August 10, 2004 -- You can book yourself as host for all those relatives, spending hours on a huge traditional feast that'll be scarfed down in less time than it takes to open a box of stuffing; or you can treat yourself to an untraditional vacation in a foreign locale. You've got the extra days off, and the prices are right.
For a memorable Thanksgiving experience with a French touch, Nice would be a nice alternative, N'est pas? France Vacations (800/332-5332; www.francevacations.net) has a five-night package to the French Riviera from $599 for departures out of New York that includes roundtrip airfare to Nice on Air France, 5-nights' accommodation at the 3-star Gounod Hotel (or upgrade to the 4-star Splendid hotel for an extra $130), city taxes, daily breakfast and an extra-special 3 course Thanksgiving turkey dinner including wine. You're free to use the facilities at the Splendid Hotel no matter which hotel you choose, so the swimming pool, sauna, fitness center, rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, sea and alps are all there for the taking. Add $10 from Washington, D.C.; $30 from Chicago; and $100 from Seattle, Los Angeles, Boston (on United Airlines) and Houston. Prices are per person based on double occupancy, single supplements apply. Valid for departures between November 22 and 24 only. Booking deadline is August 30. A deposit of $150 per person is required to check availability. This will be refunded if your request cannot be confirmed.
EEI Travel (800/927-3876; www.eeitravel.com) has an equally tempting Thanksgiving escape to Paris. This includes roundtrip airfare from JFK, 3 nights of accommodation, continental breakfast daily, hotel and service charges, all starting from $479 + $99 in taxes. Add $30 for Newark departures; $40 from Houston, Boston or Washington Dulles; $100 from Chicago and $150 from San Francisco. Prices are per person based on double occupancy and a 30-day advance purchase. Purchases within 30 days will incur additional shipping and handling fees. Bookings are nonrefundable and nonchangeable once paid in full and payment is due within 1 day of booking by 2pm. Only available for departures on November 24, 2004. Their three-night Rome package also departing on November 24 starts at $489 + taxes of $129, including roundtrip airfare from New York, 3 nights accommodation, hotel taxes, service charges and daily breakfast. Other departure cities available for additional cost. Both packages must be purchased by an August 26, 2004 deadline.
Virgin Vacations (1 425/402-4189; www.virgin-vacations.com) has a number of Thanksgiving specials to European destinations. For $579 + $149 taxes you can enjoy a six-night getaway to historic Prague. This package includes roundtrip airfare from New York, 6 nights' accommodation at the Diplomat Hotel in Prague, continental breakfast daily, hotel taxes and service charges. For travel November 22-29 only. Prices are per person based on double occupancy and a 30-day advance purchase. Purchases within 30 days will incur additional shipping and handling fees. A $25 weekend surcharge applies. Check out www.virgin-vacations.com/CZ_FGPG.asp for complete details.
You might also consider a three-night package to Amsterdam (November 24-29 only) that starts from $499 + $149 in taxes. Go to www.virgin-vacations.com/NL_FGAF.asp for the skinny on this combo.
Finally, Gate1 Travel (800/682-3333; www.gate1travel.com) has a possibly sunnier option available for departures on November 23. For $599 + taxes of approximately $120, you can spend 5 nights (and 6 beach-filled days) in Rio De Janeiro this Thanksgiving. Other departures dates are available at additional cost. The package includes roundtrip airfare from New York, accommodation at the 3 star Savoy Othon Hotel in Copacabana, daily breakfast and arrival transfer. There is a catch if you are a US citizen. Due to reciprocity regulations, there is a $110 charge to get a Brazilian visa, plus you have to be photographed and fingerprinted on arrival (www.brasilemb.org).