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This Month's Reader Report
On the Adriatic
Inspired by the Adriatic cruise offered by Foreign Independent Tours that we wrote about in our April issue, Sharon and Bob Johnson, of Shelton, Wash., booked FIT's tour to Croatia and Slovenia. "Our trip was so great! In Slovenia, we rowed boats out to a church on an island in the middle of Lake Bled." FIT's 10-day tour, with air from Boston, D.C., or New York, starts at $1,999 (800/248-3487, fittours.com).

DEAL OF THE MONTH
Sun When You Need It
Because it's located on the southeastern edge of the Caribbean, Barbados escapes most of the big storms that affect the region in the late summer and fall. A hurricane hasn't hit the island directly since 1955, and the weather is generally pretty nice this time of year (other than the occasional afternoon shower). You'd never guess it, though, from the rock-bottom prices that are available--such as this $399 air/hotel package from Atlas Vacations. It makes autumn an ideal time to take advantage of Barbados's pink- and white-sand beaches, as well as to explore the island's historical landmarks, such as the house where George Washington stayed in 1751 during his only trip abroad.

Barbados for $399
Air from New York or Philadelphia to Bridgetown, seven nights in an oceanfront studio at Rostrevor Hotel, and breakfast daily. This price doesn't cover transfers, but the hotel is in St. Lawrence Gap, only six miles from the airport. When: Oct. 1-Nov. 15 ($399); Nov. 16-Dec. 10 ($699). Other Gateways: Baltimore (from $438); Charlotte, Miami (from $483); Boston (from $533); L.A. (from $545). SS: From $350. Information: Atlas Vacations, 800/634-1057, atlasvacations.net.

New Deals to Italy
Eurofly won us over with nonstop flights from New York to Rome, Naples, Bologna, and Palermo. Now the carrier is giving us another reason to like it: new tours and packages. "I personally visit all the hotels to make sure they're up to American standards," says Eurofly USA vice president Rosario Mariani.

Rome for $599
Eurofly flights from New York and four nights' lodging. When: Oct. 28-Apr. 4. Other Gateways: None. SS: From $159. Information: 800/459-0581, euroflyusa.com.

Christmas Shopping
European cities make up for short winter days with extravagant Christmas fairs in their central plazas. These tours cover some of the best seasonal markets on the continent.

Budapest, Prague & Vienna for $2,014
Air from New York to Budapest (returning from Prague); transportation; a nine-night escorted tour to Budapest, Vienna, and Prague; and more. When: Nov. 23; Dec. 2, 9. Other Gateways: Boston (add $140); Chicago, Miami (add $200); L.A. (add $310). SS: $324. Information: Go Ahead Tours, 888/462-4323, goaheadtours.com.

Danube Cruise for $1,395
Air from Boston or New York to Nürnberg (returning from Vienna), a seven-night Danube sailing, and more. Geared to people over the age of 50. When: Nov. 27, 28, 29; Dec. 12, 14, 15. Other Gateways: Philadelphia ($1,445), Miami ($1,545), L.A. ($1,595). SS: From $349. Information: Grand Circle Travel, 800/248-3737, gct.com.

Lucerne, Munich & Vienna for $1,825
Air from New York to Vienna (returning from Zurich); a seven-night escorted tour to Innsbruck, Vienna, Munich, and Lucerne; and more. When: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 ($1,895); Dec. 2, 12 ($1,860); Dec. 4 ($1,825). Other Gateways: Chicago, (add $110); L.A. (add $210). SS: $340. Information: Trafalgar, 866/544-4434, trafalgar.com.

For Those Going Solo...
General Tours World Traveler announced that solo passengers on 43 of its European sailings in 2008 will be charged the same rates as cruisers who share a room. The eight- and 10-day itineraries head along the Rhine, Elbe, and Moselle rivers, and start at $1,999 (800/221-2216; generaltours.com).