MEXICO
Rockin' on water
Sixthman's "VH1 Best Cruise Ever" aboard the Carnival Inspiration will feature a lineup that includes headliners Colbie Caillat, Train and Lifehouse. The itinerary also includes an eight-hour port call in Cozumel.
Itinerary: Tampa, Fla., to Cozumel, Mexico, and back to Tampa
Dates: April 28-May 2
Price: Starting at $799 double occupancy, including accommodations, meals and some beverages. The rate does not include airfare, ground transportation, taxes, fees ($199) or mandatory gratuities ($10 per day).
Info: Sixthman, Atlanta; (877) 379-9180, http://www.vh1bestcruiseever.com
WESTERN U.S. AND CANADA
National parks tour
Vacations by Rail's "National Parks of the West" trip showcases six national parks, plus much of the areas between Illinois and Utah.
Itinerary: From Chicago, on the Empire Builder, to Glacier National Park, Mont.; Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada; Virginia City, Mont.; Yellowstone National Park, Jackson and Grand Teton National Park, Wyo.; National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Baker City, Ore.; Salt Lake City, Moab, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, Utah; and back to Chicago via the California Zephyr
Dates: June 28-July 11 or Aug. 10-23
Price: Starting at $2,995, double occupancy ($4,045 for a solo traveler), including overnight rail travel from Chicago to Glacier National Park and overnight return to Chicago via rail from Utah, motor coach transportation, 11 nights' lodging, all breakfasts, some other meals, tour-director services, entrance fees, maps, taxes and service charges. The price excludes airfare, transfers and gratuities.
Info: Vacations by Rail, Chicago, (877) 929-7245, http://www.vacationsbyrail.com
MALI
West African adventure
Abercrombie & Kent's "Mali: The Jackal's Road" journey is an offering from its "Extreme Adventures" arm. Travelers will get acquainted with Bamako's people, architecture and artifacts and attend a Dogon mask dance. During a half-day excursion down the Niger River by flat-bottom fishing boat, participants are apt to see hippos while en route to Mopti's port and market.
Itinerary: Bamako to Mopti, Djenne, Songho, Tirelli, Amani, Yaye, Irelli, Youganah, Mopti and back to Bamako
Dates: Oct. 20-28 or Dec.1-9
Price: From $4,185, double occupancy (single supplement $460), including lodging, meals, all transportation (including transfers), guides, taxes and fees but not international airfare, internal airfare ($360), gratuities or visa fees.
