Facing yet another backyard barbecue over the 4th of July weekend? Continental Airlines Vacations (tel. 800/829-7777; www.covacations.com) has some alternatives for those who haven't yet planned their Independence Day festivities. This Orlando deal, for example, includes airfare and three nights' hotel over the long weekend.
Orlando in July is hot and muggy, but those who love nearby Walt Disney World may not care. The Howard Johnson Maingate East is the least expensive option of the 45 hotels offered through Continental Vacations, but it's a good choice for a quick family trip. The property, located about two miles from Disney World, offers a complimentary shuttle to the park.
Why is this a good deal? According to a Kayak search, there's a nonstop Continental flight from Newark to Orlando priced at $259. You can book a deluxe double from $56.99 per night or a two-room suite from $59.99 per night. Opting for the suite, this three-night trip comes to $383 per person after you factor in hotel and air taxes. Booking the Continental Vacations package, including taxes, costs about $353, so you'd save about $30 per person -- not a staggering amount but not bad for a last-minute 4th of July vacation.
Trip Type: Air-inclusive; independent
What the Quoted Price Gets You:
Round-trip airfare from Newark to Orlando, three nights in Orlando at Howard Johnson Inn Maingate East, hotel taxes, and airline fuel surcharges.What Else You'll Have to Pay: Government air taxes and fees of $21.40
Book By:
June 30When: July 3-6; promotion is valid for travel through July 18
Other Details: You must use promo code CV13886 when booking this three-night Orlando package. The airline is even throwing in some bonus miles; you'll automatically receive 500 extra bonus miles no matter how much you spend on the trip, and you can receive up to 500 more standard bonus miles.
Other Gateways: Seattle (from $453)
More Info: Continental Airlines Vacations also has three-night vacations from Cleveland to either Las Vegas (from $444) or Washington, D.C., (from $556). Or fly out of the Texas heat in Houston to Chicago (from $446 with three nights' hotel) or Boston (from $531 with three nights' hotel). Many more departures and vacation packages are possible.
All prices are per person and, if lodging is a component of the package, based upon two people traveling together (unless otherwise noted). The prices listed are general starting rates; see "What Else You'll Have to Pay" for details about associated taxes and fees. Base-prices, taxes, and fees can vary based on point of departure and time of travel. Blackout dates may apply. Trip add-ons like sightseeing tours and meal plans may also increase the price. Check with the tour operator for additional gateways and any single supplements, which is the extra cost that a solo traveler would pay to book the deal.