As temperatures plunge, so do prices to many of the top vacation areas. Here's our monthly pick for the best bargains of the upcoming season.
USA
Hawaii for $559
Air from L.A. or San Francisco, five nights’ hotel, a guidebook and map, a two-for-one luau certificate, and a coupon book. You can choose the island: Oahu (Aston Aloha Surf, $559); Kauai (Aston Islander on the Beach, $649); Maui (Aston Maui Ka’anapali Villas, $729); or the Big Island (The Shores at Waikoloa, $899). When: Wednesday or Thursday departures until Dec. 9. Other Gateways: Denver (add $180); Chicago, New York (add $280); D.C. (add $330). Details: Kids 17 and under stay free; kids 12 and under eat free. Extra nights from $49. Single supplement from $170. Contact: United Vacations, 888/328-6877, unitedvacations.com.
Las Vegas for $220Air from Denver and four nights at the Four Queens Casino Hotel on Fremont Street. When: Sunday or Monday departures; Oct. 3–23 ($248); Nov. 15–29 and Dec. 5–12 ($220). Other Gateways: Depending on the date, Dallas starts at $230, Detroit $270, St. Louis $290, Minneapolis $300. Details: No extra nights. Single supplement from $60. Contact: Worry-Free Vacations, 888/225-5658, worryfreevacations.com.
Orlando for $389Air from Chicago or New York; five nights in a luxury condo (two bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen; sleeps six) at the Bahama Bay Resort, six miles from Disney; a five-day car rental; and a coupon book. When: Oct. 1–Dec. 20. Other Gateways: Baltimore, Philadelphia ($429); Columbus, St. Louis ($449); L.A., San Francisco ($464). Details: Prices are based on four people traveling together. Extra nights $22. Single supplement $409 (singles can be quoted hotel prices instead). Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Destin, Florida for $145The daily rate for a family of four at Intrawest’s Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida—2,400 acres on the Gulf of Mexico, halfway between Pensacola and Panama City. Includes lodging for two adults and two children under 11 in a two-bedroom unit in one of five “neighborhoods” (Fairways, Harbour Point, Heron Walk, L’Atrium, or Players’ Club); buffet breakfast daily at the Sunset Bay Café; four hours of bicycle rentals; one hour of kayak, canoe, or boogie-board rentals; one hour of tennis-court time daily; and admission to the fitness center for parents. When: Oct. 1–30 ($176), Oct. 31–March 2, 2005 ($145). Contact: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 800/470-7389, sandestin.com.
Canada
Calgary & Banff for $859
Air from L.A., five nights’ lodging (two in downtown Calgary at the Delta Bow Valley and three in Banff at the Banff Caribou Lodge), and a five-day car rental. When: Oct. 1–Dec. 8. Other Gateways: Chicago ($889); Boston ($899); Atlanta, Miami ($949); New York ($969). Details: Extra nights with car from $89. Single supplement $399. Contact: Maxxim Vacations, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.
Victoria for $356Air from San Francisco, transfers, and three nights at the Best Western Carleton Plaza, in the historic city center near the Inner Harbour. When: Oct. 1–Dec. 24 (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday departures until Nov. 17 and Sunday to Wednesday departures thereafter). Other Gateways: L.A. ($404);D.C., New York, Orlando ($537). Details: Extra nights $33. Single supplement $102. Contact: Alaska Airlines Vacations, 800/468-2248, alaskaair.com.
Mexico
Cancún for $362
Air from Miami, transfers, and five nights in an oceanfront room at the Carisa y Palma, a modern condo hotel with a tennis court and pool. When: Oct. 1–31 ($362); Nov. 1–Dec. 14 ($429), except Nov. 22–29. Other Gateways: Philadelphia ($440/$484), New York ($469/$537), Baltimore ($490/$557). Details: Extra nights $53. Single supplement $155. Five all-inclusive nights at the Tucancún Beach Resort start at $552 from Miami, $630 Philadelphia, $659 New York, $680 Baltimore. Contact: Vacation Travel Mart, 800/288-1435, vacmart.com.
Mazatlán for $382Air from L.A., transfers, and four nights at the El Cid Granada Country Club, which offers a pool, tennis, a fitness center and spa, and a 27-hole golf course. The beach is just across the street from the hotel. Kids 14 and under stay free. When: Until Dec. 16. Other Gateways: None. Details: Land-only price $157, until Dec. 21. Extra nights $87. Single supplement $112. Contact: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333,pleasantholidays.com.
