December 11, 2003 -- If you're looking for bargains in the sun, set your sights on Cancun - that totally man-made mecca of tropical fun. It'll feel like home, too, what with all the other Americans who swarm there reliving memories of Spring Breaks past. The beach is king here. After all, the warm, Caribbean sands (and the proximity to major US population centers, wink, wink) is the reason Cancun was built out of nothing in the first place. Sound too canned for you? Don't fret, real Mayan culture is only a short bus or car ride away at the ruins of Chichen Itza.
Where the Deals Are
Pleasant Holidays has the least expensive of the packages of five companies surveyed here (based on per diem cost), with a seven-night deal that relies on cutting companion airfare in half to achieve a figure of $689 per person, effecting a savings of $273 per couple, they say. That package includes roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles, roundtrip airport transfers, lodging at the NH Krystal Cancun, all hotel taxes and surcharges. Travel dates are January 4 through February 7, 2004 to Cancun with your return flights from January 10 to February 14.
The same company has one of the more expensive products, too, with an all-inclusive seven-night deal at the Riu Palace Las Americas for stays from February 7, 2004 and beyond. From San Francisco, you pay just $1,826 for roundtrip airfare, the lodging, all meals, snacks, beverages and activities, all hotel taxes and surcharges, and airport transfers. From Los Angeles, add another $12 per person. You'll use ATA Airlines, with Saturday as your travel day in either direction. The beachfront hotel is newly constructed located in the heart of the ritzy hotel zone. There are two pools, a kids' pool, swim-up bar, fitness center, sauna, daily activities, live entertainment, restaurants and more. To book either of the vacations mentioned, contact Pleasant Holidays at www.pleasantholidays.com, toll free at 800/448-3333 or phone your travel agent.
Apple Vacations offers hotel bargains in Cancun in a wide range of hotels. One of the cheapest is the Blue Bay Club, rated three apples (out of six). There's a three-night deal in January 2004 for just $499.99 that includes roundtrip air from Chicago (ORD), all meals, drinks, water sports and more. Kids stay and eat free, in addition. They say the original price was $599.99, so a couple can save $200. For more information, look to Apple Vacations at www.applevacations.com at 800/727-3400. They work exclusively through travel agents, so if you don't already work through one, Apple will help match you up.
If you want Liberty Vacations, they'll thank you with a five-night offer costing as little as $919 out of Philadelphia. You'll stay at the Crown Paradise Club, rated 3 1/2 stars by the local hotel association, and save up to $130 per room if you book by December 15, 2003, so hurry! The Club is on the beachfront with plenty of activities and entertainment. Valid from January 1 through January 31, 2004. Roundtrip air is included, as is roundtrip airport/hotel transport, all meals, drinks and snacks, activities and non-motorized water sports, use of the kids' club (4-12 years), hotel taxes and tips. Other sample gateway prices: Atlanta $979, Los Angeles $1079, New York $979.Contact Liberty at 888/271-1584 or visit www.libertytravel.com.
Cancun for Canucks!
Travelers from Canada may want to take advantage of Air Canada Vacations' offers, like a room at the Barcelo Club Las Perlas on the Mayan Riviera and your airfare to get there. The price per person startes from CDN $691 plus CDN $ 210 tax. The hotel is right on the beach, with 194 rooms in 3- and 4-story buildings, just seven minutes from a golf course, they claim. There are two restaurants, three bars, pool, small gym and a water sports center. Each room has private bath with shower only, a balcony or patio, air conditioning, ceiling fan, phone, cable TV, mini bar and safe. The deal is valid from January 2 through April 10, 2004, though prices will change depending on season and availability. Contact Air Canada Vacations at www.aircanadavacations.com or at 866/993-0992 for help with your online navigation of their site (in French and English).
Note that all prices above are per person, double occupancy, and do not include airport taxes and fees. Some restrictions apply and spaces are limited.
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