Frommer's 5 Deals for Aug. 22, 2012
By
This Week's Deals
By Jason Sheftell
Relax at an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica, enjoy a beachfront resort in Aruba, tour China, go on safari in Botswana, and visit D.C.
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. The single supplement is the extra cost that a solo traveler would pay to book the deal.
Photo Caption: Washington, D.C.
Relax at an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica, enjoy a beachfront resort in Aruba, tour China, go on safari in Botswana, and visit D.C.
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. The single supplement is the extra cost that a solo traveler would pay to book the deal.
Photo Caption: Washington, D.C.
Jamaica
Destination: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Provider: Liberty Travel (tel. 888/271-1584; www.libertytravel.com)
Duration: Four nights
Trip Type: Air-inclusive; all-inclusive
Base Price: $665 per person
What the Quoted Price Gets You: Air travel from Miami, accommodations, and air transfers
What Else You'll Have to Pay: $110 in security fees and departure tax
When: Oct. 20-Nov. 15, 2012
Book By: Aug. 30
Why this is a Deal: Save 65%.
Complete Details: Fly into Montego Bay for this all-inclusive trip to Jamaica with four nights at the beachfront Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort. The hotel has a small casino, a spa, water activities, and more.
Other Gateways: New York ($715), Boston ($725), Philadelphia ($775), Chicago ($795), Los Angeles ($869)
Single Supplement: N/A
Photo Caption: Sunset in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Provider: Liberty Travel (tel. 888/271-1584; www.libertytravel.com)
Duration: Four nights
Trip Type: Air-inclusive; all-inclusive
Base Price: $665 per person
What the Quoted Price Gets You: Air travel from Miami, accommodations, and air transfers
What Else You'll Have to Pay: $110 in security fees and departure tax
When: Oct. 20-Nov. 15, 2012
Book By: Aug. 30
Why this is a Deal: Save 65%.
Complete Details: Fly into Montego Bay for this all-inclusive trip to Jamaica with four nights at the beachfront Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort. The hotel has a small casino, a spa, water activities, and more.
Other Gateways: New York ($715), Boston ($725), Philadelphia ($775), Chicago ($795), Los Angeles ($869)
Single Supplement: N/A
Photo Caption: Sunset in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Botswana
Destination: Botswana
Provider: 2Afrika (tel. 866/462-2374; www.2afrika.com)
Duration: Six nights
Trip Type: Land-only; safari
Base Price: $1,699 per person
What the Quoted Price Gets You: Six nights' lodging, 10 safari drives or related activities, airport transfers, all in-country transportation, a full-day excursion to Victoria Falls, 12 breakfasts and dinners, all local tax, and entrance fees at Chobe National Park
What Else You'll Have to Pay: Transportation to Botswana, lunch and personal expenses, and an on-site visa fee
When: Daily departures through 2012
Book By: Sept. 3
Why this is a Deal: Save $100 per person if you book before Labor Day (according to the tour provider, prices haven't been this low since the 2005-2006 travel season).
Complete Details: Stay at Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge, a four-star lodge on the banks of the Chobe River. The 115-room hotel is in a prime game-viewing location, plus it has a nine-hole golf course, a swimming pool, and a bar/restaurant.
Other Gateways: N/A
Single Supplement: From $399 if reserved before Labor Day (add $100 if booked after)
Photo Caption: Chobe National Park, Botswana
Provider: 2Afrika (tel. 866/462-2374; www.2afrika.com)
Duration: Six nights
Trip Type: Land-only; safari
Base Price: $1,699 per person
What the Quoted Price Gets You: Six nights' lodging, 10 safari drives or related activities, airport transfers, all in-country transportation, a full-day excursion to Victoria Falls, 12 breakfasts and dinners, all local tax, and entrance fees at Chobe National Park
What Else You'll Have to Pay: Transportation to Botswana, lunch and personal expenses, and an on-site visa fee
When: Daily departures through 2012
Book By: Sept. 3
Why this is a Deal: Save $100 per person if you book before Labor Day (according to the tour provider, prices haven't been this low since the 2005-2006 travel season).
Complete Details: Stay at Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge, a four-star lodge on the banks of the Chobe River. The 115-room hotel is in a prime game-viewing location, plus it has a nine-hole golf course, a swimming pool, and a bar/restaurant.
Other Gateways: N/A
Single Supplement: From $399 if reserved before Labor Day (add $100 if booked after)
Photo Caption: Chobe National Park, Botswana
Aruba
Destination: Aruba
Provider: Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino (tel. 800/228-9290; www.arubamarriott.com)
Duration: Per night
Trip Type: Hotel-only
Base Price: $179 per room per night
What the Quoted Price Gets You: Lodging for the night at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
What Else You'll Have to Pay: Transportation to Aruba, resort fee, and hotel tax
When: Through Dec. 15, 2012
Book By: Aug. 31
Why this is a Deal: Save up to 45% off regular rates.
Complete Details: Use promo code "X32." Located on Palm Beach, the hotel has an on-site spa, an adults-only H2Oasis pool, and a casino. Enjoy opportunities to go jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, horseback riding, and more.
Other Gateways: N/A
Single Supplement: None
Photo Caption: Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino in Aruba
Provider: Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino (tel. 800/228-9290; www.arubamarriott.com)
Duration: Per night
Trip Type: Hotel-only
Base Price: $179 per room per night
What the Quoted Price Gets You: Lodging for the night at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
What Else You'll Have to Pay: Transportation to Aruba, resort fee, and hotel tax
When: Through Dec. 15, 2012
Book By: Aug. 31
Why this is a Deal: Save up to 45% off regular rates.
