|
|
40 Best
Where the Real Deals are in Fiji, Malaysia, Brazil, and 37 other tempting destinations around the world.
March 2007 issue
Tuesday, February 20, 2007;
Have you gone on a 40 Best trip? We want to publish your accounts and pictures! They help others learn more about the companies listed in this section--and we love reading the tales. E-mail us at Letters@BudgetTravelOnline.com.
Set Sail in the Fijian Islands for $1,650
Malaysian Festivities for $988
UNITED STATES
Grand Canyon Hiking for $595
Las Vegas for $359
Los Angeles for $399
Maui for $1,054
Orlando for $399
CANADA
Toronto for $789
MEXICO
Cancún for $549
Mazatlán for $471
CARIBBEAN
Dominican Republic for $499
Jamaica for $495
CENTRAL AMERICA
Nicaragua for $1,059
SOUTH AMERICA
Brazil Tour for $2,210
Colombia for $1,255
EUROPE
Ireland Tour for $1,369
Italy for $1,399
Netherlands Cruise for $1,748
Prague for $589
Russia for $999
Sicily Tour for $1,940
Spain Fly & Drive for $649
Transatlantic Cruise for $599
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
Egypt for $1,099
Kenya & Tanzania Safari for $3,145
Morocco Tour for $1,249
ASIA
Northern Thailand for $370
Tokyo & Kyoto for $1,499
Vietnam for $999
AUSTRALIA
NEW ZEALAND
Many people think of Fiji as one island, but in fact the South Pacific nation is a group of more than 800 islands and islets, most of which tourists never see. Journey Pacific sells a seven-night package to Fiji that takes travelers not only to the main island of Viti Levu, but also to the Yasawa Group, a cluster of volcanic islands about a day's sail away. The itinerary includes three nights at the Barefoot Lodge on Drawaqa Island in the Yasawas, and four days sailing aboard the Spirit of the Pacific, a 108-foot topsail schooner. The remaining four nights are on Viti Levu in an ocean-view bungalow at Crusoe's Retreat along the island's southwestern Coral Coast. This deal covers Air Pacific flights from L.A. to Nandi; all transfers; three nights in a waterfront bungalow at the Barefoot Lodge, with all meals, shore excursions, snorkeling equipment, and evening activities; and four nights at Crusoe's Retreat resort with breakfasts. When: Until Mar. 31, 2008. Other Gateways: San Francisco ($1,775); Chicago, New York ($1,999). Contact: Journey Pacific, 800/704-7094, airpacificusa.com.
To celebrate Malaysia's 50th anniversary of independence from British rule, the country's tourism board is sponsoring 50 festivals and competitions throughout the year¿along with two recent additions to Kuala Lumpur: hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses and the Eye on Malaysia, a 197-foot-high Ferris wheel modeled on the London Eye. Several U.S.-based companies are selling trips for specific events like the cultural festival Colours of Malaysia in late May, and Independence (or Merdeka) Day on August 31. Sayang Holidays has a package that covers Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Singapore, all transfers and onward flights, and six nights' hotel accommodations split between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang. Other companies and itineraries are listed on tourismmalaysiausa.com. When: Until May 31 ($988); June 1-Aug. 20 ($1,238). Blacked out Apr. 1-15. Other Gateways: New York (add $125); Denver, Seattle (add $175); Boston, D.C. (add $250); Miami (add $350). Contact: Sayang Holidays, 888/472-9264, sayangholidays.com.
Colorado Skiing for $529
Air from Chicago, Dallas, or St. Louis to Denver; three nights at Winter Park Mountain Lodge with free shuttle service; and a two-day lift ticket. Add $96 for round-trip transfers. When: Mar. 4-Apr. 10. Other Gateways: None. Contact: Apple Vacations, applevacations.com.
A four-day backpacking trek into the Grand Canyon with three nights' camping. Includes most meals and gear (except backpacks and hiking boots), permit fees, first aid gear, and guides. Add $20 for the park entrance fee. This is a land-only price. Nonmembers must first pay a $15 membership fee. When: Apr. 12, 19, 27; Sept. 13, 20, 27. Contact: REI Adventures, 800/622-2236, reiadventures.com.
