June 11, 2003 -- You can start your thanksgiving celebrations right now, as far as Gate 1 Travel is concerned, with six European vacations beginning at $399, for instance, for a six-day hosted program in Budapest or Prague departing November 27, 2003. And yes, roundtrip airfare from New York, the hotel, daily breakfast and arrival transfer all are included.
If those two cities are not your cup of turkey broth, consider these other packages:
Italy, with airfare from New York included: Rome for five days (three nights), from $439, departing November 26, 2003; Venice for six days (four nights) from $499, departing November 29, 2003; an escorted tour of eight days (six nights), two each in Venice, Florence and Rome, with seven meals, sightseeing, departing November 22, 2003.
Spain & Portugal: Escorted tour, seven days (five nights, first class lodging), six meals, sightseeing, transfers, departing November 21, 2003, from $889.
Farther afield: South and Central America (airfare from New York included): Four days in Guatemala's Antigua (three nights), first class hotel, breakfast, transfers, from $599; Seven days in Rio de Janeiro (six nights) from $659, with guided tour.
Asia (airfare from Los Angeles included): Seven days in Bangkok (five nights), $739 with guided tour, departs November 24, 2003; Eight days Beijing (six nights), $799 with guided tour, departs November 20, 2003. Twelve days in Thailand (10 nights), escorted tour with air from Los Angeles, first class lodging, 11 meals, transfers, sightseeing, departing November 23, 2003, from just $999.
All packages are per person, double occupancy, air-inclusive, with add-on fares from other cities available. Airport taxes, security fees up to $170 additional. You must book by June 30, 2003 to get these packages, which are subject to availability. For more information or to book a vacation, go to www.gate1travel.com/Destinations/Thanksgiving/default.htm.
Go-Today (www.gotoday.com), Europe Express (www.europeexpress.com) and OffPeakTraveler (www.offpeaktraveler.com) also have early booking opportunities for holiday travel so be sure to perform some cost comparisons before you make your reservations.