Complete Details: Use promo code "X32." Located on Palm Beach, the hotel has an on-site spa, an adults-only H2Oasis pool, and a casino. Enjoy opportunities to go jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, horseback riding, and more.
Other Gateways: N/A
Single Supplement: None
Photo Caption: Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino in Aruba
China
Destination: China
Provider: China Spree (tel. 855/556-6868; www.chinaspree.com)
Duration: 10 days
Trip Type: Air-inclusive; escorted
Base Price: $1,499 per person
What the Quoted Price Gets You: Airfare from San Francisco, accommodations in four-star hotels, sightseeing, English-speaking local tour guides, optional excursions, airport transfers, breakfast daily plus 10 other meals, fuel surcharges and departure fees, and local hotel tax
What Else You'll Have to Pay: $170 for a visa and processing from China Spree ($140 if you process independently); gratuities of about $8 per day.
When: Select dates in Nov. 2012, Jan. and Feb. 2013; prices increase during high seasons.
Book By: As soon as possible to guarantee departure date
Why this is a Deal: Save $800 when compared to booking each component of this deal independently.
Complete Details: This trip visits Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, hitting all the major sites in each city and allowing for free time for travelers to explore independently. Stay at the Traders Hotel Beijing by Shangri-La, Shanghai Ocean Hotel, and the five-star Xian Grand Noble Hotel. All of the hotels have swimming pools and spas. Highlights include the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Terracotta Warriors in Xian, and a dumpling banquet and Peking duck feast. Group size on the tour typically ranges from 20 to 32 people.
Other Gateways: Los Angeles (add $50), New York (add $100)
Single Supplement: $299-$320
Photo Caption: Shanghai, China at night
Provider: China Spree (tel. 855/556-6868; www.chinaspree.com)
Duration: 10 days
Trip Type: Air-inclusive; escorted
Base Price: $1,499 per person
What the Quoted Price Gets You: Airfare from San Francisco, accommodations in four-star hotels, sightseeing, English-speaking local tour guides, optional excursions, airport transfers, breakfast daily plus 10 other meals, fuel surcharges and departure fees, and local hotel tax
What Else You'll Have to Pay: $170 for a visa and processing from China Spree ($140 if you process independently); gratuities of about $8 per day.
When: Select dates in Nov. 2012, Jan. and Feb. 2013; prices increase during high seasons.
Book By: As soon as possible to guarantee departure date
Why this is a Deal: Save $800 when compared to booking each component of this deal independently.
Complete Details: This trip visits Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, hitting all the major sites in each city and allowing for free time for travelers to explore independently. Stay at the Traders Hotel Beijing by Shangri-La, Shanghai Ocean Hotel, and the five-star Xian Grand Noble Hotel. All of the hotels have swimming pools and spas. Highlights include the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Terracotta Warriors in Xian, and a dumpling banquet and Peking duck feast. Group size on the tour typically ranges from 20 to 32 people.
Other Gateways: Los Angeles (add $50), New York (add $100)
Single Supplement: $299-$320
Photo Caption: Shanghai, China at night
Washington, D.C.
Destination: Washington, D.C.
Provider: Liaison Capitol Hill from Affinia Hotels (tel. 866/246-2203; www.affinia.com/liaison)
Duration: Per night
Trip Type: Hotel-only
Base Price: $159 per room per night
What the Quoted Price Gets You: One night's hotel, two arrival cocktails, walking tour kits of political sites, free Internet, and special "first lady" cookies in a nod to Michelle Obama and Ann Romney
What Else You'll Have to Pay: Transportation to D.C., nightly hotel tax of 14.5%, and parking (add $48 per day)
When: Through Jan. 17, 2013
Book By: Nov. 6, 2012
Why this is a Deal: Save $50 on additional food and beverage inclusions.
Complete Details: Use promo code "Vote12" when booking this "Swing Into the Election" package. Spend the night at The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel on New Jersey Avenue just a few blocks from the Capitol Building, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian Institute. Union Station is also close by as are restaurants, shops, and the Great Mall. The 343-room hotel has a rooftop pool and a restaurant called Art & Soul helmed by Oprah Winfrey's personal chef, Art Smith.
Single Supplement: None
Photo Caption: The Lincoln Memorial at dusk in Washington, D.C.
Provider: Liaison Capitol Hill from Affinia Hotels (tel. 866/246-2203; www.affinia.com/liaison)
Duration: Per night
Trip Type: Hotel-only
Base Price: $159 per room per night
What the Quoted Price Gets You: One night's hotel, two arrival cocktails, walking tour kits of political sites, free Internet, and special "first lady" cookies in a nod to Michelle Obama and Ann Romney
What Else You'll Have to Pay: Transportation to D.C., nightly hotel tax of 14.5%, and parking (add $48 per day)
When: Through Jan. 17, 2013
Book By: Nov. 6, 2012
Why this is a Deal: Save $50 on additional food and beverage inclusions.
Complete Details: Use promo code "Vote12" when booking this "Swing Into the Election" package. Spend the night at The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel on New Jersey Avenue just a few blocks from the Capitol Building, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian Institute. Union Station is also close by as are restaurants, shops, and the Great Mall. The 343-room hotel has a rooftop pool and a restaurant called Art & Soul helmed by Oprah Winfrey's personal chef, Art Smith.
Single Supplement: None
Photo Caption: The Lincoln Memorial at dusk in Washington, D.C.
