You know, just really know, that sometime in midwinter, you will get a case of the blahs and need an escape. My advice would be to go for London (where I lived for 8 years), because the milder weather, unbeatable entertainment and an exhaustive list of attractions will be sure to make you feel better. And good, reliable Virgin Atlantic Airways' associated company, Virgin Vacations, will take you there and back for as little as $399, 6 nights in the hotel included!
This low price is ROUND-TRIP out of New York JFK or Newark on whatever carrier is available and includes a 6-night stay at Central House in London, a nice hotel, but certainly not fancy. It also includes round-trip rail transport between London airport and the city center, continental breakfast daily, a Virgin City Guide, hotel taxes and service charges, and discount coupons featuring the Maxwell's Restaurant Group and Vinopolis. Prices are based on departures on Tuesday and Wednesdays, and returns apply for all other days of the week. Departure dates range from November 1 through December 12, 2002.
You can stay for higher prices at more expensive hotels, ranging from a total package price of $449 at the Pavilion Holiday Villa up to $949 at the Marriott Grosvenor Square or the London Landmark.
Sample surcharges from other US departure cities: $50 Boston, $80 for Washington Dulles and many others, $180 for Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Dallas Fort Worth and many other cities. $220 out of Los Angeles, most Florida cities, the Midwest; $270 from Seattle, Oakland and San Diego; $300 from Sacramento and other smaller cities in the west.
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and do not include government taxes, airport fees, security fees and the like of about $99 per person. You can travel on other days of the week for a $50 surcharge under certain circumstances. Nonrefundable.
For more information or to book, go to Virgin Vacations' Web site, www.virgin-vacations.com.
