The Real Deal: Thirteen nights' accommodations at various hotels, motels, hostels, and rustic cabins; guided walking tours in six national parks; most breakfasts and dinners; and transportation by air-conditioned private van, from $1,449 per person—including all taxes and fees.
When: Depart Aug. 2, Sept. 13, 2009.
The fine print: Airfare is not included. The starting rate of $1,449 reflects a 25 percent discount off the standard package rate of $1,839, plus a $70 contribution for food, which covers most breakfasts and dinners and is to be paid on the first day of the trip. Allow about $258 per person for meals that are not included.
Travel insurance with emergency coverage is mandatory and can be booked independently or through Intrepid Travel for an additional $35 per person; add $40 per person to include trip cancellation/interruption coverage. Airport-hotel transfers are not included. Based on shared accommodations that range from double to multiple occupancy rooms; no single supplement. Group size is 1–13 participants. When booking, refer to code SRCA and, for the 25 percent discount, promo code 3152. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: Aug. 14, 2009, to get 25 percent off the package rate.
Contact: Intrepid Travel, 800/970-7299, intrepidtravel.com.
Why it's a deal: The starting rate for this package breaks down to about $111 a night and includes 13 nights' accommodations, most breakfasts and dinners, guided walking tours in six national parks, and transportation by private van.
An experienced group leader will ensure that the trip runs smoothly, organize activities, and provide information about the sites you'll be visiting. Plus, if you book by August 14, you save 25 percent on this package—or any other North American trip offered by Intrepid Travel (promo code 3152).
More: Optional activities include taking the Jasper tramway in Jasper National Park ($23 per person), horseback riding ($30 per person) or canoeing ($95 per person) in Wells Gray Provincial Park, river rafting in Yoho National Park ($93 per person), and an ice-mobile ride at Athabasca Glacier ($100 per person). You can add pre- or post-tour nights in Vancouver from $44 per person for a dormitory-style room with multiple occupants at the HI-Vancouver Downtown Hostel or $69 per person for a twin room at the City Centre Motor Hotel.