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Beyond hotels Looking for an affordable place to stay during the holidays? Consider renting an apartment or even a house. Check out websites like rentalo.com, interhome.us, villasintl.com, vrbo.com, and craigslist.org.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

North Island Road Trip from $1,733
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Auckland, an eight-day car rental, and seven nights of vouchers valid at hotels in Auckland, Rotorua, and Waitomo. When: May –June 8; July 2–Sept. 21. Other Gateways: Seattle (add $250), New York (add $396). SS: $536. Information: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com.

Sydney & Great Barrier Reef from $1,799
Qantas Airways flights from L.A. to Sydney, flights within Australia, and six nights' hotel split between Sydney and Cairns. When: May –31 ($1,799); June –8, July 2–Sept. 21 ($2,099); June –July 25 ($2,299). Other Gateways: San Francisco (add $90); Las Vegas, Seattle (add $220); Chicago (add $280); New York (add $300); Boston, D.C. (add $360). SS: $330. Information: ATS Tours, 888/423-9181, atstours.com.