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 Condé 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:
Always ask about the cancellation policy. Can you get your money back? Is there a deposit required?
Ask about the accommodations choices and prices for each. Then look up the hotels' reviews in a Frommer's guide and check their rates online for your specific dates of travel. Also find out what types of rooms are offered.
Request a complete schedule. (Escorted tours only)
Ask about the size and demographics of the group. (Escorted tours only)
Discuss what is included in the price (transportation, meals, tips, airport transfers, etc.). (Escorted tours only)
Finally, look for hidden expenses. Ask whether airport departure fees and taxes, for example, are included in the total cost -- they rarely are.
