May 21, 2004 -- It's no surprise that when it starts getting hot down south of the border, the deals typically get hotter. The climate changes that begin in late spring in the Caribbean and Central America bring out the best in pricing. We've found several bargains worthy of note good for travel right now, plus we've uncovered a great sale for Caribbean trips from September to December -- but you've only got about three weeks to make your reservations.
You Won't Have to Shell Out Much for Eco-Tourism in Costa Rica
Nature lovers should consider a "Turtles & Rainforest" package from Adventure Life in Costa Rica, in which you join biologists to study giant leatherback turtles (from now through June) or green turtles (from June through August) for two nights at the Pacuare Nature Reserve. Afterwards, you spend three nights at a rainforest retreat in the Selva Bananito Reserve. All this, and two nights in San Jose costs just $1,280, land-only (click here for our report on cheap airfare to Costa Rica). This nine-day/seven night package also includes whitewater river rafting on the Pacuare, a boat trip through the rainforest, exploration of the rainforest canopy, an organic tropical farm visit and more.
As you might have guessed from the activities listed, your accommodations are a little rough; you spent three nights in a comfortable cabana with no electricity, but with solar-heated hot water; two nights in a simple beach hut without electricity or hot water; and two nights in a San Jose hotel. All meals outside San Jose are included. Maximum participants at Pacuare Nature Reserve are six persons, in Bananito Reserve 22. Travel is valid through August 25, 2004, when the turtle season ends. Contact the organizers at www.adventure-life.com or phone them at 800/344-6118, or 406/541-2677, fax 406/541-2676.
Single- and Two-Parent Families Savings
Breezes Resorts says it has moved "into the 21st century" with its waivers of single supplements and of its daily children's rates, allowing single-parent homes to save up to $110 per day in reservations costs at their properties on Curacao and the Dominican Republic. These waivers, valid through October 31, 2004, are supplemented by a "Kids Stay Free" program, available to all families, allowing children aged 2 to 13 to stay, play and eat at no cost.
Combined with the new Single parents Plan, single moms or dads can save $60 per day on a standard double-occupancy room. Weeklong all-inclusive trips for a single parent traveling with one child start at $805 for a family of two, or $1,155 for a family of three, based on seven-night stays, land-only, with children under 14 years of age.
On Curacao, Breezes has its own 1,500-foot white sand beach, a circus workshop, land and water sports, complimentary babysitting services, multiple restaurants, and entertainment, with no tipping allowed. Contact Breezes Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino at www.superclubs.com or phone them at 800/GO SUPER (same as 800/467-8737).
Plenty o' Packages for the Rest of the Year
Summer and fall savings are available from US Airways Vacations to destinations such as Cancun, Jamaica, the US Virgin Islands, Aruba and Bermuda. They have three-night fall vacations starting at $299 per person, excluding taxes and fees. One sample, at Cancun's Imperial Las Perlas, was $521 for departures out of Charlotte, North Carolina before any discounts. You can book from now through June 8 for travel August 16 through December 14. That's per person, based on double occupancy. Their summer programs can be booked through August 25 for travel from now through August 31. Contact them at www.usairwaysvacations.com or by phoning 800/352-8747.
You'll find the folks at Liberty Travel are cutting their prices on all Caribbean trips like crazy. Booking is from May 23-June 11 for travel between September 8 through December 14. The following prices are per person based on double occupancy for departures out of New York area airports (other departure gateways are available at additional cost).
Five-night packages include:
- Antigua: the Royal Antiguan Beach and Tennis Resort from $539
- Aruba: the Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort from $569
- Barbados: the Amaryllis Beach Resort from $539
- Dominican Republic: Sun Village Beach Resort (in Puerto Plata) from $499; Allegro Punta Cana by Occidental (in Punta Cana) from $499
- Grand Cayman: the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort from $539
- Jamaica: the Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort (in Montego Bay) from $549
- Puerto Rico: the Wyndham El Conquistador Resort/Golden Door Spa from $755
- St. Lucia: Windjammer Landing Resort from $685
- St. Martin: Maho Beach Resort and Casino from $665
Many other resorts -- some all-inclusive, some not -- on a variety of islands are also available. For booking and information go online to www.libertytravel.com or call 800/764-1000.