San Francisco, From $108 a Night
This festive hotel package is valid over the holidays and includes ice-skating at Union Square.
Sign up for more savings Many travel companies let customers know about new destinations and fire sales on last-minute deals through their e-mail newsletters. Some offer subscriber discounts on all bookings. Check out their websites for more options; and tell them Budget Travel sent you!
How was your trip? Have you taken a 40 Best Deals vacation? E-mail us how it went at Letters@BudgetTravel.com.
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It pays to book directly with an airline Shop for airfares on meta-search websites like Farecast, SideStep, and Kayak and then book directly with the airline—you'll have more clout in the event that your flight is canceled.
Beyond hotels Looking for an affordable place to stay during the holidays? Consider renting an apartment or even a house. Check out websites like rentalo.com, interhome.us, villasintl.com, vrbo.com, and craigslist.org.
Travel solo for less Overseas Adventure Travel is now waiving the single supplement on more than 20 itineraries as long as you book by January 31 (800/873-5628, www.oattravel.com).
CARIBBEAN
Nassau, Bahamas from $449
Spirit Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale, transfers, and three nights at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort. Includes fuel surcharges. When: Dec. 1–13 ($449); Jan. 2–Feb. 28 ($647). Other Gateways: Orlando (from $499); Chicago, New York (from $594). SS: From $290. Information: Spirit Vacations, 407/583-5216, spiritvacations.com.
Negril, Jamaica from $705
Air Jamaica flights from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, transfers, and three nights at the all-inclusive beachfront Grand Pineapple Beach Negril. Fuel surcharges are included. When: Dec. 1–19, 24–31; Jan. 8–Feb. 28. Other Gateways: Chicago, New York (add from $184); L.A. (add $264). SS: $82. Information: Air Jamaica Vacations, 800/568-3247, airjamaicavacations.com.
Punta Cana, D.R. from $586
American Airlines flights from Chicago and three nights at all-inclusive Dreams Palm Beach hotel. Add $44 for transfers. Includes fuel surcharges. When: Jan. 5–Mar. 1. Other Gateways: New York ($596), L.A. ($656), San Francisco ($726). SS: From $284. Information: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.
MEXICO
Cozumel from $800
Sun Country chartered flights from Minneapolis to Cozumel, all transfers, and seven nights at the Hotel Cozumel & Resort, a two-minute walk from the beach. The price includes fuel surcharges. Add $150 for all-inclusive meals. When: Jan. 2–Feb. 27. Other Gateways: Chicago ($850), Denver ($889). SS: $350. Information: Apple Vacations, 800/517-2000, applevacations.com.
Mexican Riviera Cruise from $499
A seven-night sailing round trip from L.A. on the Norwegian Star with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. Includes port charges. Add $77 for fuel surcharges. Airfare not included. When: Saturdays Dec. 6, 13; Jan. 10–31; Feb. 7. Other Gateways: None. SS: From $499. Information: American Discount Cruises & Travel, 866/214-7447, americandiscountcruises.com.