BudgetTravel.com
40 Best Vacations
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July/August 2007 issue
Wednesday, June 13, 2007;

Have you gone on a 40 Best trip? We want to publish your accounts and pictures! They help others learn more about the companies listed in this section--and we love reading the tales. E-mail us at Letters@BudgetTravelOnline.com.

Deal of the Month: The New Pragues
Despite their shared Soviet-occupation past, similar size, and close proximity, the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are surprisingly different from each other. (For starters, Estonia's language is closer to Finnish than to Latvian or Lithuanian.) You can make your own comparisons by visiting each of the three countries' capitals on a six-night trip from Eastern Tours, a New York-based travel operator specializing in the region. The company just reintroduced the package after a 10-year hiatus: "Back then, there weren't ATMs or many people who could speak English," says owner Gregory Vinnikov. "Now that these countries are part of the E.U., that's all changed. And everyone wants to visit."

Vilnius, Riga & Tallinn for $1,699
Finnair flights from New York to Vilnius, Lithuania (return flight from Tallinn, Estonia); all transfers; intercity bus transportation; three half-day city tours; and six nights' lodging split between Vilnius; Riga, Latvia; and Tallinn. When: Until Aug. 16 ($2,199); Aug. 17-Sept. 16 $1,799); Sept. 17-Oct. 31 ($1,699). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C. (add $250); Chicago, Miami (add $350); Dallas, Denver (add $450); L.A., San Francisco (add $525). SS: $395. Eastern Tours, 800/339-6967, traveltorussia.com.

Five-Star India, 50% Off
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is cutting its room rates in half during India's slow summer months. Eight-, 10- and 12-night packages are valid at six of its properties, including those in Jaipur, Udaipur, Agra, and the Himalayas; one night must be spent at an Oberoi hotel in Mumbai or New Delhi. The deal covers transfers, a 25 percent discount on spa treatments, free yoga, and hotel taxes.

$2,600
Land-only; airfare isn't covered. Price is per room. When: Until Sept. 30 ($2,600/8 nights; $3,100/10 nights; $3,300/12 nights). SS: None. Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, 800/562-3764, oberoihotels.com.

Family Adventures: Each Day Has a Theme
You don't have to travel far to give your kids a summer they can brag about. Go rafting or explore a national park--the French Quarter's got two of them!

$139
One night at JW Marriott New Orleans, NOLA Marriott in the French Quarter, or NOLA Marriott at the Convention Center; tickets to an attraction; breakfast. When: Until Sept. 30 (from $139 per room, quad). Marriott, 866/530-3763, neworleans.marriott.com.

$116
Two nights in a riverside one-bedroom cabin (with a full kitchen) at the Three Rivers Resort, in Almont, Colo., and a half-day rafting trip on the Gunnison River. When: Until Aug. 31 ($116 per person, quad). Three Rivers Resort, 888/761-3474, 3riversresort.com.

$1,229
The Total Yellowstone package covers five nights' hotel inside the national park, all meals, guides, and daily themed activities. When: July 1- Aug. 17 ($1,229 adults/$659 kids 8-11). Xanterra Parks & Resorts, 866/439-7375, travelyellowstone.com.

Two Weeks in Mexico From $950
For the best airfare sales, last-minute packages, seasonal round-ups, and special promotions--updated every weekday and approved by BT editors--check out The Real Deals, found only at our website, here.

Florida for Less
Summer is when hotels in the Sunshine State fill their packages with value-added extras--and you get the beach at its most relaxing.

$599
Air from Boston, Chicago, D.C., New York, Philadelphia, or St. Louis to Fort Lauderdale and five nights at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood. When: Until Sept. 30. Other Gateways: Atlanta (add $29); Detroit (add $49); L.A. (add $99). SS: $469. Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.

$239
Three nights at The Inn on Fifth in Naples; one dinner, lunch, and breakfast; tickets to the Naples Zoo; 25 percent off at the spa; and more. When: Until Oct. 30. SS: $146. The Inn on Fifth, 888/403-8778, innonfifth.com.

