This week's smart deal is for a perennial favorite region among Frommer's readers: the Caribbean and Mexico. Book It (tel. 888/782-9722; www.bookit.com) is offering a special on all-inclusive resorts in this region of the world -- specifically, Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, the Dominican Republic, Mazatlán, Maya Riviera, Jamaica, and the Bahamas -- priced from $99 per night.
Specifically, the deal gives you a stay that includes dining, activities, beverages (including alcohol), swimming pools, nightlife, and more -- many of the packages have bonuses for kids to stay and eat for free, or free upgrades. The least expensive deals are best for travel now through December 15, and prices, as usual, are based on double occupancy. The booking deadlines vary depending on the property, but most of them are approaching in the coming days and weeks. You can easily see how much it would cost, too, if you add on airfare for a three-night package.
In Punta Cana, the Gran Bahia Principe Bavaro Resort in the Dominican Republic is priced from $79 per person, with kids staying for free, for travel now through October 31. It's about half off the regular price of $150 per person, but you must book by September 30 in order to receive the special price. As for the accommodations, you'll stay in a junior suite, and the property is beachfront. All current hotel taxes are included along with gratuities and service charges.
Occidental Allegro Papagayo, an all-inclusive property in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is priced from $62, with kids staying for free. (If you want to upgrade to an ocean view room it will cost you an additional $10). The hotel's beach club is private and the property itself has three restaurants, a large pool, a full open bar, and kid's club. These two specials are just a small sample; the entire promotion also includes five-star properties that are offering half-off discounts and other reward cards valid for specific types of bookings.
