40 Best Bargain Vacations

This month's winner is Sydney Rogers of Mount Pleasant, S.C. Her prize: A nine-day safari in Kenya courtesy of 2Afrika. Backpacking in Honduras, my fiancé, Ben, and I opted to take the train instead of a bus. To our dismay, it turned out to be a stuffy, dirty, and windowless livestock train. We arrived in Tela desperate to bathe. Our hotel advertised private showers, and our room did indeed have a shower--but the only running water was a slow trickle from the sink. We filled our empty water bottles, laughing hysterically as we rinsed ourselves in our "private shower." It was the best one we'd had in weeks! Win a 17-Day Trip to Thailand If your response is the best we receive before June 30, you'll win a 17-day trip to Thailand courtesy of Djoser. The prize includes round-trip airfare for one from New York or L. A. to Bangkok; accommodations in hotels, beach cabanas, and sleeper trains; airport transfers; and a guide. Valid for departures until June 1, 2006. Blackout dates apply. If 2006 prices increase, winner must pay the difference. Trips booked in high or shoulder seasons (June, July, August, December) will incur additional costs. Subject to availability, nontransferable, nonnegotiable. For more information on Djoser: 877/356-7376, djoserusa.com. How to enter: TrueStories@BudgetTravelOnline.com or True Stories, Budget Travel, 530 Seventh Ave., 2nd Fl., New York, NY 10018. Guidelines are at BudgetTravelOnline.com. Sorry, we can't return photos. Bear in mind that his left hand was pointing the wrong way While hiking in Mexico's Baja peninsula, my girlfriend and I got lost. Christ! I said to myself. Where's the car? Reaching the top of the hill, we were amazed to behold a sight that made my earlier exclamation strangely prophetic--a giant statue of Jesus. And his right hand was pointing directly to our car. --Gene Pembroke, Lester, Pa. Now please slap your knee I'd always been told that the Japanese were unfailingly polite, and on my first business trip to Osaka, I found it to be true. I was giving a lecture, and because Japanese audiences are traditionally quiet, I was trying a little tongue-in-cheek humor. They seemed to heartily appreciate it. "They're understanding my humor, right?" I asked the interpreter. "Oh yes, Rick-san," she replied. "I always tell them, 'Is American joke. Please laugh.' " --Rick Tillman, Tualatin, Ore. Rigorously translated, it means "Aussie Filthpot" In Zanzibar, my husband and I took a spice farm tour with our Australian travel mate, Mac. The locals had been pointing and laughing at him all day, so finally he asked a worker what was so funny. "Your shirt!" she said. Mac had ruined a shirt while on safari, so he'd bought a new one at the market. It turns out that the Swahili word on the shirt, mzungu, loosely translates as "white boy tourist."--Denise Jones, Issaquah, Wash. Fresh is good, right? My wife and I couldn't help noticing how everyone in New Delhi was enjoying iced fruit drinks. It was brutally hot, and even though we knew the ice was suspect, we broke down and ordered a mango drink. We started drinking on the spot. Suddenly, there was a commotion a few stalls away-a boy was screaming at a cow. He bent down and picked up his bike, which the cow had knocked over. He then knelt down and grabbed a block of ice from a pile of fresh cow manure. He wiped it down with his hands, strapped it to his bike, and delivered it to our vendor. --Alfie Blanch, Pasadena, Calif. Then there are the ones you can't see Thirty-five years after serving in Vietnam, I returned to visit the places I used to patrol. One day, overlooking the Cambodian border, I heard a noise on the trail leading to the road. All of a sudden, out popped this woman smuggling cigarettes across the border. It was the best laugh of the day. --Tom Layman, Petersburg, Mich.

