The U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA) reminds agents that travelers can save anywhere from 20 percent to over 70 percent by purchasing a tour, vacation package, or custom arrangements provided by many of the association’s nearly 150 member companies. Another way to save is by taking advantage of lower off-season prices, advises John Stachnik, USTOA Chairman.
Some samples range from three to 10 nights, and as low as $109 a night with air, are cited below and include destinations such as London, Peru. Ft. Lauderdale and Costa Rica.
Three-Night Fort Lauderdale Custom Vacation from $456 for Two
Pay for two nights and enjoy a third night free on Travel Bound’s land only “Third Night Free at Westin Fort Lauderdale” custom vacation. From $456 for two ($228 per person), this price can offer a savings of $600, or more than 55 percent, over booking independently according to Travel Bound. Included is a three night stay at the four-star Westin Beach Resort with intercoastal view. Book anytime for travel valid through October 3.
Six-Night London Vacation Package from $649 with Air
Travelers can save up to $1,825, or almost 75 percent, over doing-it-yourself on an eight-day, six-night “London At Its Best” vacation package from Virgin Vacations. From $649 per person (in fall and winter, 2010) with round-trip air from New York. This price also includes six nights accommodations, breakfast daily, and hotel taxes and service. According to Virgin, the same itinerary, if purchased on your own, would cost $2,475. This vacation package must be booked by August 30, 2010 for travel through December 31 For reservations phone 1-888-937-8474 or visit www.virgin-vacations.com.
Six-Night Peru Vacation Package from $2,185
Experience Peru from $2,185 per person on SITA World Tours’ seven-day, six-night “Peru: Ancient Civilizations” vacation package. According to SITA, this reflects a 20 percent savings, or $435, over booking on your own. Through December 5, this land only vacation package visits Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, and offers first-class accommodations, six breakfasts, five lunches, two dinners, a ride on the Vistadome train, and sightseeing, English-speaking guides while touring, entrance fees, and arrival and departure transfers. Package prices are valid for bookings by September 15, 2010. For reservations phone 1-800-421-5643 or visit www.sitatours.com.
10-Night Costa Rica Custom Vacation for $1,439 in Low Season
Travel low season and save 20 percent over high season, or $340, per person on Avanti Destinations’ “Ultimate Costa Rica” 11 day, 10 night custom vacation. This land only custom itinerary spends one night in San Jose, two nights each in Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, and Monteverde, plus three nights in Guanacaste. Included are accommodations with daily breakfast, all meals in Tortuguero, and dinner plus entrance at Tabacon Hot Springs, for $1,439 in low season compared to $1,779 in high season. Also included are a canal boat tour, a zipline canopy or Treetop Walkway tour, and all ground transfers. This custom vacation must be booked by October for travel through November. For reservations phone 1-800-422-5053 or visit www.avantidestinations.com.
All prices are based on double occupancy. Restrictions and additional security fees, departure and local taxes and fees may apply, the USTOA says. Visit www.USTOA.com, or www.USTOA.travel.