The Real Deal: Round-trip airfare on a major carrier; four nights' accommodations at the all-inclusive Sun Village Resort; all meals, snacks, and beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic); nightly entertainment; equipment rentals for nonmotorized water sports; and hotel taxes, from $355 per person—plus about $148 in airport taxes and fees.
When: Sept. 2–Dec. 18, 2009.
Gateways: New York City; add $40 for Boston, $110 for D.C., $112 for Chicago, $173 for San Francisco, $178 for St. Louis, $259 for Atlanta, $271 for Dallas; additional gateways available.
The fine print: Does not include taxes and fees of about $148 per person. Based on double occupancy; single supplement from $172. Based on weekday departures; weekend rates might be slightly higher. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: Aug. 31, 2009.
Contact: The Vacation Travel Mart, 800/288-1435, vacmart.com.
Why it's a deal: In a recent Kayak search, we found a $394 round-trip fare for travel between New York City and Puerto Plata in mid-September (American).
The hotel stay would cost about $275 per person, including taxes. So booking independently, you would expect to pay about $669 per person. This package, taxes included, costs $503 per person—a savings of $166.
More: Upgrade to a superior room for about $75 per night. Add airport-hotel transfers for $22 per person each way. Add nights from $76 per person per night.