December 6, 2004 -- Recently, Cabo San Lucas has resurfaced as vacation destination for more than just Southern Californians looking for a hot spot that's a quick hop away. East coasters and people from all over Mexico and South America are flocking to the swath of land known for superior surfing, five-star resort accommodations, small boutique hotels, excellent seafood and great local flavor.
Vacations for Less, Inc. (tel. 800/200-2423; www.vacations4less.com) has a five-day introductory trip to Cabo with two free nights thrown in starting at $665 out of Los Angeles International Airport. With accommodations at the new Grand Baja Resort and Spa, all amenities are sparkling clean and the hotel has first-class service. While these rates are good for travel through December 19, 2004, check with the site or call for soon to be released 2005 prices. Included in the package in addition to airfare are an extra large hotel room with upgrades available for a small price, buffet or a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner, unlimited international drinks and house wines, daily use of exercise equipment, the sauna and steam room, and a healthy selection of activities. Airport departure fees and taxes are not included. Prices from other departure points are $791 from Seattle, $1,047 from New York and Boston, and $1,005 from Cincinnati.
Discount Vacations (tel. 800/650-3612; www.discountvacations.com) has a special four-night and seven-night package deals available starting at $799 down twenty-five percent in total price from $1,059. You need to book your Cabo trip by December 17, 2004 with travel good through January 31, 2005. Departures are good for Thursdays or Sundays on American or Delta Airlines. Four-night package rates for $799 include departure cities such as Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Sacramento, San Diego, and Las Vegas. It'll cost you $919 from Nashville, Cleveland, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Denver. Seven night packages start at $1,129 from West Coast departure points and go up to $1,229 for New York and East Coast cities. Accommodations are at the Villa La Estancia, a pretty hotel with tennis courts and fun pool bar.
Another excellent travel provider with experience in putting together Mexican vacation packages, Pleasant Holidays (tel. 800/742-9244; www.pleasantholidays.com) has a five-day trip to Los Cabos out of LAX starting at $422. Roundtrip air, hotel and airport transfers are included in the deal. Located on a cliff overlooking the beach and ocean, the Calinda Hotel offers a romantic getaway and a glimpse into an old-fashioned Mexico. Overlooking the Sea of Cortez, guests can hear the sea slapping against the sandy shore and adjacent cliffs. Travel is valid through January 27, 2005 with Thursday departures. From New York, the trip costs $744 with air and departure taxes additional.
Liberty Travel (tel. 800/447-1353; www.libertytravel.com) has some good Los Cabos deals as well. You have till April 3, 2005 to book this trip, so no need to rush. With hotel accommodations at the Pueblo Bonita Rose, this five-night trip offers the best of Cabo and the Baja Peninsula from a natural and nightlife point of view. Ranging in price from $965 from LAX to $1,349 from Boston, call a Liberty rep for details and other queries.
