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Warm up with These Caribbean Deals

October 29, 2004 -- Despite common perceptions, most Caribbean destinations emerged largely unscathed from the wrath of four powerful hurricanes. Not surprisingly, tourist numbers are down so the number of recent specials is up. If you're beginning to feel the first chills of winter, look no further.

American Airlines (800/433-7300; www.aavacations.com) and Travelocity (888/709-5983; www.travelocity.com) have teamed up to offer special airfare and three night accommodation combos throughout the Caribbean. Book by November 15, 2004 (seven-day advance purchase required) and travel between January 3 and February 16, 2005. Taxes are additional.

  • Miami to Nassau, Bahamas from $331

  • Philadelphia to Nassau from $434
  • NYC to San Juan, Puerto Rico from $377
  • Dallas to Montego Bay, Jamaica from $492

US Airways (800/622-1015; www.usairways.com) has an airfare special to Grand Bahama Island, Great Exuma & Nassau/Paradise Island this fall/winter. Tickets must be purchased by Friday, November 5, 2004 and at least three days in advance of travel.

Sample roundtrip fares include:

  • Baltimore to Grand Bahama Island $129
  • Washington, D.C. to Grand Bahama Island $181
  • New York LaGuardia to Nassau $188

  • Boston to Nassau $241
  • Philadelphia to Great Exuma $292
  • Charlotte to Great Exuma $311 (Great Exuma service begins December 18, 2004, subject to foreign government approval)

These offers are valid for travel through February 24, 2005 (holiday blackout periods apply). A minimum two-night or Saturday night stay is required, maximum 30-day stay permitted. Valid for travel Mondays to Thursdays to Grand Bahama Island and Nassau and Saturdays for Great Exuma. Other conditions may apply. Taxes are additional.

If The Bahamas is your destination, then Gate1 Travel (tel. 800/682-3333; www.gate1travel.com) has a number of special airfare and four-night packages for prices that seem too good to be true. How about a roundtrip flight on Continental Airlines from Fort Lauderdale and four-nights at the Holiday Inn Nassau Junkanoo Beach for just $259 plus taxes per person? These and other great deals are valid for midweek travel between now and December 23, 2004. Bookings must be completed by December 15, 2004.

Expedia (tel. 800/596-0252; www.expedia.com) has a tropical Caribbean deal with its four-night with airfare vacations from a low $356. Destinations include hot spots like Aruba, Turks & Caicos, The Bahamas, Jamaica and many more. Searching for your package is a little tricky as it is done by destination and hotel, rather than by price so it may take a while to find the cheaper alternatives.

Sample package prices include:

  • Miami to Nassau staying at the Red Carpet Inn for $356 per person
  • New York to St Lucia staying at Gateway Villas for $641 per person
  • Boston to Barbados staying at Divi Heritage Resort for $790 per person

All rates include taxes. Travel is valid from January 1 until March 31, 2005 but bookings must be made by November 8, 2005.

Compass Tours & Travel (tel. 866/926-0200; www.compasstours-travel.com) has two Dominican Republic all-inclusive deals. The Puerto Plata deal starts at $510 from Newark, or $538 from New York, Philadelphia from $558, Atlanta from $598 and Boston from $599. The deal includes roundtrip airfares, transfers, seven-nights at the four-star Azzurro Club, all meals/snacks, unlimited drinks, non-motorized water sports, entertainment and tips. The Punta Cana deal is even cheaper from some cities, starting from $499 from New York or $599 from Cleveland, Cincinnati, Newark or Pittsburgh. The package includes roundtrip airfares, transfers, seven-nights at Barcelo Villas, all meals/snacks, unlimited drinks-including alcohol, water sports, entertainment and tips.

Travel dates for both specials are from now until December 13, 2004 and these offers expire December 10, 2004. Taxes are additional.

Off Peak Traveler (www.offpeaktraveler.com) has an inviting special for seven-nights in St. Martin from Miami or Fort Lauderdale from $699 plus taxes of $159 (other departure cities are available). This deal includes seven-nights at the luxurious Le Meridien. This offer is based on midweek travel or you can depart or return on a weekend for an additional $50. You must book by December 3, 2004, for travel between now and December 7, 2004. Their seven-night Cancun special staying at the Gran Melia Resort and flying Spirit Airlines starts at $499 plus taxes of $159 from Fort Lauderdale and $624 plus taxes from New York. Valid for travel from January 1 - February 19, 2005, and bookings must be completed by February 16, 2005.

And last but not least, Vacation Travel Mart (tel. 800/288-1435; www.vacmart.com) has a three-night with airfare package to Aruba from Miami starting at a rock-bottom $388 plus taxes. This rate is valid for weekday travel from now until December 14, 2004 (holiday blackout dates apply) and bookings must be made by November 15, 2004. Staying at the beachfront Manchebo Beach Resort, extend your vacation with five-nights from $502 and seven-nights from $615. Taxes of $70-140 and hotel transfer costs are additional.


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