Puerto Vallarta for $258
Up to 50 percent off three all-inclusive nights at the beachfront Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, a newly renovated luxury hotel on Banderas Bay. It has eight bars and restaurants, a full-service spa, tennis, biking, and loads of water sports. The two other brand-new Dreams properties in Mexico are offering similar introductory discounts—rates start at $378 for three nights in Cancún, and $366 in Los Cabos. When: Until Dec. 23. Contact: Dreams Resorts, 866/237-3267, dreamsresorts.com.
Caribbean
Antigua for $178Book three nights and get a fourth night free at the Royal Antiguan, a 262-room beach and tennis resort on Antigua’s west coast. Turn your stay into an all-inclusive one starting at $197 more. Discounted rates are also available at the St. James’s Club (from $403 room only/$690 all-inclusive) and Grand Pineapple Beach ($600 all-inclusive), on Antigua; Windjammer Landing ($266/$566 all-inclusive) and St. James’s Club ($600), on St. Lucia; and Long Bay Beach Resort on Tortola ($272/$572 all-inclusive). When: Until Dec. 20. Details: Book by Nov. 30; use promotional code AFBT1234. Extra nights at the Royal Antiguan are from $60 hotel only, $125 all-inclusive. Single supplement from $142/$195. Contact: Elite Island Resorts, 877/675-5054, eliteislandresorts.com/afbt.
Aruba for $693
Air from Miami, transfers, and seven nights in a “royal room” at The Mill Resort & Suites, on Aruba’s Palm Beach. Amenities include two pools, tennis courts, a restaurant and bar, and a day spa. Once a week, there are free tennis clinics and free scuba diving lessons in the pool for beginners. When: Until Dec. 14. Other Gateways: New York, Philadelphia (add $137); Atlanta, Baltimore (add $210); Charlotte, Chicago, New Orleans (add $277); Denver, L.A. (add $372). Details: Extra nights $58. Single supplement $343. Contact: Caradonna Caribbean Tours, 800/328-2288, caradonna.com.
Bahamas for $149Air from Fort Lauderdale, one night at the Crowne Plaza Golf Resort & Casino in Freeport, a free cocktail at the resort’s Tonic Night Club, and a $20 Match Play coupon for the casino. Two-night deals start at $199. When: Until Dec. 20. Other Gateways: Orlando (three nights from $299, four nights $369, seven nights $529); Atlanta, Greensboro, Memphis, Newport News, Raleigh-Durham (three nights $399); Akron, Baltimore, Dayton, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh (three nights $419). Details: Extra nights from $55. Single supplement from $150. Contact: Grand Bahama Vacations, 800/545-1300, gograndbahama.com.
Caribbean Cruise for $599
Seven nights aboard Holland America’s Veendam on a round-trip sailing from Tampa, with three full days at sea and stops in Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Cozumel. The 1,266-passenger ship has two pools, a gym and spa, a casino, and several restaurants and bars. When: Nov. 13, Dec. 11. Details: Use promotional code 300. Price includes port charges. Outside cabins are $679 on Nov. 13 and $649 on Dec. 11. Singles must double the rates. Contact: Holland America Line, 877/724-5425, hollandamerica.com.
Seniors’ Cruise for $895A special 14-night sailing for seniors, round trip from Jacksonville in an ocean-view cabin on Celebrity’s Zenith. The itinerary includes six full days at sea and stops in Cozumel; Roatán, Honduras; Puerto Limón, Costa Rica; Colón, Panama; Grand Cayman; Key West; and Coco Cay, Bahamas. When: Dec. 5. Details: Only one guest per stateroom must be over 55. Port charges are included. Call for the singles price; it varies, but could be as high as 200 percent. Contact: GalaxSea Cruises, 800/662-5450, cruisestar.com.
Central America
Belize for $829Air from Miami, transfers, and seven nights at the Zeboz Caribbean Resort with breakfast daily. On nine beachfront acres in the village of Placencia, Zeboz has a pool, tennis court, and kayaks. When: Oct. 1–Dec. 9. Other Gateways: Dallas ($888); New York ($937); Chicago ($1,036); L.A., San Francisco ($1,099); Portland, Seattle ($1,132). Details: Add $25 each way for weekend travel. Extra nights $108. Single supplement $371. Contact: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
Costa Rica for $599
Air from Atlanta, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Louisville, or Orlando; transfers; and seven nights at the Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort, near Guanacaste National Park. Or, for $739, choose air from any of the cities above, transfers, and seven all-inclusive nights at the El Nakuti Resort, also on the Gulf of Papagayo, near Guanacaste. When: Until Dec. 15, except Nov. 20. Other Gateways: None. Details: No extra nights. Single supplement $260 at Villas Sol, $110 El Nakuti. Contact: Vacation Express, 877/784-3786, vacationexpress.com.
