The Real Deal: Round-trip airfare, four nights' accommodations, transfers, all meals and tips, and water sports, from $839 per person—plus $87-$110 in taxes.
When: June 2, 5, 6, 9, 12, 13, 16, 19, 20, 23, 26, 27, 30, July 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, 28, 31, 2008.
Gateways: Philadelphia; add $30 for New York City, $60 for Orlando, and $100 for Dallas. Other cities are available.
The fine print: Fuel surcharges, hotel tax, baggage handling, tips, meals, and transfers are included. U.S. and foreign taxes and fees are an additional $87-$110 per person, depending on airline carrier (you may be on US Airways, American, or Air Jamaica, among other carriers). For bookings made within 14 days of departure, add $10 per person. Holiday surcharges and weekend add-ons may apply. Based on double occupancy; single supplement is $320. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: Based on availability.
Contact: Apple Vacations, 800/517-2000, applevacations.com.
Why it's a deal: In a recent Kayak search, the lowest round-trip fare from Philadelphia to Montego Bay, Jamaica, was $507 on United or U.S. Airways, including estimated taxes. A four-night stay at the Riu Tropical Bay, a resort, will usually run about $516 per person, including hotel tax. With the package price of $926 to $949 (including taxes), you'll save between $74 and $97. Another benefit of booking this package is the included travel to and from the airport, which you would otherwise have to arrange on your own (it's a 45-mile trip each way).
Trip details: The Riu Tropical Bay package places you among the beautiful beaches of western Jamaica, where you can relax for four nights. After arriving at the Montego Bay airport, you'll soak up views of Jamaica's northwestern coast during the 45-mile ride to the Riu Tropical Bay, located in Negril.
The 396-room resort is directly on the white-sand beach of Bloody Bay, so you'll be nice and close to the water. If you'd like to do more than lounge on the beach, you can take advantage of Sunfish sailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, and one free scuba lesson in the pool (all included as part of the package).
The hotel also has three pools, including a freshwater pool, with a Victorian-style main building and bungalows, all air-conditioned. There is also a kids' club, ping-pong, pool games, and volleyball, with tennis courts and golf nearby. Since the package is all-inclusive, it covers all meals, tips, and beverages (nonalcoholic and alcoholic) at six bars and four restaurants.
More than 1 million vacationers come to Jamaica each year, and, understandably, the developing nation's economy relies heavily on this influx of dollars. Negril, which was long a groovy low-key hangout, has exploded as a major tourist destination over the past 20 years. It's not as posh as Montego Bay, but attracts people for its Seven Mile Beach with white sand, spectacular sunsets, plenty of coconut palm trees, and raucous nightlife.
During your summer trip, temperatures will range in the low 80s, with occasional thunderstorms. Summer is the low season here, but it also carries the risk of hurricanes. You can purchase trip insurance on a four-night stay for $49.99—this guarantees that you'll get a refund if you cancel the trip.
Apple Vacations offers seven-night stays and other accommodation options in Jamaica, if you'd like to extend your trip.
For more tips on what to do, visit Jamaica's official tourism Web site and see the U.S. State Department's Jamaica travel fact sheet. You can find the latest exchange rate, the local time, and the weather at BudgetTravel.com.