$593
Three nights at the TradeWinds Sandpiper in St. Petersburg, aquarium tickets, a dolphin-watching or sunset cruise, and more. Price per couple; mention BT. When: Aug. 1-Nov. 30. SS: None. TradeWinds Island Resorts, 866/587-8538, justletgo.com.

$385
Three nights at the Captiva Beach Resort on Siesta Key, one dinner, two breakfasts, an hour-long in-room massage, and more. When: Until Dec. 17. SS: $205. Captiva Beach Resort, 800/349-4131, captivabeachresort.com.

Cruising to a Finish
When we featured Hapag-Lloyd's Great Lakes cruises last summer, we had no idea that their sailing days were numbered: After seven years of falling water levels, the lakes are becoming too shallow for the company's Columbus. The ship's draft is now too big to enter ports such as Sault Ste. Marie. This fall will be the last foreseeable chance to sail on the Columbus through all five lakes on one of its three itineraries departing from Chicago or Toronto (depending on date).

$2,315
Includes 10 or 11 nights (varies by date), all meals and lectures on board, and port taxes. When: Sept. 17 (from $2,315); Sept. 27 (from $2,520); Oct. 8 (from $2,420). SS: From $745. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, 877/445-7447, hl-cruises.com.

UNITED STATES
Hawaii for $784
Northwest Airlines flights from San Francisco to Kailua-Kona and seven nights at the Royal Kona Resort on Kailua Bay. Add $178 for a weeklong car rental. When: Tuesday departures July 3-Aug. 14 ($923); Aug. 21-Sept. 25 ($784). Other Gateways: Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis (from $1,026). SS: $427. NWA WorldVacations, 800/800-1504, nwaworldvacations.com.

Las Vegas for $209
Southwest Airlines flights from L.A. or Reno and two nights at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, a Sheraton property on the Strip. The hotel was formerly the Aladdin Casino & Resort. When: July 2-Sept. 25 (from $209). Other Gateways: Denver, El Paso (from $259); Detroit, New Orleans (from $334); Orlando, Pittsburgh (from $344). SS: $120. Southwest Airlines Vacations, 800/423-5683, southwestvacations.com.

CANADA
Vancouver for $521
Alaska Airlines flights from San Francisco and three nights at the Quality Inn at False Creek, next to the Granville Street Bridge. When: June 1-Sept. 30. Other Gateways: L.A. (from $550); New York, Orlando, (from $694). SS: From $236. Alaska Airlines Vacations, 800/468-2248, alaskaair.com.

MEXICO
Copper Canyon Tour for $1,499
A nine-day, round-trip tour from Phoenix with all transfers and local transportation (bus, train on the Chihuahua al Pacífico Railroad along the edge of Copper Canyon); eight nights' lodging; most excursions, tours, and meals; and an English-speaking guide throughout. Spend one night each in San Carlos, Los Alamos, El Fuerte, and Casas Grandes; and two each in Phoenix and Posada Barrancas in Copper Canyon. When: Friday departures Sept. 7, Dec. 7, 14 ($1,499); Sept. 21-Nov. 30 ($1,599). SS: $300. Trafalgar, 866/544-4434, trafalgar.com.

Playa del Carmen for $450
Spirit Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale to Cancún, transfers, and three nights at the all-inclusive beachfront Reef Playacar resort in Playa del Carmen (a 40-minute drive south of Cancún). When: July 1-Sept. 2 ($496); Sept. 3-Oct. 29 ($450). Other Gateways: Orlando, Tampa (from $499); Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, D.C., Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York (from $550). SS: $225. Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.

CARIBBEAN
Caribbean Cruise for $399
A seven-day sailing round trip from Miami aboard the Carnival Triumph with three days at sea. The route alternates by week between the western Caribbean (Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Cayman Islands; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica) and the eastern Caribbean (Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos). Prices cover port taxes but not airfare. When: Saturday departures July 7-Sept. 29 ($399 inside cabin/$529 ocean-view cabin). SS: From $130. American Discount Cruises, 866/214-7447, americandiscountcruises.com.

Dominican Republic for $410
Spirit Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale to Punta Cana, transfers, and three nights at the all-inclusive Catalonia Bávaro Beach, Golf & Casino Resort on Bávaro Beach. Up to two children under the age of seven can stay free with two paying adults. When: July 1-Sept. 2 ($448); Sept. 3-Oct. 29 ($410). Other Gateways: Orlando, Tampa (from $485); Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, D.C., Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York (from $560). SS: $150. Spirit Vacations, 800/617-3325, spiritvacations.com.

Jamaica for $865
Air from Miami, transfers, and four nights in a garden-view balcony room at the beachfront Ritz Carlton Golf & Spa Resort near Montego Bay. The price includes all meals, drinks, and resort fees. When: Until Aug. 31 ($865); Sept. 1-Dec. 14 ($914). Other Gateways: New York (from $939), Atlanta (from $979), Philadelphia (from $1,019), Hartford (from $1,069), Baltimore (from $1,085), Chicago (from $1,099), Houston (from $1,125), Boston (from $1,139), L.A. from $1,199). SS: $699. Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com.

CENTRAL AMERICA
Costa Rica for $680
American Airlines flights from Miami to San José, a seven-day car rental, three nights with breakfast daily at the Arenal Observatory Lodge near Arenal Volcano National Park, and four nights at the Hotel Costa Verde near Manuel Antonio National Park. When: July 1-Aug. 31 ($780); Sept. 1-Oct. 31 ($680). Other Gateways: Dallas (from $705); New York (from $739); Chicago (from $765); L.A., San Francisco (from $775); Portland, Seattle (from $865). SS: $285. Capricorn Leisure Corp., 800/426-6544, capricorn.net.

Panama for $880
American or Copa Airlines flights from Miami to Panama City, transfers, and six nights at all-inclusive Royal Decameron Beach Resort Golf & Casino on Playa Blanca. When: Wednesday and Thursday departures until Aug. 16 ($980); Aug. 17-Dec. 8 ($880). Other Gateways: Dallas, Houston (add $160); Atlanta, D.C. (add $180); Boston, New York, Philadelphia (add $200); Chicago (add $260); L.A., San Francisco (add $300). SS: $270. Tara Tours, 800/327-0080, taratours.com.

SOUTH AMERICA
Buenos Aires & Iguazú Falls for $1,049
Lan Argentina flights from Miami to Buenos Aires, all transfers, four nights at the Regis Orho Hotel (on pedestrian-only Lavalle Street), an onward Lan Argentina flight to Iguazú Falls, one night at the Hotel St. George, and breakfast daily. The price also includes a half-day tour each of Buenos Aires and Iguazú Falls, and all park entrance fees. When: Until Aug. 15 ($1,149); Aug. 16-Dec. 9 ($1,049). Other Gateways: Orlando, Tampa (add $60); Boston, D.C., L.A., New York, Philadelphia (add $200). SS: $300. Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.

Chile for $2,115
Air from Miami to Santiago, all transfers, three nights at the Hotel Director with breakfast daily, an onward flight to the Atacama Desert, and three nights at the Terrantai Lodge in San Pedro de Atacama with all meals. The price covers entrance fees, a Santiago city tour, and up to three Atacama Desert tours; options include trekking in the Cordillera de la Sal, petroglyph viewing, and visiting the El Tatio geysers. When: July 1-31, Sept. 1-30 ($2,115); Aug. 1-31 ($2,255). Other Gateways: Boston, New York, Philadelphia (from $2,310); L.A., San Francisco (from $2,416); Chicago (from $2,623). SS: $570. Marnella Tours, 866/993-0033, marnellatours.com.

