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BUDGET TRAVELER

Montego Bay resort for $569 includes airfare

For The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Monday, October 06, 2008

The future forecast for the economy isn’t looking too promising - yet. And fast approaching is the holiday season - traditionally one for sharing presents and re-gifted fruitcakes. But isn’t that time of year best remembered for time spent together rather than opening up something you don’t need or didn’t want? Maybe this year consider taking a trip together that makes lasting memories rather than spending money on ‘things’ that aren’t necessities.

To make it happen within a reasonable budget, don’t fixate on getting away when the rest of the world wants to travel - meaning dates from December 18-January 6. Affordable airfare to just about anywhere on the planet during this period are non-existent and hotels are able to boost prices to the max due to high demand.

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Clara Bosonetto Maerz's column is published weekdays on ajc.com.


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Instead, consider traveling just after Thanksgiving and before December 18. Big cities down to small villages are decorated and starting the celebrations, and that gets everyone in the spirit of the season. Once the trip is over you can look forward to gathering around your own fireplace and skipping the hustle and bustle of malls and strip shopping centers.

One very nice deal for families, couples or singles is to go to a brand new resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica*. The offer, from CheapCaribbean.com, is priced at $569 per person, based on double, for a three-night trip taken between November 1 and December 15.

This package rate includes round-trip airfare from Atlanta, new accommodations with a balcony or terrace at the newest Riu Resort (connecting rooms available), all meals and snacks, unlimited beverages 24 hours a day, activities and sports, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, an intro scuba diving lesson in the pool, daily entertainment program for children ages 4 to 12, daily daytime entertainment program for adults, Riu shows and live music daily, entrance to a night club six nights a week, two a la carte dining choices and many more resort features.

Riu Montego Bay Hotel is situated among ten acres of lush gardens and along a wonderful swimming beach. There’s an on-site spa and golf opportunities are nearby.

Book at this rate before midnight, October 7.

http://www.cheapcaribbean.com/core/specialAvailability/cc.3327.xml

* A valid passport is required for entry into Jamaica.

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