Spirit Airlines flights from Atlanta or Detroit and three nights at the Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, on the upper end of the Strip. Includes a full-day trip to Laughlin. When: Monday departures until Apr. 9; Apr. 23-May 28. Other Gateways: Fort Lauderdale ($489); D.C., New York ($497). Contact: Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.
Air from Chicago, Dallas, or Houston, and three nights at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza in downtown L.A. When: Until Mar. 31 ($399); Apr. 1-June 30 ($428). Transfers are not included. Car rentals begin at $29 per day. Other Gateways: D.C., New York, Philadelphia (add $29); Miami (add $59). Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Air from San Francisco and seven nights at the Outrigger Royal Kahana, between Kaanapali Beach and Kapalua Bay on the northwestern coast of Maui. When: Tuesday departures until May 29. Other Gateways: None. Contact: NWA WorldVacations, 800/800-1504, nwaworldvacations.com.
Air from Chicago or New York, a five-day car rental, and five nights with breakfast daily at any of the Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista, Westgate Inn (both within five miles of Disney World), or Comfort Inn Universal Studios Area, five minutes from Universal Orlando Resort. When: Until Dec. 15. Other Gateways: Atlanta, D.C. (add $49); Boston (add $59); San Francisco (add $170). Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Montreal for $164
The tourism board of Montreal has a "Sweet Deal": Book one night's accommodations at any of 21 hotels citywide and get the second night for 50 percent off. The discounted two-night total ranges from $164 at the Quality Inn Downtown (where the regular nightly rate begins at $109) to $285 at Le St-Sulpice Hôtel or the Hotel St-Paul (where the first-night price starts at $190). When: Until May 31. Contact: Tourisme Montréal, 866/412-4030, tourisme-montreal.org.
Air from Chicago, three nights at the Delta Chelsea hotel in downtown Toronto, and two orchestra-level tickets to The Phantom of the Opera at the Princess of Wales Theatre. When: Until May 31. Other Gateways: Miami ($819); Atlanta, Boston, New York ($879); L.A. ($919). Contact: Maxxim Vacations, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.
Baja California Kayaking for $1,045
An eight-day kayaking tour round trip from Loreto in the Gulf of California. Spend two nights in hotels and five nights camping. The itinerary includes most meals and equipment (except sleeping bags), and a guide throughout. This is a land-only price. When: Mar. 3 ($1,195, includes a whale-watching tour); Mar. 18, Apr. 1, 8 ($1,045). Contact: REI Adventures, 800/622-2236, reiadventures.com.
Air from Fort Lauderdale and four nights at the all-inclusive beachfront Grand Oasis Cancún, in the hotel zone. When: Apr. 4-May 24. Other Gateways: Chicago, D.C., New York ($659). Contact: The Vacation Travel Mart, 800/288-1435, vacmart.com.
Air from Denver, transfers, and four nights at the beachfront El Cid Granada Country Club. When: Apr. 9-June 18. Other Gateways: L.A., until Mar. 20 ($512); Chicago, Apr. 19-June 7 ($865); New York, Apr. 19-June 7 ($867). Contact: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.
Barbados for $624
Air from Philadelphia and seven nights in an apartment with a kitchenette at the Golden Sands Hotel. It's five miles from the airport and faces Golden Sands Beach. When: Mar. 1-May 31. Other Gateways: Atlanta ($650); Baltimore ($715); Miami ($723); New York ($724); Chicago, L.A. ($792). Contact: Atlas Vacations, 800/634-1057, atlasvacations.net.
Spirit Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale, transfers, and three nights at the all-inclusive Catalonia Bávaro Beach, Golf & Casino Resort in Punta Cana. When: Mar. 5-May 28. Other Gateways: Orlando ($581); Atlanta, Chicago, D.C., Detroit, New York ($656). Contact: Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.
Air from Miami and seven nights at the Fisherman's Point in Ocho Rios. Add $174 for round-trip transfers. When: Mar. 1-May 31. Other Gateways: Atlanta ($550); Chicago ($640); Baltimore, New York ($641); Philadelphia ($651); L.A. ($749). Contact: Atlas Vacations, 800/634-1057, atlasvacations.net.
