BudgetTravel.com
40 Best Vacations
The real deals right now

September 2005 issue
Tuesday, August 16, 2005;

United States

Florida for $244
Southwest flights from Columbus, Philadelphia, or Pittsburgh to Tampa and two nights in nearby St. Petersburg at the TradeWinds Sandpiper Hotel & Suites. The beachfront resort has a restaurant, a bar, and two pools. When Sept. 3-Oct. 28. Other Gateways Phoenix, Las Vegas, Spokane, Tucson (from $319). Details Extra nights from $40. Single supplement from $100. The hotel is 30 minutes southwest of the airport. Add a three-day car rental starting at $70. Contact Southwest Airlines Vacations, 800/423-5683, swavacations.com.

Honolulu for $575
Northwest flights from L.A. and seven nights in a superior room at the 44-story Castle Island Colony in Waikiki, three blocks from the beach. The hotel has a lap pool, whirlpool, sauna, and sundeck on the sixth floor, and all condos have private lanais. When Sept. 6-Nov. 16. Other Gateways Portland ($643), Seattle ($673), Minneapolis ($859), Detroit ($862). Details Extra nights from $47. Single supplement from $276. Upgrade to the Outrigger Luana Waikiki (deluxe condo hotel, a 10-minute walk to Waikiki Beach) starting at $131 more. Contact NWA WorldVacations, 800/800-1504, nwaworldvacations.com.

Las Vegas for $230
Champion Air charter flights from Denver and four nights at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, on the north end of the Strip. When Sunday departures Sept. 11-25 ($230), Oct. 9-23 ($280), Nov. 6-27 ($320). Other Gateways Dallas: Sept. 4-25 ($320); Oct. 16, 23 ($360); Nov. 13-27 ($300). Detroit: Sept. 11-25 ($430); Oct. 2-23 ($460); Nov. 6-27 ($372). Minneapolis: Sept. 4 and 18-25 ($380); Oct. 2, 9, 23 ($440); Nov. 6-13 and 27 ($352). Details No extra nights. Single supplement from $99. Upgrade to the Luxor Hotel and Casino starting at $92 more. Contact Worry-Free Vacations, 888/225-5658, worryfreevacations.com.

Maui for $645
Delta flights from L.A., a six-day car rental, and five nights in Kihei at the oceanfront Aston Maui Lu Resort, with a pool and two tennis courts. When Until Dec. 8. Other Gateways Denver ($875), New York ($905), Chicago ($919). Details Extra nights $62. Single supplement from $320. Upgrade to a one-bedroom suite at the beachfront Aston Kaanapali Shores, north of Lahaina, starting at $230 more. Contact Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.

New Orleans for $419
US Airways flights from Philadelphia, transfers, and three nights in the heart of the French Quarter at Ramada Plaza's The Inn on Bourbon. When Monday departures Sept. 12-Dec. 12. Other Gateways Boston, D.C., New York, Pittsburgh ($449); Charlotte ($469). Details Extra nights from $50. Single supplement $160. Upgrade to the Holiday Inn French Quarter starting at $60 more per night. Contact US Airways Vacations, 800/352-8747, usairwaysvacations.com.

Orlando for $399
Six nights in a one-bedroom condo at the Fairfield Star Island Resort, three miles from Walt Disney World. The condos have full kitchens and sleep up to four people. On-site amenities include a driving range, a lakefront beach, a pool, a spa/gym, and tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts. When Saturday-to-Saturday stays until Dec. 18. Details Prices do not include airfare. Extra nights from $79. For larger groups, two-bedroom villas at the Parkway International Resort (one mile from Disney) start at $499 and sleep up to six. Condos have king-size beds, whirlpool tubs, full kitchens, washers and dryers, private screened balconies, and sleeper sofas. The resort has a pool, a tennis court, and barbecue areas. Contact Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.

Canada

Banff for $599
A six-day car rental (pick up/drop off at the Calgary airport) and five nights' hotel. Spend two nights at the Mount Royal Hotel in Banff, two nights at the Lobstick Lodge in Jasper, and one night at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Includes National Parks fees, tickets for the Banff Gondola at Sulphur Mountain, admission to Banff Upper Hot Springs, a tram ride up Whistler's Mountain, and more. When Sept. 1-Oct. 5 ($1,066), Oct. 6-31 ($720), Nov. 1-26 ($599). Details Extra nights with car from $62. Single supplement from $1,000. Prices don't include airfare, which starts at $286 from Chicago, $328 from New York, and $562 from L.A. Contact Brewster Vacations, 800/661-1152, brewster.ca.

Niagara Falls for $599
Air from Boston, Chicago, or New York, a three-day car rental, three nights at the Courtyard by Marriott (one block from the Falls), and tickets for the Maid of the Mist boat tour. When Until Nov. 30. Other Gateways Atlanta ($629), Miami ($669), L.A. ($769). Details Extra nights $69. Single supplement $189. Upgrade to the Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview starting at $189 more. Contact Maxxim Vacations Gray Line, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com.

Mexico

Cabo San Lucas $520
America West flights from Phoenix, transfers, and four nights in a mountain-view junior suite at the Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa. The hotel-20 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas-has three restaurants, two bars, two tennis courts, and a pool. When Monday and Tuesday departures Sept. 6-Nov. 30. Blackout dates Nov. 23-27. Other Gateways Las Vegas, San Diego ($536). Details Extra nights from $87. Single supplement from $229. Upgrade to an ocean-view junior suite for $50 more per night. Contact America West Vacations, 800/235-9298, americawestvacations.com.

Cozumel for $669
American Airlines flights from Miami, transfers, and seven nights on Cozumel's southern coast at the all-inclusive Fiesta Americana Dive Resort. The beachfront hotel has three restaurants, three bars, two pools, a tennis court, and a full-service dive facility. When Until Oct. 31 ($669), Nov. 1-30 ($739). Blackout dates may apply Nov. 18-25. Other Gateways Philadelphia ($780/$810); New York ($789/$836); Dallas ($804/$874); Atlanta ($818/$888); Chicago, D.C. ($825/$895); Seattle ($972/$1,000). Details Extra nights from $78. Single supplement from $235. Contact Caradonna Dive Adventures, 800/328-2288, caradonna.com.

Ixtapa for $509
Air from Houston and four nights on El Palmar beach at the oceanfront Hotel Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa, with a large pool, two lighted tennis courts, five restaurants, and three bars. When Sept. 7-Nov. 30. Blackout dates Nov. 22-28. Other Gateways Chicago (add $40), L.A. (add $105), New York (add $185). Details Extra nights $38. Single supplement $38. Contact Beach Destinations, 877/433-4378, beachdestinations.com.

Caribbean

Aruba for $688
American Airlines flights from Boston or Miami, transfers, and seven nights at the Mill Resort & Suites on Aruba's Palm Beach, with two pools, a lively bar, and a restaurant. When Sept. 1-Nov. 30. Blackout dates may apply Nov. 18-25. Other Gateways New York (add $174), Chicago (add $184), Philadelphia (add $194), D.C. (add $212), Atlanta (add $267), Dallas (add $346), L.A. (add $375). Details Extra nights $48. Single supplement $349. Contact Caradonna Dive Adventures, 800/328-2288, caradonna.com.

Bahamas for $666
American Airlines flights from New York and three nights in Nassau at the 700-room Radisson Cable Beach and Golf Resort, with multiple lagoon-style pools, six restaurants and bars, and an 18-hole golf course. When Until Dec. 24. Other Gateways Chicago, Dallas ($751). Details Extra nights $91. The rate for a single starts at $541 (single room). Contact AmericanAirlines Vacations, 800/321-2121, aavacations.com.

Barbados for $399
Air from Fort Lauderdale or Miami and seven nights with breakfast daily at the Allamanda Beach Hotel on the south coast of Barbados, near Bridgetown. Facilities include a pool, restaurant, and waterfront grill; the beach is a four-minute walk away. When Until Dec. 16, except Nov. 19-23 (southbound) and Nov. 26-28 (northbound). Other Gateways New York ($458), Baltimore ($468), Chicago ($551), L.A. ($654). Details Extra nights $51. Single supplement from $385. Contact Atlas Vacations, 800/634-1057, atlasvacations.net.

Dominican Republic for $595
American Airlines flights from Miami, transfers, and seven all-inclusive nights at the four-star LTI Beach Resort on Punta Cana's Bávaro Beach. The hotel has a pool, four restaurants (three are à la carte), four bars, and a disco. When Until Dec. 14. Other Gateways New York (add $200); Chicago, Dallas (add $250); L.A. (add $300). Details Extra nights $75. Single supplement $200. Contact Analie Tours, 800/811-6027, analietours.com.

Jamaica for $470
USA 3000 charter flights from St. Louis and seven nights at the Samsara Hotel on the cliffs overlooking Negril's west end. The hotel has a pool and offers free shuttles to Seven Mile Beach a few minutes away. When Sunday departures Sept. 4-Oct. 2 and Nov. 27 ($470); Oct. 9-Nov. 13 ($490); Nov. 20 ($540). Other Gateways Chicago (from $500), Detroit (from $600). Details No extra nights. Single supplement from $160. Kids 12 and under stay free. Contact Apple Vacations, applevacations.com, book only through travel agents.

Central America

Belize for $693
American Airlines flights from Miami, transfers, and seven nights on Ambergris Cay at the Mayan Princess Suites. All rooms are beachfront and have private verandas overlooking the water. When Sept. 1-Nov. 14. Other Gateways Dallas ($743); New York ($793); Chicago ($896); L.A., San Francisco ($961); Seattle ($996). Details Extra nights $50. Single supplement $265. Contact Capricorn Leisure, 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.

Costa Rica for $619
Air from Miami, an arrival transfer, a seven-day car rental, and seven nights' hotel with breakfast daily. Spend one night in the capital of San José, two nights near the volcano at Arenal, one night in the Monteverde Cloud Forest area, and three nights near the beach and Manuel Antonio National Park. When Until Oct. 24. Other Gateways Dallas, L.A. (add $117); D.C. (add $140); New York (add $161). Details Call for the extra-night price. Single supplement from $341. Contact Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.

South America

Buenos Aires for $599
Copa Airlines flights from Miami (via Panama City), transfers, five nights at the Regis Hotel (on pedestrian-only Lavalle Street), breakfast daily, and a half-day city tour. When Until Dec. 5. Other Gateways New York ($739), L.A. ($829). Details Extra nights from $24. Single supplement $120. Stop over in Panama City for $122 more-includes one night at the Hotel Marbella, transfers, and a half-day tour of the Panama Canal. Contact Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.

Galápagos & Quito for $1,899
LanEcuador or American Airlines flights from Miami to Quito, transfers, an onward flight to the Galápagos Islands, admission to the national park (a $100 value), three nights aboard the M/V Legend, all meals and two guided island excursions daily while onboard, a return flight to Quito, three nights at the Four Points by Sheraton with breakfast daily, and a half-day city tour. When Until Sept. 30 and Nov. 20-Dec. 15 ($1,899); Oct. 1-Nov. 19 ($2,049). Other Gateways Baltimore, Boston, D.C., New York ($2,049/$2,199); Chicago ($2,069/$2,219); L.A., San Francisco ($2,179/$2,329). Details Extra nights in Quito $50. For a four-night cruise, add from $325; seven nights add from $1,250. Single supplement from $350. Upgrade to an outside cabin for $100 more. Contact Marnella Tours, 866/993-0033, marnellatours.com.

Peru for $894
LanPeru flights from Miami to Cuzco (via Lima), transfers, four nights at the El Puma Hotel with breakfast daily, a full-day excursion to Machu Picchu (by backpacker train, includes lunch at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel), an onward flight to Lima, transfers, and two nights at the El Carmel Hotel with breakfast daily. When Until Dec. 14. Other Gateways New York (add $150), L.A. (add $210). Details Extra nights from $24. Single supplement $100. Overnight at the Machu Picchu Inn for $57 a night. Upgrade to the Vistadome train and lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge for $50 more. Contact Analie Tours, 800/811-6027, analietours.com.

Rio de Janeiro for $599
Air from Boston, D.C., Miami, or New York and five nights with breakfast daily at Augusto's Copacabana Hotel, two blocks from the famous beach. When Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday departures until Sept. 25 ($599); Sept. 26-Dec. 8 ($639). Other Gateways L.A. (add $169), Chicago (add $181), San Francisco (add $192), Denver (add $228), Houston (add $275). Details Extra nights from $62. Single supplement from $161. Contact Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.

Europe

Vienna & Berlin for $899
Paul Laifer Tours, a longtime central Europe specialist, is offering a variety of well-priced city combos this fall, including one to Vienna and Berlin. Get Austrian Airlines flights from New York to Vienna and six nights split between Vienna (at the Hotel Albatros) and Berlin (at the Hotel Mark or Plaza). Flights between Vienna and Berlin, a half-day tour of each city, breakfast daily, and airport transfers in Vienna are also included. When Sept. 1-Oct. 31 ($1,499), Nov. 1-Dec. 15 ($899). Other Gateways Baltimore, Boston, D.C., Philadelphia (add $70); Atlanta, Chicago (add $140-$160, depending on the date); Miami, New Orleans (add $180-$220); Denver, L.A., Las Vegas, Portland, Seattle (add $250-$290). Details Extra nights from $56 in Vienna, $101 in Berlin. Single supplement from $260. More Vienna combos are available, including Prague (from $899), Budapest (from $999), and Venice (from $1,399). Spend six nights in Vienna alone, starting at $819. Contact Paul Laifer Tours, 800/346-6314, laifertours.com.

Ireland for $499
Air from New York, a seven-day car rental with unlimited miles, six nights of open vouchers good at your choice of more than 2,500 B&Bs throughout Ireland, and breakfast daily. When Sept. 6-Oct. 31 ($699), Nov. 1-Dec. 14 ($499). Other Gateways Boston (add from $20), Chicago (add from $68). Details Extra nights with car from $49. Single supplement from $299. Contact Brian Moore International Tours, 800/982-2299, bmit.com.

Lithuania Spa for $1,039
Air from New York to Vilnius, transfers to the town of Druskininkai (82 miles away), seven nights at the Regina Hotel, all meals, and two spa procedures daily. When Sept. 1-Oct. 31 ($1,219), Nov. 1-31 ($1,039). Other Gateways Boston ($1,219/$1,049), D.C. ($1,239/$1,099), Chicago ($1,359/$1,124), L.A. ($1,359/$1,184), Seattle ($1,364/$1,244). Details Extra nights from $119. Single supplement $195. Add $25 each way to travel on the weekends. Stay over in Vilnius (Conti Hotel) starting at $59 per night. Contact Nordic Saga Tours, 800/848-6449, nordicsaga.com.

London for $449
Air from New York, six nights at the Cordova House Hotel in the Bayswater neighborhood, and breakfast daily. When Sept. 6-Oct. 31 ($539), Nov. 1-Dec. 15 ($449). Other Gateways Boston, Philadelphia (add $50); Baltimore, D.C. (add $80); Atlanta, Chicago (add $150); Dallas, Detroit (add $180); New Orleans, Portland (add $200); Denver, L.A. (add $220). Details Extra nights from $42. Single supplement from $220. Contact Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com. Paris $559 Air from New York, six nights at the Timotel Nation Hôtel (near Place de la Nation and Gare de Lyon), and breakfast daily. When Sept. 1-Oct. 31 ($629), Nov. 1-Dec. 11 ($559). Other Gateways Philadelphia ($639/$579), D.C. ($659/$589), Atlanta ($689/$609), Chicago ($739/$649), Miami ($739/$699), Dallas ($759/$689), Denver ($799/$729), L.A. ($839/$729). Details Extra nights from $40. Single supplement from $210. Contact Europe ASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.

Prague for $535
Czech Airlines flights from Montreal, New York, or Toronto, transfers, six nights at the three-star Hotel U Sladku (a 15-minute walk from Prague Castle), breakfast daily, and a half-day city tour. When Sept. 1-Oct. 30 ($788), Nov. 1-17 ($535). Other Gateways Boston, D.C. (add $46); Chicago (add $110); Miami, Orlando (add $146); L.A., San Francisco (add $256). Details Extra nights from $25. Single supplement from $68. A similar Thanksgiving special starts at $745 (departs Nov. 18; single supplement $157). Contact Summit International Travel, 800/247-1142, summittours.com.

Africa & Middle East

Make Like a Sheikh in Dubai $998
For the last 10 years, crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has spearheaded this city's extraordinary transformation from a small fishing and trading port to an ultramodern metropolis of 1.2 million people. He's using Dubai's oil resources to turn the city into a center for information, technology, and tourism. Believe it or not, oil now counts for only 7.3 percent of the national income while tourism brings in 17 percent. The crown prince's vision has made Dubai a place of superlatives. The city has more than 40 shopping malls, one of which won the title of world's largest When it opened this month. (It has an indoor ski resort.) Dubai also claims the world's highest hotel (the Burj Al Arab) and, When construction is completed in 2008, it'll also be home to the tallest building (the Burj Dubai). Anything seems possible here. Palm-shaped man-made islands are being constructed offshore. Sand is being dredged from the Persian Gulf and held in place by enormous plastic membranes. If you want to see it for yourself, OctopusTravel.com has an incredible deal: Round-trip Emirates Air flights from New York and five nights at the Hotel San Marco. When Sept. 1-Dec. 30. Other Gateways D.C. (add $190), Chicago (add $402), L.A. (add $487). Details Extra nights $31 per room. Single supplement $511. Contact OctopusTravel.com, 866/462-8678, octopustravel.com.

Egypt tour for $1,895
Air from New York to Cairo, six nights' hotel (Cairo Marriott or similar), seven nights cruising the Nile aboard a deluxe river ship (River Anuket or Nile Stephanie), breakfast daily and all meals while on-board, 10 sightseeing tours (including the Pyramids and Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Aswan High Dam, Valleys of Kings and Queens at Thebes, and Luxor Temple), all transfers and internal flights, and more. When Sept. 17 and Oct. 9, 16 (from $1,895); Sept. 24 and Oct. 23, 30 and Nov. 5, 6 (from $2,095); Nov. 13, 20, 27 (from $1,995); Nov. 19 (from $2,195). Other Gateways Chicago, L.A. (add $250); Dallas, Miami (add $300). Details Geared toward people over the age of 50. Add 25 percent for the single supplement. Contact Grand Circle Travel, 800/248-3737, gct.com.

Kenya for $1,799
British Airways flights from New York (via London), minibus transfers with English-speaking driver/guide, one night in Nairobi at the Stanley Hotel, five nights on safari (two at the Sarova Shaba Lodge in the Shaba Game Reserve, one at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge on Lake Nakuru, and two at the Sarova Mara Tented Camp in the Masai Mara Game Reserve), breakfast daily, all meals and game drives while on safari, and all park entrance fees. When Until Oct. 31 ($1,899), Nov. 1-30 ($1,799). Other Gateways Boston, Philadelphia (add $50); Baltimore, D.C. (add $100); Atlanta, Miami (add $150); Chicago, Dallas (add $200); Denver, L.A., Seattle (add $250). Details Single supplement $350. A free stopover in London is allowed in either direction. Contact Lion World Tours, 800/387-2706, lionworldtravel.com.

Asia

Mekong River Journey for $4,500
With that price tag, you're probably wondering if you picked up the right magazine. But this once-in-a-lifetime trip is so special-and such a good value-we'd be remiss if we didn't tell you about it. We first introduced Brandon and Andrea Ross in 40 Best last September, a year after they'd sold their home in California and moved to Cambodia. The Rosses run a charming B&B in Siem Reap, near Angkor Wat (the inn has become so popular they've added new suites and a swimming pool), and they offer private guided tours of Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. This fall, Brandon will be leading a monthlong small-group tour down the Mekong River, from China's Yunnan Province to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, hitting six countries along the way. The itinerary includes visits to several small towns in southern China before heading downriver to Thailand. Get a real Thai massage in Chiang Rai, bathe in nearby hot springs, and take a day trip into Myanmar by walking across Friendship Bridge. Once in Laos, stop by a Hmong village, see a performance by the Royal Ballet of Luang Prabang, ride a long-tail boat to an ecolodge near Vientiane, and brave an elephant trek near Pakxé. After crossing the border into Cambodia, stay at the Journeys Within B&B and explore magnificent Angkor Wat before heading to Phnom Penh. The last stop is Vietnam, where you can tour the Cu Chi tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City. The virtually all-inclusive price covers all transportation within southeast Asia (flights, boats, vans, and buses), 27 nights in hotels, most meals (breakfast and lunch daily, 10 dinners), all entrance fees, tips for your local guides and drivers, and the services of two Journeys Within tour leaders. When Departs Oct. 29 from Bangkok. Details International airfare is not included. Single supplement $500. Maximum group size is 12. Contact Journeys Within, 877/454-3672, journeys-within.com.

Bali for $829
Cathay Pacific flights from L.A. or San Francisco (via Hong Kong), transfers, five nights' hotel with breakfast daily, and a half-day temple tour. Spend five nights in one place or in any combination of these three: Sanur Beach (Ari Putri Hotel), Kuta (Bakung Beach Cottages), and Ubud (Sri Bungalows). When Until Dec. 6. Other Gateways Portland, Seattle (add $50); New York (add $100); Denver, Salt Lake City (add $160); Boston, D.C., Philadelphia (add $180); Miami (add $250); Chicago, Detroit (add $285). Details Extra nights $20. Single supplement $120. Add $50 to travel on the weekends. Free stopovers in Hong Kong are available. Contact Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.

