May 9, 2003 -- United Vacations, the vacation packager linked to United Airlines (though a separate business entity and not part of the recent bankruptcy filing), has brewed up a nice batch of escapes for late spring and early summer. Hawaii from $684 and Montreal from $564, for instance, should make any potential vacationer open the eyes a bit wider.
For departures between now and May 22, 2003, you can try an "Endless Escape" to Hawaii, with Wednesday or Thursday departures, roundtrip airfare on United, five nights of hotel accommodations, roundtrip transfers between airport and hotel, a welcome orientation breakfast and a fresh flower lei greeting, plus a guidebook and map.
Sample prices, based on double occupancy, include your stay at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel, starting at $684 out of Los Angeles or San Francisco, $849 from Denver, $959 from Chicago and $1,009 from Washington, D.C.
If you want to stay at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, prices start at $864 from Los Angeles or San Francisco, $1,029 from Denver, $1,139 from Chicago and $1,189 from Washington, D.C.
Prices do not include airport fees and taxes of approximately $34. You can book from other cities, of course, with appropriate add-on fares, or reserve at different hotels for varying prices. Some restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Details are online at www.unitedvacations.com/spec/hawaii.asp.
If you want to stay on the continental mainland, consider hanging at the Festival Internationale de Jazz de Montreal, aka the Montreal Jazzfest, which kicks off on June 26, 2003, featuring hundreds of indoor and outdoor shows. Must-see perfomers include Abdullah Ibrahim, Cesaria Evora, Elvis Costello and the Impostors, Neko Case and Wilco, Ben Harper, Ray Charles and Grammy-lugger, Norah Jones. Though the festival runs through July 6, 2003, the United Vacations special is valid for travel June 26 to 29, 2003. For the skinny on the festival, head to www.montrealjazzfest.com.
Each vacation includes roundtrip airfare on United or Air Canada, three nights in the hotel, roundtrip transfers between airport and hotel, and 24-hour traveler assistance. Sample prices at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth (the top traditional hotel in town), start at $564 out of New York, $604 from Chicago, $799 from Denver and $804 from San Francisco. You could also stay at the Sheraton Centre-Ville (the best new hotel in town) for an additional $15 per person.
Overnight trips to Quebec City are available, as are additional nights in Montreal, as well as attractions and car rentals. Prices do not include airport fees and taxes, which may cost about $34. Some restrictions may apply and blackouts dates, too.
To purchase these United Vacations, go to their website, www.unitedvacations.com or phone them at 888/328-6877.