Honduras for $499Air from Miami and five nights on the island of Roatán in a “luxury suite” at the Luna Beach Resort, well known for its full-service dive shop. Roatán is only a two-hour flight from Miami. When: Oct. 1–Dec. 15. Other Gateways: Houston ($589); L.A., San Francisco ($699). Details: Extra nights $37. Single supplement $185. Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.
Panama for $599Air from Miami, transfers, and five all-inclusive nights at the Barceló Playa Blanca Resort & Casino. This new, five-star beachfront property is on the Pacific Coast, about an hour and a half from Panama City. When: Oct. 1–Dec. 9. Other Gateways: Dallas ($665); New York ($689); Chicago ($773); L.A., San Francisco ($838); Portland, Seattle ($864). Details: Add $25 each way for weekend travel. Extra nights $60. Single supplement $163. Contact: Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.
South America
Peru for $875Air from Miami; six nights’ lodging (three in Cuzco at the Plaza de Armas, one in Aguas Calientes at the Machu Picchu Inn, and two in Lima at La Faraona); breakfast daily; all transfers and flights between Cuzco and Lima; and a full-day tour to Machu Picchu by train with lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. When: Until Dec. 14. Other Gateways: Chicago (add $100), New York (add $150), L.A. (add $180), Atlanta (add $250). Details: Add-on excursions are available to Lake Titicaca ($280, one night) and the Amazon ($465, two nights). Extra nights from $26. Single supplement $160. Contact: Analie Tours, 800/811-6027, analietours.com.
Rio de Janeiro for $629Air from Miami, transfers, five nights at the California Othon Hotel on Copacabana Beach, breakfast daily, a half-day city tour, a Rio guidebook, and dinner at a traditional churrascaria. When: Oct. 1–Nov. 30 ($629), Dec. 1–9 (add $100), Dec. 10–14 (add $220). Other Gateways: New York ($799), L.A. ($879). Details: Extra nights $30. Single supplement $150. Upgrade to the four-star Miramar Palace, also on Copacabana Beach, for $125 more. Contact: Marnella Tours, 866/993-0033, marnellatours.com.
Venezuela for $799
Air from Miami and seven nights’ lodging, including two at the four-star Hotel Ávila in Caracas, and five on Margarita Island at a five-star all-inclusive (either the Dunes Hotel and Beach Resort or the LTI Costa Caribe Beach Resort). The package also includes transfers and flights between Caracas and Margarita Island. When: Oct. 6, 20; Nov. 10. Add $200 in the month of December. Other Gateways: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, D.C., Kansas City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia ($1,049); Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, L.A., Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco ($1,149). Details: Extra nights $75. Single supplement $200. Contact: Traveland.com, 800/321-6336, traveland.com.
Europe
Sicily for $1,255
Air from D.C. or New York to Italy, three nights at the Cristal Palace in Palermo, three nights at the Isabella in Taormina, breakfast daily, and transportation between the two cities, including a tour of Mount Etna. When: Friday departures Nov. 1–March 11, 2005, except Dec. 15–Jan. 7. Other Gateways: Boston (add $28), Chicago (add $38), Miami (add $65), L.A. (add $125). Details: Extra nights $63. Single supplement $335. A fall special with air from Boston or New York and six nights at the San Michelle in Taormina costs $1,279 (valid until Oct. 31; extra nights $65; single supplement $180). Contact: Amelia International, 800/742-4591, ameliainternational.com.
Croatia for $1,290Air from Boston or New York, 11 nights’ lodging (two in Split, four on the island of Hvar, and five in Dubrovnik), breakfast and dinner daily, transfers, and ferry tickets to and from Hvar. When: Oct. 1–31 ($1,460), Nov. 1–Dec. 12 and Dec. 25–March 31, 2005 ($1,290). Other Gateways: D.C. (add $68); Houston (add $92); Denver (add $142); Chicago (add $148); L.A., San Francisco (add $260). Details: Extra nights from $60. Single supplement from $200. Contact: Travel Time, 800/354-8728, traveltimeny.com.