Ecuador & The Galápagos for $3,399
Air from Miami to Guayaquil, all transfers, two nights at the Colon Guayaquil Hilton hotel, transfers, an onward flight to Baltra Island, and four nights exploring the Galápagos Islands in an outside cabin on the Galápagos Explorer II. The price covers a naturalist guide, daily lectures on wildlife, all shore excursions and park fees, and all meals and entertainment on board the ship. When: Friday departures July 6-Nov. 16. AARP members get $100 off on all departures and $200 off on Aug. 17 and Oct. 26. Other Gateways: New York (add from $100), Boston (add from $300), Atlanta (add from $325), Chicago (add from $350). SS: $1,147. General Tours World Traveler, 800/221-2216, generaltours.com.

Rio de Janeiro for $879 - Two Blocks From the Beach
Air from Miami or New York; six nights at the Savoy Othon Travel hotel, two blocks from Copacabana Beach; and breakfasts. Includes airline fuel surcharges. When: Tuesday and Thursday departures July 3, 5, Aug. 2-14 ($969); Aug. 16-Oct. 30 ($879). Other Gateways: Boston, Philadelphia (add $96); D.C. (add $119); Chicago (add $152); L.A. (add $170). SS: $21. Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.

EUROPE
Amsterdam for $839
Air from Miami or New York, six nights at the Hotel Acro (near the Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark), and breakfast daily. When: Until Sept. 3 ($1,089); Sept. 4-Oct. 31 ($839). Other Gateways: Boston (from $849); Philadelphia (from $859); D.C. (from $879); Atlanta (from $939); Chicago (from $969); L.A., San Francisco (from $1,069). SS: From $240. EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.

Croatia for $2,590
Air from Boston or New York to Split (the return flight is from Dubrovnik), airport transfers, interisland ferry transportation, breakfast and dinner daily, and 14 nights' hotel accommodations along the Croatian coast. Spend three nights each in Split, Hvar, and Korcula; and five nights in the city of Dubrovnik. When: Saturday departures until Aug. 31 ($2,890); Sept. 1-30 ($2,590). Other Gateways: D.C. (add $80); Miami (add $90); Chicago (add $110); Denver (add $170); L.A., San Francisco (add $180). SS: From $410. Travel Time, 800/354-8728, traveltimeny.com.

Greek Islands for $2,159
Air from Atlanta, Boston, or New York to Athens; all transfers; two nights at the Stanley Hotel; ferry transport to Mykonos; two nights at the Dorion Hotel; and a three-night Aegean cruise. The itinerary includes stops at Rhodes, Iráklion (Crete), and Santorini, Greece; and Kusadasi, Turkey. Also covers a half-day city tour and breakfasts in Athens, and all meals aboard the cruise. When: Tuesday departures July 3-17 ($2,469); July 24 ($2,509); July 31-Aug. 21 ($2,569); Aug. 28 ($2,659); Sept. 4 ($2,589); Sept. 11 ($2,239); Sept. 18 ($2,209); Sept. 25-Oct. 9 ($2,159). Other Gateways: Philadelphia (add $40); Chicago, Miami (add $54). SS: $681. Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.

Italy for $1,659
Eurofly flights from New York to Bologna, second-class intercity train transportation, and seven nights' hotel accommodations split between Venice, Bologna, and Florence. Spend four nights in Florence at the Framon Anglo American, two nights in Venice at the Hotel Hesperia, and one night in Bologna at the Jolly Hotel de la Gare. When: Tuesday and Saturday departures July 2-24, Sept. 4 ($2,099); July 28 ($1,999); Aug. 4 ($1,659); Aug. 7-14 ($1,769); Aug. 18-28 ($1,799); Sept. 11-29 ($2,199). Other Gateways: None. SS: From $399. Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com.

London & Dublin for $899
Air from New York to London (return flight is from Dublin); three nights at the Adare Hotel, in Sussex Gardens near Hyde Park; an onward flight to Dublin; three nights at the Jackson Court Hotel, in the Village Quarter near Grafton St.; and breakfast daily. When: July 1-Sept. 3 ($1,169); Sept. 4-Oct. 31 ($899). Other Gateways: Boston (from $979), Philadelphia (from $989), D.C. (from $1,009), Atlanta (from $1,069), Miami (from $1,079), Dallas (from $1,089), San Francisco (from $1,149), L.A. (from $1,159), Chicago (from $1,209). SS: From $230. EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.

