For folks like Fischel, destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean are hot. Lured by natural wonders, a favorable exchange rate and the perception that Western Europe remains a terrorist target, travelers are flocking to countries like Mexico, Costa Rica and Brazil. “South America [is] more popular than ever before,” said Nancy Strong, a Dallas travel agent who specializes in the area. But for this summer, at least, Latin America is still not as crowded as the top European spots, so the timing is just right. Here’s how to travel like a pro:
Be contrarian. Summer is the Caribbean’s off-season, which means you’ll get low rates, beautiful beaches, some nightlife, mild breezes–and a quiet beachfront hammock all to yourself. Expedia.com is selling packages to an all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, from $1,096 per person, including airfare from New York City. Or try Grand Bahama Island, with its crystal-clear waters, windsurfing, snorkeling and requisite swim-up pool bars for $198 round trip (and $149 for kids).
To be even more nonconformist, head farther south, to Argentina or Chile, where the seasons are reversed and you can go skiing in July. In Santiago, Chile, a one-week lift ticket costs $150–that’s about what you’d pay for a weekend in Vermont. Stop off to do some museum-hopping and shopping in Buenos Aires, which is as cosmopolitan as most European cities. The Argentine peso is worth only about 35 cents now, sweetening those bargains.
Follow the money. The dollar goes even further in Costa Rica, where it is at a high against the local colon. With America West, Continental, United and others having a price war on flights to San Jose, you can get there for less than $300 round trip. You can do nature–the Poas Volcano National Park and La Paz Waterfall are there–or stick to the city. Americans can stay and shop happy in Mexico, Chile and Brazil, too, where the exchange rates are better than usual against the dollar.
Fly strategically. The real trick to getting the best south-of-the-border deals is finding the right “gateway city,” says Tom Parsons of bestfares.com. You can fly to Cancun for $218 from Houston, but it costs $410 from Dallas, and you can get from Dallas to Houston for less than $100. Other great gateways include Miami; Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles, and Parsons’s favorite: San Juan, Puerto Rico. You can fly there for $188 round trip and either stay in San Juan or use it as a hopping-off point to other Caribbean hot spots. “But you’d better book now,” he says, “because at $188, you’re not the only kid on the block who’ll be going.” On the other hand, you won’t be blanket-to-blanket in Ocean City, either.