House Rentals for $999Air from Boston or New York; either a two-week car rental or a rail pass, depending on the destination; 14 days in a furnished apartment, cottage, or farmhouse; and, in most cases, on-site orientation and an escort from the airport. Choices include Leiden, Holland ($999, Boston must add $30); Bavaria, Germany ($1,420); Provence, France ($1,769); Umbria ($1,959), Tuscany ($1,999–$2,039), or Venice ($2,209), Italy; or Andalusia, Spain ($1,979). When: Oct. 20–Nov. 3 (France, Italy, Spain); Nov. 3–17, Nov. 17–Dec. 1, Dec. 1–15, Dec. 15–29 (Holland and Germany; add $250 for Germany from Dec. 15–29). Other Gateways: Chicago (add from $80), Atlanta (add from $85), Dallas (add from $125), L.A. (add from $220). Details: No extra nights. Single supplement from $300 (Holland) to $961 (Provence). Contact: Untours, 888/868-6871, untours.com.
Ireland for $499
Air from Baltimore, Boston, or New York; six nights’ lodging (first night at the Shannon Great Southern Hotel, five nights at farmhouse B&Bs of your choice); full Irish breakfast daily; and a six-day car rental. When: Oct. 1–31 ($749); Nov. 1–Feb. 28, 2005 ($499), except Dec. 16–31. Other Gateways: Atlanta, San Francisco (add from $150); Denver (add from $200). Details: Extra nights with car from $99. Single supplement from $68. Contact: Ireland.com, 800/896-4600, ireland.com/travel.
London & Paris for $679
Air from New York, three nights in London and three in Paris, breakfast daily, and one-way rail transportation between the two cities on Eurostar. The featured hotels are the Duke of Leinster in the Bayswater neighborhood of London and the Relais de Paris Gare de Lyon in Paris, near the train station and the Place de la Bastille. When: Oct. 1–31 ($699; add $50 Oct. 1–6 and Oct. 13–17); Nov. 1–Dec. 11 ($679). Other Gateways: Chicago ($825/$729), Atlanta ($859/$729), L.A. ($859/$779). Details: Extra nights from $60. Single supplement from $290. Contact: Eurovacations.com, 888/653-8242, eurovacations.com.
Rome for $575
Air from Boston, Chicago, D.C., or New York; four nights at three-star hotels in the city center (the Hotel Contilia or Hotel Brasile, depending on the departure date); and breakfast daily. When: Nov. 1–Dec. 9 and Jan. 3–March 15, 2005. Other Gateways: Miami (add $75). Details: Extra nights $56. Single supplement $150. Contact: TourCrafters, 800/482-5995, tourcrafters.com.
Slovenia for $849
Air from New York, transfers, and five nights’ lodging with breakfast daily (two nights in the capital of Ljubljana at the three-star Hotel M and three nights on nearby Lake Bled at the waterfront Hotel Park). When: Oct. 1–31 ($1,049), Nov. 1–Dec. 15 ($849). Other Gateways: Chicago (add $70), Miami (add $110), L.A. (add $160), San Francisco (add $190). Details: Extra nights from $57. Single supplement from $250. Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.
Africa
Botswana for $2,249Air from Boston, D.C., or New York and a 19-day safari to the Tuli and Kalahari Reserves, the Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pan and Chobe National Parks, and Victoria Falls. Travel in a custom-built safari vehicle and sleep in large, domed tents. Includes 15 nights’ camping, meals, local transportation, an experienced safari leader and assistant, and local guides. Camping equipment is provided; bring a sleeping bag. When: Oct. 7, 14 ($2,429); Nov. 11, 18 ($2,249). Other Gateways: Chicago, Detroit ($2,499/$2,299); Denver, L.A., San Francisco, Seattle ($2,549/ $2,399). Details: A local payment of $175 is due upon arrival in Botswana. It covers park entrance, camping fees, and meals. No extra nights. No single supplement. Contact: Adventure Center, 800/227-8747, adventurecenter.com.
Egypt for $1,099Air from New York; six nights of five-star lodging (three at the Mena House Oberoi, near the pyramids in Giza, and three at the Ramses Hilton in Cairo); breakfast daily; transfers; a half-day tour of the pyramids; and a half-day tour of the Egyptian Museum and the Khan el Khalili Bazaar. When: Tuesday departures until Dec. 7. Also valid Jan. 18–March 15 and April 5–May 31, 2005. Other Gateways: None. Details: Add three nights at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheik for $300 or a three-night cruise up the Nile for $400. Single supplement $180. Contact: Misr Travel, 800/223-4978, misrtravel.org.