Madeira & Lisbon for $1,280
Tap Portugal flights from New York to Funchal on Madeira Island (via Lisbon), all transfers, four nights at the Hotel Baía Azul (about two miles outside of town, overlooking the ocean), a half-day island tour, anonward flight to Lisbon, three nights at the Hotel Mundial (in the Baixa Pombalina district), and a half-day city tour. When: July 1-31 ($1,686); Aug. 1-31 ($1,729); Sept. 1-30 ($1,280). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C. (add $118); Atlanta, Chicago (add $224); Miami, St. Louis (add $282); L.A., San Francisco (add $400). SS: From $471. Abreu Tours, 800/223-1580, abreu-tours.com.

Russia Cruise for $3,095
Air from Boston or New York to Moscow (return flight is from St. Petersburg), all transfers and local bus transportation, four nights in Moscow at the Holiday Inn, three nights in St. Petersburg at the Ambassador Hotel, and a seven-night river cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg (the itinerary reverses direction by departure date). The price includes accommodations in an outside cabin on one of Grand Circle's two private 216-passenger ships; sightseeing in both cities; most meals, all entertainment, lectures, and activities on board; and shore excursions. Note: Trip is geared toward people over the age of 50. When: July 5, 12 ($3,895); Aug. 3, 23 ($3,495); July 19-Aug. 30 ($3,695); Sept. 20, 27 ($3,095). Other Gateways: Baltimore (from $3,295), Atlanta (from $3,345), Seattle (from $3,445), Cleveland (from $3,475). SS: From $774. Grand Circle Travel, 800/248-3737, gct.com.

AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
South Africa for $2,599
South African Airways flights from New York to Cape Town (return flight is from Johannesburg), an 11-day car rental with unlimited mileage, 10 nights' hotel accommodations en route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, and an onward flight from Port Elizabeth to Jo'burg. Spend three nights in Cape Town at Southern Sun's Cullinan hotel; two in the Winelands region at The Village at Spier hotel; three along the Garden Route, a road along the southern edge of the country, at The Thorntree and Knysna Hollow Country Estate; and two in the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve at the Woodbury Lodge. The price includes breakfasts, airport surcharges, car insurance, four game drives, and all meals while on safari. When: July 1-31, Aug. 13-31 ($2,789); Aug. 1-12 ($2,599); Sept. 1-30 ($3,259). Other Gateways: Atlanta (add $100), L.A. (add $280). SS: $829. Foreign Independent Tours, 800/248-3487, fittours.com.

Southern Africa Tent Safari for $2,850
South African Airways flights from D.C. or New York to Cape Town (via Johannesburg) and a camping safari through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia. The price covers all transfers and local transportation (van, 4x4 truck, dugout canoe, plane); 19 nights' accommodations (one in a lodge, 18 in two-person tents with mattresses); most meals; all park entrance fees, medical insurance, and camping equipment (except sleeping bags); and English-speaking guides/drivers throughout. Highlights include game drives in Etosha National Park, canoeing through the Okavango Delta, a sunset river cruise in Chobe National Park, and Victoria Falls. When: July 3, 10, 27, Aug. 4, 14 ($3,099); Aug. 21, 28, Sept. 4, 14, 21, 25, Oct. 4 ($2,850). Other Gateways: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, L.A., San Francisco, Seattle (add $250). SS: $356. Karell's African Dream Vacations, 800/327-0373, karell.com.

ASIA
China Tour for $1,760: Take a Kung Fu class!
A 14-day, fully escorted, active tour from Beijing to Hong Kong with eight nights in hotels, two in guesthouses, and three on overnight trains. The price covers local transportation (train, plane, local bus, raft, bicycle) and English-speaking guides throughout. The itinerary includes a Great Wall trek, Forbidden City tour, and Hutong bike tour in Beijing; a visit to the terra-cotta warriors in Xi'an; a raft trip down the Li River; and a kung fu class at the Shaolin Monastery and Temple. A local payment of $250 is due upon arrival. Add about $100 for meals. This price doesn't cover international airfare. When: Aug. 5; Sept. 2, 30; Oct. 28; Nov. 25. SS: None. G.A.P Adventures, 800/465-5600, gapadventures.com.