What You Need to Know to Use This Section All of the rates and packages are accurate and available as of press time, but these trips usually sell out quickly. Additional fees: Any service fees, security and passenger-facility charges, and visa costs generally aren't included; neither are hotel, car rental, and airport taxes. Such charges vary widely--expect $300 (and higher) for spots where visas alone cost $100 or more. Timing: Most rates are based on midweek airfare; weekend travel can raise the price $100 or more each way. Be flexible. Singles Rates: are per person, for two people traveling together and sharing a room. The single supplement is the fee levied for going alone. Itinerary changes: You can often add nights: The extra-night rate is per person, double occupancy. Most operators will bundle excursions, meals, and tours for an additional cost. Research: Hotels will be clean and safe, offering the basics for a basic price. The lowest-price ones may not be centrally located. As with any serious purchase, you should do some research. Many websites--TripAdvisor and Epinions, for example--post reviews of hotels and cruises. If you don't like what you see, upgrades to better hotels are almost always available. Airfare: Where flights are included, we list prices from several airports ("gateways"), but we don't have space to show them all. Operators may arrange connections from other airports, but don't assume they'll always give you the best rate. It might make more sense to book your flights using frequent-flier miles or a low-cost airline. Also, check to see how many connections you'll have to make. All-inclusives: All-inclusive resorts usually cover lodging, three meals daily, entertainment, and nonmotorized water sports. Some also include alcoholic drinks and gratuities. The Real Deals Right Now United States A New Place to Play in Vegas for $620 At exactly 12:01 a.m. on April 28, the doors finally opened to Steve Wynn's eponymous new $2.7 billion megaresort on the Las Vegas Strip--revealing 200 acres of unbridled decadence, from the 2,700 hotel rooms to the 100,000-square-foot casino to the 18-hole championship golf course (the only one on the Strip) to the mini-mall selling Manolo Blahniks and Ferraris. Get your own piece of the action with Champion Air charter flights from Dallas or Minneapolis and four nights in a resort room at the Wynn Las Vegas. When: Sunday departures June 5--Aug. 28 (except June 5 and July 24 from Minneapolis). Other Gateways: Detroit (from $670) and St. Louis (from $660), but dates vary. Details: No extra nights. Single supplement from $436. Contact: Worry-Free Vacations, 888/225-5658, worryfreevacations.com. Arizona for $260 Air from L.A. and three nights at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, just outside Phoenix. The hotel offers 10 swimming pools, a three-story waterslide, three restaurants, eight tennis courts, a full spa, and 27 holes of golf. When: Select Sunday and Monday departures May 30--Sept. 17. Other Gateways: San Francisco ($327), Denver ($380), Chicago ($415), Boston ($463). Details: Extra nights $80. Single supplement $160. Contact: America West Vacations, 800/235-9298, americawestvacations.com. Disney World for $379 Air from Boston, D.C., or New York and three nights at Disney's giant Pop Century Resort. When: Monday departures July 11--Aug. 22. Other Gateways: Charlotte, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh ($399). Details: Extra nights from $60. Single supplement from $170. A two-day ParkHopper pass costs $154 from Disney; three days $206. Upgrade to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort starting at $70 more. Contact: US Airways Vacations, 800/352-8747, usairwaysvacations.com. Fort Lauderdale for $299 Air from New York and three nights at the three-star Holiday Inn Lauderdale by the Sea, with a pool and fitness room. When: Until Nov. 30. Other Gateways: D.C. ($329); Boston, Chicago ($349); Dallas ($375); L.A. ($399); San Francisco ($429). Details: Extra nights $49. Single supplement $149. Upgrade to the four-star Sheraton Yankee Trader Hotel for $35 more. Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com. Hawaii for Families for $2,669 Air from Oakland to Honolulu, transfers, and seven nights in a two-bedroom at the Ohana East in Waikiki starts at $2,669 for a family of four. Air from Oakland to Maui, an eight-day car rental, and seven nights in a two-bedroom condo at the Kihei Akahi starts at $2,859 for a family of four. When: Select departures through August. Other Gateways: None. Details: Prices for two adults and two children (ages 17 and under). No extra nights. Contact: SunTrips, 800/786-8747, suntrips.com. Maui for $408 The Plantation Inn's Unforgettable Maui package is $408, including a three-day car rental (pick up and drop off at the airport), three nights in a deluxe room, breakfast daily, and one dinner for two at Gerard's Restaurant. The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel's $448 Maui Getaway package includes a three-day car rental, three nights in an ocean-view room, breakfast daily, and your choice of either dinner for two or Sunday brunch for two. When: Until Dec. 15. Details: Prices are per person and do not include airfare. Contact: The Plantation Inn, 800/433-6815, theplantationinn.com. The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, 800/262-8450, kbhmaui.com. San Diego for $194 Air from Oakland, Sacramento, or San Jose and two nights at the Best Western Seven Seas Lodge. When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday departures June 2--Aug. 30 (from $194). Blacked out June 29--July 3. Other Gateways: Houston, New Orleans (from $304); Chicago, Nashville, Providence (from $324). Details:Extra nights from $35. Single supplement from $95. Contact: Southwest Airlines Vacations, 800/423-5683, swavacations.com. Canada Montreal Swings Again for $446 Many believe it's the only truly original American form of music, but few know that the world's largest celebration of jazz is actually held across the border in Canada. Over the course of 11 days, 2,500 musicians from 20 countries will perform more than 500 concerts for 2 million fans. It's all part of the 26th annual Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. You'll need tickets to see top-billed acts like Michael Bublé, but the majority of shows will be free of charge, held on outdoor stages throughout the city. A Duo Jazz package includes two nights at the four-star Hôtel St. Paul in Old Montreal, breakfast daily, a six-course dinner at the Europa Restaurant, a ticket to one of the featured concerts (Michael Bublé, Cesaria Evora, Mark Knopfler, and Roberta Flack and Al Jarreau, among others), a ticket to a concert by local musicians, a souvenir album and T-shirt, and more. When: June 30--July 10. Details: The price is per person double occupancy, and does not include airfare. Contact: Alio Travel, 800/280-9967, montrealjazzfest.com/packages. Newfoundland & Saint-Pierre for $1,639 Air Canada flights from Atlanta or Boston to St. John's, a nine-day midsize car rental, nine nights' lodging (three in St. John's, two in Dildo, two in Trinity, and two on the French island of Saint-Pierre), round-trip ferry transfers to Saint-Pierre, and a whale-watching boat tour in Conception Bay. When: Until Oct. 31. Other Gateways: Chicago, New York ($1,749); L.A. ($1,829). Details: Extra nights $99. Single supplement $999. Contact: Maxxim Vacations Gray Line, 800/567-6666, maxximvacations.com. Victoria for $529 Alaska Airlines flights from San Francisco, transfers, and three nights at the Best Western Carlton Plaza downtown, a few blocks from the Inner Harbour. When: Wednesday and Saturday departures June 1--Aug. 31. Other Gateways: L.A. (from $563); Boston, New York, Orlando (from $724). Details: Extra nights from $85. Single supplement from $260. Contact: Alaska Airlines Vacations, 800/468-2248, alaskaair.com. Mexico Cabo San Lucas for $799 Aero California flights from L.A. and seven nights in San José del Cabo at the all-inclusive Royal Solaris Los Cabos. The beachfront hotel has two pools, four restaurants, and lots of activities. When: Sunday through Wednesday departures until Oct. 31. Other Gateways: None. Details: Extra nights $78. Single supplement $450. Two children 12 and under stay free when sharing a room with two adults (airfare not included for kids). Contact: SkyAuction, skyauction.com/budgettraveljune, book over the Internet. Cancún for $385 American Airlines flights from Miami, transfers, and five nights in an ocean-view room at the Carisa y Palma, a beachfront condo hotel with a restaurant/bar, pool, and tennis court. When: June 1--30, July 7--28, Aug. 1--31. Other Gateways: Philadelphia ($426); New York ($504); Baltimore, D.C. ($513). Details: Extra