Tunisia for $855Air from Boston or New York, six nights at the beachfront Abou Nawas resort in Hammamet, transfers, and breakfast and dinner daily. The hotel has two pools, tennis courts, windsurfing, several restaurants and bars, and a golf course nearby. When: Oct. 1–31 ($1,295), Nov. 1–Dec. 14 ($855). Other Gateways: Chicago (add $70), Miami (add $144), L.A. (add $177), San Francisco (add $246). Details: Extra nights from $43. Single supplement from $115. Contact: Amelia International, 800/ 742-4591, ameliainternational.com.
Asia
Bangkok & Phuket for $1,589Air from L.A., San Francisco, or Seattle to Bangkok; 10 nights’ lodging (three in Bangkok at the Century Park Hotel and seven on the island of Phuket at the Andaman Seaview Hotel); breakfast daily; transfers; flights within Thailand; and a tour of Bangkok. When: Oct. 1–31 ($1,589); Nov. 1–30 ($1,799); Dec. 1–Jan. 24, 2005 ($2,199). Other Gateways: New York (add $118); Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Diego (add $125); Boston, Buffalo, D.C., Philadelphia (add $185); Denver, Salt Lake City (add $230); Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa (add $313); Atlanta, Dallas, Houston (add $338); Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, St. Louis (add $375). Details: Extra nights from $34. Single supplement $287. Contact: Goway.com, 800/ 387-8850, goway.com.
China for $999Air from San Francisco to Beijing, nine nights in three- or four-star hotels in China, one overnight on a train, most meals, and all local transportation. The tour’s itinerary includes stops in Beijing, Jinan, Tai’an, Qufu, Suzhou, and Shanghai. When: Oct. 1–31 ($1,199), Nov. 1–Dec. 10 ($999), Dec. 21 ($1,099). Other Gateways: L.A. (add $100); Las Vegas, Phoenix, Portland, Reno, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Seattle (add $120); many cities in the South, East, and Midwest (add $280). Details: Extra-night costs vary. Single supplement from $220. Contact: China Focus, 800/868-7244, chinafocustravel.com.
Thailand for $999Air from L.A. to Bangkok; 10 nights in Thailand (four nights in Bangkok, one night each in Phitsanulok and Lampang, and two nights each in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai); transfers; daily breakfast and one dinner; and sightseeing by bus with an English-speaking guide. When: Oct. 10 and Nov. 7 ($1,099), Nov. 18 ($999), Dec. 22 ($1,499). Other Gateways: D.C., New York (add from $57); Boston (add $128); Miami (add $175). Details: Extra nights from $37. Single supplement $271. Contact: Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.
South Pacific
Fiji for $999Air from L.A., transfers, and any of the following three options. The Rainforest Escape: includes five nights at the Waidroka Bay Resort on the Coral Coast, a snorkeling trip, and a visit to a traditional Fijian village. Endless Beaches: five nights at the Club Fiji Resort in Nadi, a snorkeling trip, and a mountain-biking excursion. Beaches & Rainforests: two nights at Club Fiji, two nights at Waidroka Bay, and a snorkeling trip. When: Until Dec. 4; book by Nov. 18. Other Gateways: None. Details: Extra nights from $25. Single supplement from $126. Contact: Air Pacific and Fiji Adventures, 888/418-4461, airpacificusa.com.
Australia & New Zealand
Australia for $1,749
Air from L.A. to Sydney and eight nights at three-star hotels in Australia. First spend four nights in Sydney, and then choose between four nights in Melbourne ($1,749), four nights in Cairns ($1,899), or four nights split between Adelaide and Kangaroo Island ($1,899). Packages include air travel within Australia. When: Until Dec. 5. Other Gateways: San Francisco ($135), Dallas ($390), Chicago ($430), New York ($455). Details: Extra nights from $51. Single supplement from $400. Contact: Newmans South Pacific Vacations, 888/592-6224, newmansvacations.com.
New Zealand for $789
Air from L.A. to Auckland and an eight-day car rental. Add $273 for a seven-night Flag Inn Hotel Pass. When: Oct. 1–31 ($789), Nov. 1–March 31, 2005 (add $26). Other Gateways: None. Details: These are cash-discount prices; add $35 for credit card payments. Extra days with car from $38. Single supplement from $154. Contact: Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.