Escorted Tours & Independent Package Tours

Package tours are simply a way to buy the airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (such as car rentals, airport transfers, and sometimes even activities) at the same time and often at discounted prices.

One good source of package deals is the airlines themselves. Most major airlines offer air/land packages, including American Airlines Vacations (tel. 800/321-2121; www.aavacations.com), Delta Vacations (tel. 800/654-6559; www.deltavacations.com), Continental Airlines Vacations (tel. 800/301-3800; www.covacations.com), and United Vacations (tel. 888/854-3899; www.unitedvacations.com). Several big online travel agencies -- Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Site59, and Lastminute.com -- also do a brisk business in packages.

Excellent diving packages are offered by Caradonna Dive Adventures, 435 Douglas Ave., Suite 2205, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 (tel. 800/328-2288; www.caradonna.com).

Travel packages are also listed in the travel section of your local Sunday newspaper. Or check ads in the national travel magazines such as Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine, Travel & Leisure, National Geographic Traveler, and Conde Nast Traveler.

For British travelers, package tours can be booked through B.V.I. Holidays, a division of Wingjet Travel Ltd., "The Lofts," Waltham Hall, Takeley, Bishop's Stortford, Herts, England CM22 6PF (tel. 01279/871-737; www.bviholidays.com). This company is the major booking agent for all the important hotels in the B.V.I. You can arrange to stay in several hotels around the islands in one trip. The company also offers staffed yacht charters and bareboat charters.

Other Caribbean specialists operating out of Great Britain include Kuoni Travel, Kuoni House, Dorking, Surrey RH5 4AZ (tel. 01306/747-002; www.kuoni.co.uk), and Caribtours, Kiln House, 210 New Kings Rd., London SW6 4NZ (tel. 020/7751-0660; www.caribtours.co.uk), a small, very knowledgeable outfit.

Ask Before You Go

Before you invest in a package deal or an escorted tour: