The 530-room Hyatt Grand Champions Resort & Spa in Palm Springs makes for a great desert getaway (see our review), with seven pools—incuding a waterslide and spray zone—spa, tennis, golf, free bike rentals and a Camp Hyatt kids’ club. The only problem: It's so comfy that you'd be hard pressed to leave the edge of the pool, let alone venture off property and soak up the surroundings.

Yet the resort is enticing you to explore the local area for at least one day during your desert vacation. Its Living Desert Safari Package combines a stay at the desert resort with a VIP-level tour of the Living Desert, a zoo of 450-plus animals with a botanical garden, and exhibits and shows about the North American and African deserts. The package is advertised at a starting rate of $299 a night and includes:

• a stay at Hyatt Grand Champions ($239 for a standard room)
• three-hour private riding tour of the Living Desert, including lunch and a behind-the-scenes look at Amur leopards, giraffe feedings, a carousel ride, a tour of the wildlife hospital (VIP tour regularly $36/person, or $144 for a family of four)
  

This getaway is best saved for after October 1, when cooler temperatures allow the Living Desert to re-open many of its shows and exhibits. If paying regular admission to the Living Desert without the VIP tour, a typical family of four would pay $41 ($12.75/adult x 2 + $7.75/child ages 3 to 12 x 2). 

Deal or no deal? A great getaway, but no real savings. Frugal families will bypass the VIP tour and simply buy regular admission, thus shaving $100 off their spend.