Affordable South Africa

The Real Deal: Fly round-trip to South Africa for $1,350 and receive a free companion ticket.

When: Depart Jan. 15-Feb. 15, 2007; complete travel by Mar. 14, 2007.

Gateways: New York City, Washington, D.C.

Details: Airport taxes and fuel surcharges are an additional $220-$250 per person; note that both travelers must pay the taxes. Fares must be purchased by phone. For general guidelines on evaluating deals, click here.

Book By: Feb. 1, 2007.

Contact: South African Airlines, 800/521-4845, flysaa.com.

The latest promotion from South African Airlines--a Star Alliance member serving more than 700 destinations worldwide--is a terrific bargain. The airline's companion sale translates into round-trip fares of $675 per person for the 17-hour flights to either Cape Town or Johannesburg (plus about $220-$250 each in taxes and fuel surcharges).

January, February, and March are summer and early fall months in South Africa, with average temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s Fahrenheit. It's a lovely time to explore the region's wildlife and beaches, as well as top restaurants and wineries.

Before you go, check the weather forecast, exchange rate, and local time at budgettravelonline.com.

What Makes This a Deal? In comparison, the lowest round-trip fares we've found in early February are $1,050 from Washington, D.C., to either Cape Town or Johannesburg, and $1,050 from New York City to Johannesburg or $1,054 to Cape Town; all routes are on multiple carriers. The South African Airways sale fare will get you to South Africa for just $675, which will save you at least $375.

Flights from other cities, such as Atlanta and Chicago, are upwards of $1,200 per person, so  even if you don't live in New York City or Washington, D.C., it's worth buying the sale fare and a separate ticket to N.Y.C. or D.C.  

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