Belize for $1,179
American Airlines flights from Miami, a seven-day car rental, three nights at the Jaguar Paw Jungle Lodge in the rain forest, and four nights at the beachfront Jaguar Reef Lodge. When: Mar. 1-Apr. 30 ($1,359); May 1-June 30, Sept. 1-Oct. 31 ($1,179); July 1-Aug. 31 ($1,239). Other Gateways: Dallas (from $1,229); New York (from $1,278); Chicago (from $1,379); L.A., San Francisco (from $1,439); Portland, Seattle (from $1,483). Contact: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
American Airlines flights from Miami to Managua, all transfers, three nights in Granada at La Gran Francia hotel, four nights on the Pacific Coast at Pelican Eyes Piedras y Olas Hotel & Resort, and breakfast daily. When: Mar. 1-Apr. 30 ($1,085); May 1-June 30, Sept. 1-Dec. 9 ($1,059); July 1-Aug. 31 ($1,119). Other Gateways: Dallas (from $1,099); New York (from $1,229); L.A., San Francisco (from $1,283); Chicago (from $1,295); Portland, Seattle (from $1,356). Contact: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
Argentina Wine Country for $2,295
Aerolíneas Argentinas flights from Miami or New York to Buenos Aires, all transfers, three nights at the Hotel De Las Americas in the Recoleta district and a half-day city tour, onward flight to Mendoza, and three nights at the Cavas Wine Lodge, 30 minutes from the city center. The itinerary includes three winery tours; two activities, such as white-water rafting and horseback riding; a visit to the Casa de Fader museum; three lunches; one dinner; a one-hour massage; and breakfast daily. When: Until May 31. Other Gateways: Chicago, L.A. ($2,555). Contact: Marnella Tours, 866/993-0033, marnellatours.com.
Air from Miami to Rio de Janeiro, all transfers and local transportation (bus, plane), and a nine-day tour of Rio de Janeiro, Iguazú Falls, and São Paulo. The price covers six nights' hotel accommodations, most breakfasts, one lunch, two dinners, all entrance fees, and local English-speaking guides. When: Mar. 16, Apr. 20, May 18, June 15. Other Gateways: New York (add $225), L.A. (add $270). Contact: Sita World Travel, 800/421-5643, sitatours.com.
Air from Miami, transfers, two nights in Bogotá at the Boheme Royal hotel near the Andino shopping center, onward flight to Cartagena, three nights at the beachfront Hilton Cartagena, two half-day city tours, and breakfast. When: Until Apr. 30 ($1,355); May 1-July 31 ($1,255). Other Gateways: New York (add $130), L.A. (add $374). Contact: Marnella Tours, 866/993-0033, marnellatours.com.
Athens & Greek Islands for $1,499
Air from New York to Santorini (via Athens), all transfers and local transportation (ferry, plane), eight nights' hotel, and breakfast daily. Spend three nights each on Santorini at the Plaza Hotel and on Mykonos at the Artemis Hotel, and two nights in Athens at either the Oscar Hotel or Oscar Inn. When: Monday departures Apr. 9-30 ($1,499); May 7, 14 ($1,599); May 21 ($1,629); May 28 ($1,899); June 4, 11 ($1,959). Other Gateways: D.C. (from $1,518), Miami (from $1,574), Denver (from $1,669). Contact: Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.
Aer Lingus flights from New York to Dublin, all transfers and local transportation (private bus), and an eight-day escorted tour around Ireland. Spend two nights each at hotels in Dublin, Killarney, and Ennis; and one night at Cabra Castle in Cavan. The itinerary includes visits to Waterford, Galway, and the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, and Blarney Castle; all entrance fees; four dinners; breakfast daily; and a guide throughout. When: Apr. 29 ($1,369); May 13, May 20 ($1,549); May 27 ($1,559). Other Gateways: Boston (from $1,399), Chicago (from $1,439), L.A. (from $1,509). Contact: Brian Moore International Tours, 800/982-2299, bmit.com.
Air from New York to Florence or Rome, a six-day car rental, five nights in Umbria at the Hotel Brufani Palace, and breakfast daily. When: Mar. 1-15 ($1,399); Mar. 16-31 ($1,499); Apr. 1-May 31 ($2,399). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C. (add $50); Atlanta, Chicago (add $95); L.A., San Francisco (add $200). Contact: Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com.
