Book by: October 2, 2008
Travel by: Various dates through February 2009
The deal
Have a yen to see Japan? Terrible puns aside, we came across a handful of very well-priced flight/hotel packages to the island country — home to more than 127 million, where gleaming skyscrapers bump shoulders with ancient pagodas, and tranquil gardens juxtapose buzzing city centers. You can file these deals under “instant gratification travel” and indulge in exquisite culture, delectable sushi, funky fashion, and cutting-edge electronics as soon as October. Prices for a city getaway are going for $12,19 and up. Booking deadlines fall as quickly as October 2, so be swift!
Tokyo city break starting at $1,219
Tokyo is known to be one of the most expensive in the world. But with Virgin Vacation’s Tokyo At Its Best package, you can explore the teeming modern metropolis of 12 million people without going broke. Round-trip international airfare, a five-night hotel stay and related taxes and charges, as well as fuel surcharges are priced at just $1,219! That quote, valid for travel through December 5, is based on a Los Angeles departure and tourist-category accommodations. Standard- or superior-class hotels start the package at $1,279 and $1,319, respectively. Upgrade all the way to deluxe and the bargain rate jumps $600 to $1,829 and up. A 21-day advanced purchase is necessary to avoid extra charges and tickets must be purchased by October 2.
Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and Kyoto from $2,189
Want to see a little more of the country? Kyoto and Hakone — part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park — share the spotlight with Tokyo as part of the appropriately named Taste of Japan package available through Go-Today.com. The nine-day vacation includes international flights, airport transfers, hotel accommodations, transportation between cities and a guided visit to Mount Fuji with lunch and a cruise on Lake Ashi. You’ll have three nights in both Tokyo and Kyoto with two full days to explore each city, plus one night in Hakone. This trip, valid between October 27 and December 4, starts at $2,189. The price is based on a combination of tourist- and standard-class hotels and Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle or Portland, Oregon, departures. Reservations must be booked by October 2, 2008. Note: Transportation between the Hakone hotel and train station is not covered.
Tokyo, Kyoto and Beijing, $1,942 and up
Beijing is on the itinerary — as are Tokyo and Kyoto — of a nine-day/seven-night tour package from Japan Airlines. Priced from $1,942, the three-city jaunt features tours of each destination, including a trip to the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China. Round-trip international airfare, bullet train transportation between Tokyo and Kyoto, a flight to Beijing, accommodations for seven nights, and airport transfers are included. The package is available from now through February, but the above quote is based on travel from Honolulu January 6-February 21, 2009. If you travel from either Los Angles or San Francisco during the same time period, the package is available from $2,143.
The dollars
The rates are per person based on double occupancy and include fuel surcharges. Taxes and additional fees not included.
The catch
There’s no time for jet lag on these short trips.
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