nights from $68. Single supplement from $189. Contact: Vacation Travel Mart, 800/288-1435, vacmart.com. Puerto Vallarta for $435 Alaska Airlines flights from L.A., transfers, and four nights at the Hacienda Hotel & Spa, with a pool and swim-up bar. The beach is a short walk away. When: April 3--Dec. 18. Other Gateways: Chicago ($586, with American Airlines flights from April 7--Dec. 15), New York ($664, Aeroméxico, April 3--Dec. 15), Denver ($751, Delta, April 7--Dec. 15). Details: Land-only price is $187. Extra nights $84. Single supplement from $219. Contact: Pleasant Holidays, 800/448-3333, pleasantholidays.com. Caribbean Dominican Republic for $525 American Airlines flights from Miami and five all-inclusive nights on Puerto Plata's Playa Dorada at the four-star Paradise Beach Club & Casino, with a pool, three restaurants, five bars, and a nightclub. When: June 1--28 ($525); July 7--28 and Aug. 1--31 ($554). Other Gateways: New York ($561/$590); Phila-delphia ($601/$630); Baltimore, D.C. ($698/$727). Details: Extra nights from $79. Single supplement from $134. Contact: Vacation Travel Mart, 800/288-1435, vacmart.com. Jamaica for $453 Continental or Air Jamaica flights from New York or Philadelphia and seven nights at Legends Beach Resort on Negril's Seven Mile Beach. When: Monday through Thursday departures until Aug. 31, except June 30--July 5 and July 18--25. Other Gateways: Pittsburgh ($502), Atlanta ($512), Miami ($532), Charlotte ($542). Details: Extra nights from $35. Single supplement from $217. Contact: Atlas Vacations, 800/634-1057, atlasvacations.net. Nevis for $62 Families or friends who book four nights in a two-bedroom superior suite at the Mount Nevis Hotel ($495 per night for four people) will get four nights free; if five are booked, five nights are free, etc. This works out to $62 a night per person. The hotel is on a hillside overlooking the sea; shuttle service is provided to a nearby beach club. When: May 15--Dec. 15. Details: This is a land-only price; airfare is not included. Contact: Mount Nevis Hotel, 800/756-3847, mountnevishotel.com. Central America Belize for $829 American Airlines flights from Miami, a three-day car rental, flights between Belize City and Ambergris Cay, and seven nights' lodging (one at the Jaguar Paw Jungle Lodge and two at the Black Rock River Lodge, both in the Cayo District, and four at the Mayan Princess Suites on Ambergris). When: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday departures June 1--30 ($829) and July 1--Aug. 31 ($854). Other Gateways: Dallas ($879/$904), New York ($929/$954), Chicago ($1,029/$1,054), L.A. ($1,097/$1,122), Seattle ($1,129/$1,154). Details: Extra nights from $50. Single supplement $347. Contact: Capricorn Leisure, 800/426-6544, capricorn.net. Costa Rica for $475 Grupo Taca flights from Miami to San José and four all-inclusive nights at the beachfront Fiesta Resort, on the Pacific coast near Puntarenas. When: June 1--Aug. 31. Other Gateways: Dallas, New York (add $175); L.A. (add $199). Details: The resort is 90 minutes from the airport. Shuttle transfers cost $60 round trip; car rentals can be arranged starting at about $20 per day. Extra nights from $66. Single supplement from $180. Contact: Leisure Link International, 888/801-8808, eleisurelink.com. South America Brazil for $1,850 The Island Experience on Ilha Grande offers a seven-day program that includes round-trip transfers from Rio International Airport to Ilha Grande, six nights' lodging, all meals (they're vegetarian and organic), 45 hours of supervised activities (sea kayaking, hiking), yoga classes, a daily one-hour massage, recreational activities (snorkeling, capoeira classes, painting classes, etc.), and three nights of Brazilian cultural entertainment. When: The program runs Sunday--Saturday and costs $1,850 year-round. Details: Price does not include airfare to Rio. Contact: The Island Experience, 646/201-4505 or 011-55/21-2552-3500, theislandexperience.com. Buenos Aires for $599 Copa Airlines flights from Miami (via Panama City), transfers, five nights at the Regis Hotel, breakfast daily, and a half-day city tour. When: Until June 17 and Aug. 16--Dec. 5 ($599); June 18--Aug. 15 ($699). Other Gateways: New York ($789/$739), L.A. ($829/$929). 