Singapore, Bangkok & Bali for $1,269
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco, all transfers and onward flights, and eight nights' hotel accommodations split between Singapore, Bangkok, and Bali. Spend two nights in Singapore at the Peninsula Excelsior Hotel, three nights in Bangkok at the Novotel Lotus, and three nights in Bali on Sanur Beach or in Ubud. The price covers half-day tours and breakfasts in Bangkok and Bali, and a trolley tour and riverboat cruise in Singapore. When: Until Aug. 20 ($1,519); Aug. 21-Dec. 5 ($1,269). Other Gateways: Denver, Phoenix, Seattle (add from $175); New York (add from $250); Billings, Dallas, Houston (add from $275); Albany, D.C., Pittsburgh, St. Louis (add from $335). SS: $330. Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.

Tokyo & Kyoto for $1,599
Japan Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Tokyo, transfers, a seven-day Japan Rail pass, three nights at the Le Méridien Pacific Tokyo hotel, three nights in Kyoto at the New Miyako Hotel, and a half-day city tour each in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara. When: Until July 15 ($1,849); July 16-Aug. 20 ($1,799); Aug. 21-Oct. 23 ($1,649); Oct. 24-Dec. 8 ($1,599). Other Gateways: Chicago, New York (add $50). SS: $354. NTA America, 800/682-7872, japanvacation.net.

Vietnam & Thailand Tour for $3,340
Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. to Bangkok (via Singapore), all transfers and intercity transportation (plane, bus, overnight train), 18 nights' lodging (four in Bangkok; two each in Chiang Mai, Hoi An, and on the River Kwai; three each in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; and one each in Ayutthaya and Hue), and English-speaking guides throughout. Includes an optional two-day trek in Chiang Mai. Add $250 per week for meals and entry costs. When: July 8, 29, Aug. 12, 26 ($3,490); Sept. 9, 30, Oct. 21, Nov. 11 ($3,340). Other Gateways: New York (from $3,440), Miami (from $3,555). SS: $610. Travelers can choose to be paired with a roommate of the same sex for no extra charge; if none is available, the fee is the reduced amount of $400. Djoser, 877/356-7376, djoserusa.com.

SOUTH PACIFIC
Cook Islands for $1,360
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Rarotonga, transfers, a lei greeting, five nights in a studio apartment at the Edgewater Resort & Spa, and breakfasts. The price includes departure taxes, security charges, and fuel surcharges. When: Until Mar. 30. Other Gateways: None. SS: $264. Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.

Tahiti & Sydney for $1,399
Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A. to Papeete, all transfers, three nights at the Sofitel Tahiti Resort on the island's western coast, an onward flight to Sydney, and five nights at The Menzies Sydney Hotel overlooking Wynyard Park. The package also includes a Sydney city tour and breakfast daily. Book by Aug. 30. When: Sept. 5, May 7 ($1,399); Oct. 10, Nov. 21, Dec. 5, Jan. 23, Feb. 13, Mar. 12, Apr. 9 ($1,499). Other Gateways: New York (add $100). SS: $499. SmarTours, 800/337-7773, smartours.com.

Cook Islands for $1,360
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Rarotonga, transfers, a lei greeting, five nights in a studio apartment at the Edgewater Resort & Spa, and breakfasts. The price includes departure taxes, security charges, and fuel surcharges. When: Until Mar. 30. Other Gateways: None. SS: $264. Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand Camper Van for $1,326
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Auckland and a seven-night Eclipse 2 camper-van rental. The van has a double bed and kitchenette, but doesn't come with a bathroom. When: Until Mar. 31. Other Gateways: None. SS: $120. Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.