Malaysia tour for $1,369
China Airlines flights from L.A., San Francisco, or Seattle to Kuala Lumpur (via Taipei), an arrival transfer, public transportation by bus, train, and boat, and 14 nights' lodging. The 17-day escorted tour includes stops in Kuala Lumpur, Taman Negara National Park, the cultural center of Kota Baharu, the Perhentian Islands (in September; or on the island of Langkawi in October and November), Penang, and the Cameron Highlands. When Sept. 9 and 23, Oct. 7 and 21, Nov. 4. Other Gateways Houston, New York (add $100). Details Maximum group size is 18. A local payment of $135 is due upon arrival in Malaysia. Any single travelers will be paired with other singles of the same sex. Contact Adventure Center, 800/227-8747, adventurecenter.com.

Phuket for $879Flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Singapore (Singapore Airlines) and onward to Phuket (SilkAir), transfers, five nights at the hillside Royal Crown Hotel & Palm Resort overlooking Patong Beach, breakfast daily, and a half-day island tour. When Until Dec. 5. Other Gateways New York (add $150); Denver, Portland, Seattle (add $175); Boston, Chicago, D.C., Philadelphia (add $250); Dallas, Miami (add $300). Details Extra nights from $25. Single supplement from $150. Free stopovers in Singapore are available. Upgrade to the Amari Coral Beach Resort for $120 more, or to the Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club for $250 more. Contact Sayang Holidays, 888/472-9264, sayangholidays.com.

Tokyo combo for $1,199
Japan Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Tokyo, transfers, local flights, and six nights split between Tokyo (Akasaka Prince Hotel) and your choice of Bangkok (Montien Riverside), Beijing (New Otani), or Hong Kong (Hyatt Regency). The price also includes breakfast daily and half-day tours of each city. When Sept. 6-Oct. 27 ($1,299), Oct. 28-Dec. 8 ($1,199). For Hong Kong: Sept. 6-27 ($1,299), Sept. 28-Nov. 4 ($1,399), Nov. 5-Dec. 8 ($1,199). Other Gateways Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York (add $300). Details Call for the extra-night price. Single supplement from $450. Contact Ritz Tours, 800/900-2446, ritztours.com.

South Pacific

Fiji for $1,365
Air Pacific flights from L.A., transfers, five nights in an ocean-view bungalow at the Hideaway Resort, and breakfast daily. The beachfront hotel has a pool, spa, restaurant, café, lots of nonmotorized water sports, and a dive school. When Sept. 1-Dec. 4. Other Gateways None. Details This is a cash-discount price; add $35 for credit card payments. Extra nights $175. Single supplement $437. Contact Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com. Moorea $1,292 Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A. to Papeete, Tahiti, inter-island flights to Moorea, six nights in a mountain-view room at the Club Bali Hai (a family-run beachfront resort on Cook's Bay), and a welcome lei. When Nov. 1-Dec 12. Other Gateways None. Details Extra nights $108. Single supplement $259. Contact Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.

Australia & New Zealand

Sydney Combo for $1,779
Qantas flights from L.A. to Sydney, domestic air in Australia, and eight nights split between Sydney (at the Hotel Ibis) and either Brisbane (Ibis) or Melbourne (Mercure Welcome Hotel). When Until Dec. 4. Other Gateways New York (add $375). Details Call for the extra-night price. Single supplement from $390. Other options include an eight-day Sydney/Cairns combo (add from $100) and a 12-day Sydney/Adelaide/Kangaroo Island/Melbourne combo (add from $220). Contact Qantas Airways/Tourism Australia, 800/369-6863, australia.com.

New Zealand for $1,073
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Auckland, transfers, and an eight-day Eclipse 2 campervan rental (one double bed and kitchenette) with unlimited miles. When Sept. 1-Oct. 31 ($1,073), Nov. 1-Dec. 10 ($1,237). Other Gateways None. Details These are cash-discount prices; add $35 for credit card payments. Extra days with campervan from $46. You can extend your stay in New Zealand by up to a month; long-rental discounts will apply. Single supplement $184. Contact Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.