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 Miraflores Locks. Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com. Colombia for $799 Copa Airlines flights from Miami to San Andrés Island (via Panama City), transfers, and six nights at the all-inclusive Royal Decamerón Aquarium Hotel. The beachfront resort has a pool, four restaurants, three bars, and a disco. When: Until Dec. 2. Other Gateways: New York (add $140), L.A. (add $220). Details: Extra nights $69. Single supplement $300. Contact: Tara Tours, 800/327-0080, taratours.com. Peru for $739 LanPeru flights from Miami, transfers, seven nights' lodging at tourist-class hotels (three in Lima and four in Cuzco), breakfast daily, one dinner, guided sightseeing by private bus, half-day tours of Lima and Cuzco, and local flights between cities. When: June 28 ($869), Aug. 30 ($799), Sept. 27 ($739). Other Gateways: New York (add $171), L.A. (add $206). Details: These are cash-discount prices; add 3 percent for credit card payments. Create your own itinerary by adding on optional tours: full-day trip to Machu Picchu ($139) or to Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo ($39). Extra nights from $16. Depending on international flight schedules, additional overnights in Lima may be required. Single supplement $161. Contact: Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com. Europe Budapest for $1,239 Malev flights from New York, a one-way transfer (airport to hotel), five nights at the three-star Hotel Erzsébet, breakfast daily, a three-day Budapest card (all public transportation, discounts at attractions), a cruise on the Danube River, and a traditional Hungarian dinner at Owl's Castle. When: June 1--Aug. 31. Other Gateways: Czech Airlines flights from Boston (add $56), D.C. (add $84), Chicago (add $116), Miami (add $190), Dallas (add $263), L.A. (add $411). Details: Extra nights from $59. Single supplement from $204. Contact: Tradesco Tours, 800/448-4321, tradescotours.com. Europe Cruise for $1,099 Ten days aboard Princess Cruises' Golden Princess on a round-trip sailing from Southampton, England. The itinerary includes two days at sea and stops in Zeebrugge, Belgium; Oslo, Norway; Copenhagen, Denmark; Hamburg, Germany (optional trip to Berlin); Rotterdam, Netherlands; and Le Havre, France (optional trip to Paris). When: June 1 ($1,099 inside cabin/$1,198 outside cabin); June 21 ($1,199/$1,298); July 11, 31 ($1,399/$1,498). Details: Prices include port charges but not airfare. Call for the singles price. Contact: GalaxSea Cruises and Tours, 800/662-5450, cruisestar.com. Ireland for $449 A seven-day economy car rental and seven nights in one of 19 cottages or apartments throughout Ireland. The $449 price is based on the Cronebeg Apartments in Lahinch, County Clare. When: All rentals run Saturday to Saturday. June 1--30 (from $449), July 1--31 (from $539), Aug. 1--31 (from $709). Details: This is a land-only price; it does not include airfare. Rentals are only offered by the week. Single supplement from $449. Quadruple occupancy and a larger car, from $259 per person. Add flights from New York starting at roughly $529. Contact: Brian Moore International Tours, 800/982-2299, bmit.com. Prague for $788 Czech Airlines flights from Montreal, New York, or Toronto, transfers, six nights at the three-star Hotel U Sladku, breakfast daily, and a half-day city tour. When: July 1--Aug. 31 ($1,112), Sept. 1--Oct. 30 ($788). Other Gateways: Boston (add $26); D.C. (add $34); Chicago (add $108); Miami, Orlando (add $152); L.A., (add $290). Details: Extra nights $35. Single supplement from $65. Contact: Summit International Travel, 800/247-1142, summittours.com. Russia for $1,699 Finnair flights from New York to St. Petersburg (via Helsinki), transfers, five nights in three-star hotels (three in St. Petersburg, two in Moscow), an overnight train between cities, breakfast daily, guided sightseeing throughout, including tours of the Kremlin and the Hermitage, and an evening performance in each city. When: Thursday departures June 1--Sept. 14. Other Gateways: Boston, D.C. (add $150); Dallas, Miami (add $310); L.A., San Francisco (add $375). Details: Extra nights