Chicago Sun-Times: Hot deals

Orbitz offers lineup of spring training packages

Visit your field of dreams in March by heading for baseball's annual spring training. Book on Orbitz.com a trip to Florida or Arizona to watch your favorite team practice. In addition to great fares and deals, Orbitz.com now makes booking a hotel in the location you want more convenient. With the New Neighborhood Matrix, travelers can preview a neighborhood, view all hotels in that area, check distance to attractions or simply plan their vacation "must see" list effortlessly. Check out this new feature and find great home-run deals to these spring training cities:

New York to Tampa (March 2 to 3, three nights) See the Yankees play the Pirates in Tampa on March 3. Busch Gardens amusement park is close by for added fun. Book round trips on American Airlines and lodging at the three-star Quality Inn Tampa. Package starts at $415 per person for standard rooms.

Atlanta to Orlando (March 19 to 24, five nights) See the Braves play the Nationals on March 23 at Walt Disney's World of Sports complex and experience the amusement parks, too. Book round-trips on Air Tran Airlines and lodging at the three-star Riu Orlando Hotel near Walt Disney World theme park. Package starts at $608 per person for standard rooms.

Chicago to Las Vegas (March 31 to April 4, four nights) See the Cubs play the Mariners on April 1 in Las Vegas. Book round trips on United Airlines and lodging at Circus Circus Las Vegas. Try your luck at blackjack, explore the shops or take on the adventure rides of Vegas. Package starts at $673 per person for standard guest rooms.

Gardening experts offer advice on paddle wheel trips

Green thumbs -- and folks with even a budding interest in gardening -- can have a field day on Gardens of the South Vacations aboard two authentic steam-powered overnight paddle wheelers, the magnificent Mississippi Queen and the legendary Delta Queen. Some of America's foremost gardening experts, such as newspaper columnist Ed Hume and Jim Wilson, host of HGTV's "Great Gardeners," will come aboard to share "sage" advice and "thymely" tips; and passengers can explore lovely gardens along America's rivers during optional guided tours.

The 416-passenger Mississippi Queen, recently resplendent in high Victorian style, will offer four Gardens of the South Vacations. These six- and seven-night cruises between Memphis and New Orleans include opportunities to visit such gardens as Dixon Gardens in Memphis, Tenn.

In 2005, Gardens of the South Vacations aboard the Mississippi Queen depart April 25, May 2, May 9 and May 16. The legendary Delta Queen and the Mississippi Queen each will visit Gardens of the South on three cruises in 2006, with itineraries between Memphis and New Orleans.

Fares for 2005 and 2006 Gardens of the South Vacations begin at $1,435 for a five-night cruise, $1,790 for a six-night cruise and $2,035 for a seven-night cruise-per person, double occupancy. For more information or to receive a free deluxe brochure, call the Delta Queen Steamboat Company at (800) 543-1949 or visit www.deltaqueen. com.