Travel to the Caribbean is especially attractive when January sets in and it's dark by four in the afternoon. Apple Vacations (tel. 800/517-2000; www.applevacations.com) is running a promotion called "Pick-a-Price: Something for Everyone." As long as that something is Mexico, Jamaica, or the Dominican Republic, you're in luck.
More specifically, the destinations included range from the well-traversed, popular areas of Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos, but others worth seeking out in Mexico are featured, too, such as Mazatlan, Cozumel, Ixtapa, and Huatulco. The departure gates that are part of the pricing strategy vary, so read the fine print carefully. For example, there are two trips offered at the lowest advertised price, $699 or less. Opt for either Puerto Vallarta for select January departures to the three-star, all-inclusive Las Palmas by the Sea; the property is located in the hotel zone and about five minutes from town. Or if you want to head to Puerto Plata, the four-star Grand Paradise Playa Dorado is priced from $699. Either way, these two trips are offered at that $699 price from Chicago-O'Hare. Other gates are possible for higher fees.
The most expensive trips top out at $1,399 for select January departures, and include the likes of Secrets Silversands along the Maya Riviera, an all-suite property that caters to adults and is what Apple Vacations describes as Â?all-included unlimited luxury.Â? Elsewhere, $1,399 can buy you seven nights at the Barcelo Huatulco Beach, an all-inclusive property situated on a secluded bay, also priced from $1,399 for select January departures. Both of these trips are calculated based on Chicago departures.
The prices include roundtrip airfare and hotel stays based on double occupancy, fuel surcharges, hotel transfers and taxes, and baggage handling, but departure taxes and fees are not covered.