from $130. Single supplement from $255. Contact: Eastern Tours, 800/339-6967, traveltorussia.com. Spain for $889 Air from New York to Madrid and a seven-day Hertz car rental with unlimited miles. Create your own itinerary and book your own hotels. When: June 23--Aug. 31. Other Gateways: Boston ($909); D.C. ($939); Atlanta ($989); Miami ($1,009); Chicago ($1,029); Dallas ($1,049); L.A., San Francisco ($1,159); Phoenix, Seattle ($1,169). Details: Extra days with car from $33. Single supplement $90. Contact: Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com. Vienna for $1,169 Austrian Airlines flights from New York, transfers, six nights at the three-star Hotel Post, breakfast daily, and a half-day city tour. When: June 1--Aug. 31. Other Gateways: Boston (from $1,199); D.C., Philadelphia (from $1,209); Chicago (from $1,269); Atlanta, Miami (from $1,298); Houston (from $1,309); Denver, L.A., San Francisco, Seattle (from $1,349). Details: Extra nights from $79. Single supplement from $189. Contact: Tatra Travel, 800/321-2999, austrian-vacations.com. Africa & Middle East Take a Walk on the Wild Side in Zambia for $3,232 Zambia's pristine Luangwa Valley is known both for spectacular game viewing--lions, elephants, leopards--and for the unique walking safaris offered there in the dry season, June through September. Spend two days at Mfuwe Lodge with two game drives daily. Then head south for four nights in the more remote Bushcamps of Kuyenda, Chamilandu, Chendeni, and Bilimungwe. (Most guests opt to split their time between two camps, but it's possible stay one night in each, depending on availability.) Take two walking safaris daily and drive between camps, or walk from camp to camp. Lion World Tours' 11-day, 8-night package includes South African Airways flights from Atlanta or New York to Johannesburg, all transfers and local flights, one night at the Grand Hotel near Jo'burg Airport, and seven nights in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park (three nights at Mfuwe Lodge and four at the Bushcamps), all game drives/walks and meals while on safari, and park entry fees. When: June 1--8 ($3,232), June 9--Aug. 20 ($4,199), Aug. 22--99 ($3,899), Sept. 1--30 ($3,399). Other Gateways: D.C., Miami (add $140); Chicago, St. Louis (add $180); L.A., Seattle (add $260). Details: Single supplement $575. Add three days at Victoria Falls for $799. Contact: Lion World Tours, 800/387-2706, lionworldtravel.com. Botswana for $2,995 South African Airways flights from Atlanta or New York to Victoria Falls (via Johannesburg), local flights and transfers, one night in Johannesburg at the Airport Grand Hotel, six nights at the Chobe Safari Lodge, breakfast daily, dinner daily at Chobe, and a total of 10 activities--game drives, cruises on the Chobe River, a 30-minute scenic flight over the national park, and an excursion to Victoria Falls. When: Until June 8, Aug. 21--Sept. 30 ($2,995); June 9--Aug. 20 ($3,295). Other Gateways: None. Details: Extend your stay in Africa for up to two months. Single supplement $300. Contact: 2Afrika, 866/462-2374, 2afrika.com. South Africa for $2,079 South African Airways flights from Atlanta or New York, an eight-day car rental, seven nights' lodging (three in Cape Town at the City Lodge V&A Waterfront, two along the Garden Route at the Knysna Quays Waterfront, and two on safari at Kariega Lodge in the Kariega Game Reserve), breakfast daily, a half-day tour of Cape Town, and all meals at Kariega. When: June 1--Aug. 31 ($2,234); Sept. 1--Oct. 31 ($2,079). Other Gateways: Miami, Philadelphia (add $200); L.A. (add $300). Details: Extra nights from $75 in Cape Town, $120 at Knysna Quays, $260 at Kariega Lodge. Single supplement from $782. Contact: South African Airways Holidays, 888/777-1138, saaholidays.net. Asia Bali for $899 Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. or San Francisco, transfers, and five nights at the Grand Balisani Suites with breakfast daily. When: Until June 5 and Aug. 22--Dec. 5 ($899); June 6--Aug. 21 ($1,174). Other Gateways: Denver (add $175), New York (add $200), Chicago (add $295), Dallas (add $325). Details: Extra nights $25. Single supplement $125. Contact: Sayang Holidays, 