Air from New York to Amsterdam, transfers, and a seven-night round-trip sailing on canals on the River Ambassador, with stops at Enkhuizen, Hoorn, Volendam, Nijmegen, Dordrecht, Schoonhoven, and Rotterdam. The price covers accommodations in an outside stateroom, all onboard meals and entertainment, and seven shore excursions. When: Mar. 24, 31; Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28. Other Gateways: Chicago ($1,848), L.A. ($1,898). Contact: Uniworld Grand River Cruises, 800/360-9550, uniworld.com.
Czech Airlines flights from Montreal, New York, or Toronto; transfers; six nights at the Hotel Lunik, Orion, or Sibelius; a city tour; and breakfast daily. When: Until Mar. 15 ($589); Mar. 16-31 ($699); Apr. 1-May 31 ($849). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C., Philadelphia (add from $89); Atlanta, Chicago (add from $179); Miami, New Orleans (add from $219). Contact: Tatra Travel, 800/321-2999, tatratravel.com.
Finnair flights from New York to St. Petersburg (via Helsinki), transfers, three nights in St. Petersburg at either the Okhtinskaya-Victoria Hotel (along the Neva River) or the Best Western Hotel Neptun (in the historic district), an overnight train to Moscow, two nights at the Hotel Izmailovo-Alfa (near the crafts market in Izmail-ovsky Park), breakfast daily, and a guided tour and tickets to an evening performance in each city. When: Until Mar. 31 ($999); Apr. 1-15 ($1,199); Apr. 16-30 ($1,399); May 1-15 ($1,599); May 16-30 ($1,799). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C. (add from $300); Chicago, Detroit, Miami (add from $425); Denver, L.A. (add from $525). Contact: Eastern Tours, 800/339-6967, traveltorussia.com.
Air from New York, all transfers and local transportation (private bus), and an eight-day escorted tour of Sicily. The itinerary covers six nights' hotel accommodations (three in Taormina, one in Agrigento, and two in Palermo), 13 meals, all entrance fees, and a guide throughout. Sightseeing highlights include the Monreale Cathedrale, Trapani's salt mines, and wineries near Marsala. Budget Travel readers get $250 off per couple on all 2007 departures for bookings made by May 31. When: Monday departures until Mar. 26 ($1,940); Wednesday departures until May 30 ($3,099). Other Gateways: Chicago (from $2,183), L.A. (from $2,275). Contact: Central Holidays, 800/935-5000, centralholidays.com.
Air from New York to Madrid and a seven-day Hertz car rental. Hotel accommodations are not included. When: Mar. 8-30 ($679); Mar. 31-May 17 ($649); May 18-26 ($759); May 27-June 24 ($1,059). Other Gateways: Atlanta (add $100); Denver (add $160); Austin, San Antonio (add $190); L.A., Portland, San Francisco, Seattle (add $220). Contact: Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.
A 12-night sailing on the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas from Miami to Southampton, England, with stops in Bermuda; Cork, Ireland; and Brest, France. The price covers port charges but not airfare. When: Apr. 14 ($599 inside cabin/$849 ocean-view cabin/$999 balcony cabin). Contact: GalaxSea Cruises and Tours, 800/662-5450, cruisestar.com.
Botswana Camping Safari for $1,799
South African Airways flights from D.C. or New York to Johannesburg, arrival transfer and all local transportation with an English-speaking driver, one night's hotel near Pretoria, and an eight-night camping safari through South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia with a guide and cook. Spend one night each in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and Livingstone, and two nights each in Maun, the Okavango Delta, and Chobe National Park. The package includes a visit to Victoria Falls, a three-day canoe trip through the Okavango Delta, and all camping equipment, entrance fees, and meals while on safari. When: Mar. 15 ($1,799); Apr. 12, May 10 ($2,049). Other Gateways: Chicago (from $1,999); Denver, L.A., San Francisco, Seattle (from $2,099). Contact: Adventure Center, 800/227-8747, adventurecenter.com.
Egyptair flights from New York to Cairo, transfers, five nights at either the Cairo Marriott or Ramses Hilton hotel, and breakfast daily. The price covers half-day tours of the Pyramids at Giza, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. When: Thursday departures until May 10. Blacked out Mar. 29 and Apr. 5. Other Gateways: None. Contact: Misr Travel, 800/223-4978, misrtravel.org.
