TOURS & CRUISES
'Exotic Asia' experience
Stand at the bridge over the River Kwai on Ritz Tours' "Exotic Asia." In Thailand, you'll experience Phuket's exotic beaches and Bangkok's rich culture; in Hong Kong, the cosmopolitan bustle, and in Singapore, the hyper-manicured sights.
Itinerary: Hong Kong to Bangkok, Phuket and Singapore.
Dates: Multiple 16-day departures between July 22 and Feb. 17.
Price: From $2,615 (double; single supplement from $900), including round-trip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco, taxes, fuel surcharges, flights between destinations, lodging, some meals, entertainment and insurance.
Info: Ritz Tours,
JAMAICA
Volunteer on vacay
Give and receive on this volunteer-while-you-travel opportunity: Jake's "Goodwill Jamaica" package invites guests who stay at least four nights at the 30-room, family-run resort to help Treasure Beach and its people by participating in guided activities benefiting schools, farms and development projects.
Dates: Through Dec. 14.
Price: Starting at $95 per two-person room per night (minimum four nights), including participation in the volunteer projects and a small charitable donation but excluding an 18.25% surcharge.
Info: Island Outpost, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica; (800) 688-7678, www.islandoutpost.com/jakes.
BOLOGNA, ITALY
Get cooking -- no, really
Indulge in a week of culinary delights planned for you by TourCrafters. A highlight is a four-hour cooking course at La Vecchia Scuola Bolognese.
Dates: Multiple weeklong departures between Sept. 1 and March 31.
Price: From $1,109 per person (double; single supplement from $425), including round-trip airfare from
Info: TourCrafters,
CATALINA ISLAND
An island adventure
Step aboard the historic S.S. Lane Victory for a daylong exploration of the waters surrounding Catalina Island.
Dates: July 18, Aug. 15, 16, Sept. 26, 27.
Price: $125 per person ($75 for children younger than 16), including the cruise ticket, a continental breakfast, a buffet lunch, live music, onboard tours, an aerial-dogfight show and four drinks (wine, beer or soda).
Info: S.S. Lane Victory,
ANTARCTICA
Educational climate
Head to the world's southern extreme in comfort on Abercrombie & Kent's "Fighting Climate Change in Antarctica" cruise aboard the upscale MV Minerva. The itinerary is meant to highlight global warming's deleterious effects. Expert-led excursions include traversing Drake Passage, taking Zodiac rides to see wildlife and visiting a working scientific station.
Itinerary: Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Dates: Dec. 7 to 20.
Norwegian Epic cruise ship to offer cabins for solo travelers (think small)
Months away from its debut, the Norwegian Epic cruise ship is already making a splash wit...
Read more »