888/472-9264, sayangholidays.com. China Tour & Yangtze River Cruise for $2,795 Air from L.A., San Francisco, or Seattle to Beijing (return flight is from Hong Kong), 15 nights' hotel and four nights aboard a Regal China cruise ship, most meals, 11 tours (including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong), and more. When: June 21, 23, 27 ($2,795); July 4, 11, 12, 19, 21 ($2,895); Aug. 1, 4, 8 ($2,795); Aug. 11, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23 ($2,995); Aug 27 ($3,195). Other Gateways: Chicago, Houston (add $100); New York (add $150). Details: Geared toward people over the age of 50. Single supplement add $695. Contact: Grand Circle Travel, 800/248-3737, gct.com. India & Nepal Tour for $2,640 Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. to New Delhi, transfers, local transportation and flights, 15 nights' lodging and one overnight train, and guided sightseeing throughout. The 20-day itinerary includes visits to New Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, Agra, and the Taj Mahal in India, and Royal Chitwan National Park and Kathmandu in Nepal. When: June 1 ($2,640); June 29, July 27, Aug. 17 ($2,765); Sept. 7, Oct. 5 ($2,515). Other Gateways: New York (from $2,595), Chicago (from $2,810). Details: Add roughly $250 per week for expenses. Single supplement $300. Contact: Djoser, 877/356-7376, djoserusa.com. Tokyo for $929 Singapore Airlines flights from L.A., transfers, five nights at the Tokyo Hilton, and a half-day city tour. When: Sunday--Thursday departures June 5--Aug. 21 ($1,049) and Aug. 22--Dec. 5 ($929). Other Gateways: None. Details: Add $50 for weekend travel. Extra nights $85. Single supplement $399. Add three days in Kyoto for $320 (includes bullet train and two nights at the Rihga Royal Hotel). Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com. South Pacific Bora-Bora for $1,689 Air Tahiti Nui flights from L.A., transfers, interisland flights, and six nights' lodging (one at the Sheraton Hotel Tahiti in Papeete and five at the Novotel Bora-Bora Beach Resort). When: Monday and Thursday departures until Oct. 31. Other Gateways: San Francisco (add from $180); New York, Seattle (add from $300); Houston (add from $360); Chicago (add from $400). Details: Extra nights from $120. Single supplement from $410. Contact: Islands in the Sun, 800/828-6877, islandsinthesun.com. Fiji for $2,249 Air Pacific flights from L.A., two nights at the First Landing Resort, three nights aboard the Mystique Princess on a four-day cruise of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, and all meals while on the ship. When: June 1--17, July 19--Aug. 26 ($2,249); June 18--July 18 ($2,299). Other Gateways: Phoenix (add from $135), Seattle (add from $300), Houston (add from $390), New York (add from $455). Details: Extra nights from $88. Single supplement from $570. Contact: Air Pacific and Brendan Worldwide Vacations, 800/421-8446, airpacificusa.com. Australia Australia for $2,369 Qantas flights from L.A., transfers, 15 nights' lodging (four nights in Sydney, seven in Tasmania, and four in Melbourne), a Sydney Harbour cruise or Sydney by Divas tour, a seven-day car rental in Tasmania, and dinner at the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant in Melbourne. When: Until June 17, July 19--Aug. 26 ($2,369); June 18--July 18, Aug. 27--Dec. 5 ($2,669). Other Gateways: San Francisco (add $125); New York, Orlando (add $455). Details: Call for the extra-night price. Single supplement $1,130. Contact: Newmans South Pacific Vacations, 888/592-6224, newmansvacations.com. New Zealand New Zealand for Families for $3,491 Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Christchurch (return flight is from Auckland) and a 12-day Spirit 4 camper-van rental (four berths, shower, toilet, and a kitchenette). Prices start at $3,491 for a family of three or $3,993 for a family of four (kids 16 or under). When: June 1--Aug. 26. Other Gateways: San Francisco (add from $140 per person), Dallas (add from $394), New York (add from $458). Details: Extra days from $70 per family. A six-berth Spirit 6 starts at $4,073 for four; additional adults $999 per, additional kids $499 per. Contact: Goway Travel, 800/387-8850, goway.com.