Air from Boston, D.C., L.A., New York, or San Francisco to Nairobi (via London); all transfers and local transportation; and an eight-night safari. Spend one night each at the Serena Mountain Lodge in Mount Kenya Forest, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Ngorongoro Sopa Safari Lodge in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge; and two nights each at the Siana Springs Intrepid Tented Safari Camp in the Masai Mara National Game Reserve and Serengeti Sopa Safari Lodge in Serengeti National Park. The price covers nine game drives with an English-speaking driver-guide, all entrance fees and meals while on safari, and visits to Thompson's Falls, Olduvai Gorge, and the Arusha Cultural Center. When: Mar. 21 ($3,495); Apr. 18, May 2, 21 ($3,145). Other Gateways: None. Contact: 2Afrika, 866/462-2374, 2afrika.com.
Air from New York to Casa-blanca (return flight is from Marrakech), all transfers and local transportation, six nights' hotel accommodations (one in Casa-blanca, two in Fez, three in Marrakech), six breakfasts and dinners, and an English-speaking guide throughout. When: Mar. 3 ($1,249); Mar. 17, 31, Apr. 7 ($1,299); Apr. 21, May 26 ($1,329); June 16, 30, July 21 ($1,549). Other Gateways: Chicago (from $1,249), Boston (from $1,342), San Francisco (from $1,420), L.A. (from $1,680). Contact: Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.
India Tour for $1,499
Air India flights from New York to Delhi, all transfers and local transportation (private bus), six nights' accommodations (two nights in Claridges Hotel, two in Agra at the Hotel Clarks Shiraz, and two in Jaipur at the Country Inn & Suites), tours of the Taj Mahal and ancient Mughal city Fatehpur Sikri with entrance fees, a farewell dinner in Delhi, and breakfast daily. When: Mar. 6 ($1,999); Apr. 24, May 8 ($1,599); May 22 ($1,499). Other Gateways: None. Contact: Friendly Planet Travel, 800/555-5765, friendlyplanet.com.
A nine-day, fully escorted round trip from Bangkok to Sukhothai, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the border intersection of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. The itinerary covers all local transportation (train, bus, taxi, bicycle); eight nights' accommodations in simple hotels, bungalows, and overnight trains; four meals; and an English-speaking guide through-out. A local payment of $150 is due upon arrival. Add $75 for meals. This is a land-only price; airfare isn't included. When: Saturday departures Mar. 3, 17, 24; Apr. 7-May 26. Contact: G.A.P Adventures, 800/465-5600, gapadventures.com.
American Airlines flights from L.A. to Tokyo, transfers, a seven-day Japan Rail Pass, three nights at the Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo with a half-day city tour, three nights in Kyoto at the New Miyako Hotel, and two half-day tours. When: Until Mar. 15 ($1,499); Mar. 16-May 31 ($1,599). Other Gateways: New York (add from $100). Contact: NTA America, 800/682-7872, japanvacation.net.
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Hanoi (via Singapore, return flight is from Ho Chi Minh City), transfers, three nights at the Chains First Eden Hotel near the Old Quarter, onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City on Vietnam Airlines, and three nights at the Bong Sen Annex Hotel in the city center. Includes two half-day tours, breakfast daily, and a choice of a water puppet show, tour of the Cu Chi tunnels, cooking class, or a one-hour massage. When: Until June 4. Other Gateways: Boise, Denver, Portland (add $175); New York (add $250); Austin, Dallas (add $275); Boston, D.C., Philadelphia (add $300); Chicago (add $345). Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Adelaide, Melbourne & Sydney for $1,685
Qantas Airlines flights from L.A., all internal flights, and 12 nights split between Melbourne at the Hotel Ibis, Adelaide at the Mercure Grosvenor Adelaide hotel, and Sydney at the Hotel Ibis Darling Harbour. Sightseeing and transfer packages are extra and begin at $440 per person. When: Until Mar. 28 ($2,385); Mar. 29-Apr. 30, June 1-8 ($1,985); May 1-31 ($1,685). Other Gateways: New York (add $300). Contact: Newmans South Pacific Vacations, 888/592-6224, newmansvacations.com.
North Island for $1,320
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Auckland, transfers, and a seven-day camper-van rental with unlimited mileage. The vehicle comes with a double bed and kitchenette. The price covers all taxes, surcharges, and fees. When: Mar. 1-31 ($1,556); Apr. 1-30 ($1,472); May 1-31 ($1,320). Other Gateways: None. Contact: Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.