BudgetTravel

Riviera Maya for $730
Air from Dallas, transfers, and three nights at the all-inclusive ClubHotel Riu Tequila in Playa del Carmen. When: Monday departures Feb. 5-Mar. 12. Other Gateways: St. Louis, Tuesdays, Feb. 12-Mar. 20 ($850); Chicago, Mondays and Tuesdays, Feb. 12-Mar. 20 ($900); Detroit, Sundays, Feb. 25-May 25 ($900). Contact: Apple Vacations, applevacations.com.

CARIBBEAN

Adventures in Dominica for $1,226
Tour operator Caradonna Dive Adventures has teamed up with the Dominica National Development Corporation to create ecotourism packages for the Eastern Caribbean country. After all, tropical forests cover two thirds of the island, where there are also waterfalls, 365 rivers, and mountain peaks up to 5,000 feet high. Caradonna's new five- or seven-night packages combine accommodations with excursions to natural attractions--exactly what depends on what's near the chosen hotel. This deal covers American Airlines flights from Miami or New York to Roseau (via San Juan), transfers, seven nights at The Hummingbird Inn, breakfast daily, and five guided activities, such as a kayaking trip on a crater lake, an afternoon whale-watching cruise, and a hike to the 200-degree F waters of Boiling Lake. When: Until Dec. 21. Other Gateways: Boston (add $54), Chicago (add $127), Philadelphia (add $153), L.A. (add $213), Dallas (add $230). Contact: Caradonna Dive Adventures, 888/262-6611, dominica.caradonna.com.

Caribbean Cruise for $699
Seven-day sailing round trip from San Juan aboard the Crown Princess. The ship has two itineraries that alternate by week, with one day at sea and stops at either St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Grenada, Bonaire, and Aruba; or Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas. Prices cover port charges but not airfare. When: Saturday departures Feb. 3-Apr. 28 ($699 inside cabin/$749 ocean-view cabin). Contact: American Discount Cruises, 866/214-7447, americandiscountcruises.com.

Dominican Republic for $619
Air from Miami to Punta Cana and four nights at the all-inclusive LTI Beach Resort Punta Cana Golf & Spa on Bavaro Beach. Add $18 for round-trip transfers. When: Feb. 1-Apr. 8. Other Gateways: New York ($709), Philadelphia ($759), Baltimore ($809). Contact: Vacation Travel Mart, 800/288-1435, vacmart.com.

Jamaica for $499
Air from Fort Lauderdale to Montego Bay, transfers, and three nights at the all-inclusive beachfront Starfish Trelawny Resort & Spa, in Falmouth. When: Feb. 1-Apr. 30. Other Gateways: D.C. ($649); Chicago, Dallas ($679); Detroit ($749); New York ($779). Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.

CENTRAL AMERICA

Belize for $1,114
American Airlines flights from Miami to Belize City, onward flight to Ambergris Cay, and seven nights at the beachfront Sunbreeze Hotel in San Pedro Town. When: Feb. 1-Apr. 30. Other Gateways: Dallas ($1,156); New York ($1,207); Chicago ($1,307); L.A., San Francisco ($1,364); Portland, Seattle ($1,404). Contact: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.

Central America Tour for $595
A 15-day, fully escorted trip through Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The price includes local transportation, guided tours of the Copán ruins and a coffee plantation, and 14 nights of basic hotel accommodations in Antigua, Juayua, Suchitoto, La Palma, and Copán. A local payment of $200 is due upon arrival. Add $300 for meals. This is a land-only price; airfare isn't included. When: Feb. 9, Mar. 16, Apr. 20, May 25, June 29. Contact: G.A.P Adventures, 800/465-5600, gapadventures.com.

Costa Rica Tour for $999
Grupo Taca flights from Miami to San José, all transfers and local transportation (bus, minibus, boat, taxi), and an 11-day fully escorted tour with nine nights' simple hotel accommodations in San José, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Cahuita, and Puerto Viejo. Entry fees are included; a local payment of $150 is due upon arrival. When: Mar. 6 ($999), Apr. 17 ($1,099). Other Gateways: D.C., L.A., New York, San Francisco (add $100). Contact: Adventure Center, 800/227-8747, adventurecenter.com.

Honduras for $1,165
Air from Houston to Utila Island (via San Pedro Sula), all transfers, four nights at the Mango Inn, onward flight to San Pedro Sula, three nights in Copán at the Hotel Marina Copán with a guided tour of a coffee plantation and the Copán ruins, and breakfast daily. When: Until Dec. 31. Other Gateways: Boston (add $54), Philadelphia (add $73), New York (add $116), Chicago (add $139), L.A. (add $149), D.C. (add $159), Miami (add $169). Contact: Caradonna Dive Adventures, 800/328-2288, caradonna.com.

SOUTH AMERICA