The Internet is packed with lists of travel bargains – “the 10 best this,” “the 10 best that” – but many are paid for by the packagers appearing in them. Here’s my current list of the five best bargains for May and June (mainly), chosen by only myself.
1. Mickey Mouse Made Easy (in May and June: five nights in Orlando from $399): With Florida’s theme parks charging $67 per adult per day, it’s more important than ever to economize on air/hotel/car. This package (which includes round-trip air, a car for the week and five hotel nights) does just that. It costs $399 from New York or Chicago, $449 from Atlanta or Washington, D.C., and $549 from Dallas or Los Angeles. Go to eleisurelink.com or call 888-801-8808.
2. Ireland on the Open Road (from now until May 17, a week by car, including air, from $699): Famed for its gorgeous landscapes, craggy castles, cozy pubs and caring people, Ireland is best enjoyed by car and by staying in family- run B&Bs. From Ireland specialist Brian Moore International, you receive airfare, a six-day Hertz car rental, vouchers for five nights at B&Bs and full Irish breakfast daily. Prices jump to $1,029 from May 18 to June 24. It is $200 more from Denver. Go to bmit.com or call 800-982-2299.
3. A Dominican Doozy (May and June, an all-inclusive five nights in the Dominican Republic, with air, from $489): In this cheapest of all Caribbean islands, on a fine beach, you’ll receive all-inclusive arrangements (all three meals and unlimited drinks) in addition to your air and five nights’ lodging at the LTI Beach Golf & Spa Resort in the popular Punta Cana area. Weekday departures only, costing $489 from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., $619 from New York, Chicago or Detroit, and slightly more from other cities. Go to vacmart.com or call 800-288-1435.
4.The Mayan Riviera (May and June, as little as $396, including air and four nights’ lodging): Fleeing the mobs of over-popular Cancun, you can head to the real Mexico 40 miles down the Yucatan coast at Playa del Carmen, where you’ll receive four nights’ lodging at the two-star Kinbe Hotel in downtown, – which is 55 yards from the beach – as well as your round-trip air. Mayan ruins in Tulum and Coba are close by. The total price is $396 from Miami, $451 from New York, $496 from Chicago, $368 from Dallas or L.A. Go to rivieramaya.com or call 877-7GO-MAYA.
5. Bali on a Budget (May, then mid-August to Dec. 1, for $699): The original island paradise, its peaceful, generous people are the world’s finest hosts, their religious processions and gorgeous dance dramas proudly shared with the visitor in Hindu tradition. The price includes round-trip air from Los Angeles on Cathay Pacific Airways, round-trip transfers and five nights with breakfast daily in your choice of beach or inland locations (the flight is via Hong Kong, but then direct to Bali). You pay $699 from L.A., $250 more from New York, varying prices from other cities. Go to escapesltd.com or call 800-243-7227.
Arthur Frommer, who first published “Europe on $5 A Day” in 1956, is a recognized authority on budget travel.
