids ages 2--11 $729), Cook Islands ($1,089/$799), Auckland ($1,949/ $1,388), Christchurch ($1,949/$1,388). Other Gateways San Francisco to Auckland ($1,949/$1,388). Details Space is very limited. These are cash-discount prices; add $60 for credit card payments. Contact Sunspots International, 800/266-6073, sunspotsintl.com.
Air Tahiti Nui flights from New York to Papeete (on their new nonstop service), transfers and inter-island flights, welcome and farewell leis, one night in an ocean-view room at the Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti on Lafayette Beach in Arue, and five nights in a garden bungalow at the Lagoon Resort and Spa on Bora-Bora. When Monday and Thursday departures until Dec. 12 ($2,395), Dec. 13--16 ($2,620), Dec. 17--24 ($2,940). Other Gateways The regular L.A. departures on Air Tahiti Nui are $200 less. Details Add $85 for Saturday departures. Call for the extra-night price. Single supplement $1,065. Contact Swain Tours, 800/227-9246, swaintours.com/nytahiti.
Qantas flights from L.A. to Sydney, round-trip flights within Australia, and eight nights split between Sydney (at the Hotel Ibis Darling Harbour, downtown near the convention center) and either Brisbane (at the Ibis, near the shops on Queen Street and the South Bank Parklands) or Melbourne (at the Mercure Welcome Hotel, in the shopping and theater district). When Until Dec. 4 ($1,799), Dec. 5--9 ($2,039). Other Gateways New York (add from $375). Details Call for the extra-night price. Single supplement from $390. Among the other options is an eight-day Sydney/Cairns combo starting at $100 more (single supplement from $440). Contact Qantas Airways/Tourism Australia, 800/369-6863, australia.com.
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Auckland, transfers, and an eight-day Eclipse 2 camper-van rental with unlimited miles. When Until Oct. 31 ($1,053), Nov. 1--Dec. 9 ($1,196). Other Gateways None. Details These are cash-discount prices; add $35 for credit card payments. Extra days from $41 (stay up to a month; long-rental discounts apply). Single supplement $164. Contact Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.