South America

Buenos Aires & Rio for $879

Over-water bungalows at the Lagoon Resort and Spa on Bora-Bora [enlarge photo] FROM THE JULY/AUGUST ISSUE • Secret Hotels of Tuscany • Road Trip: Maine • Trip Coach: Pacific Coast • America's Grandest Mansions • Reno, Nevada

Air from Miami to Buenos Aires (the return flight is from Rio), three nights in B.A. at the Embajador Hotel overlooking Avenida 9 de Julio, a half-day city tour, an onward flight to Rio, three nights at the Savoy Othon Hotel near Copacabana Beach, and breakfast daily. When: Until Aug. 4 ($1,079), Sept. 1--Dec. 9 ($879). Other Gateways: New York ($1,179/$899), L.A. ($1,404/$1,129). Details: Extra nights from $31. Single supplement from $210. Contact: FlySouthVacations.com, 800/234-5245, flysouthvacations.com.

Chile for $839

Aerolíneas Argentinas flights from Miami, transfers, five nights in Santiago at Los Nogales Hotel (in the Providencia neighborhood) with breakfast daily, and a half-day city tour. When: Until Dec. 1. Other Gateways: New York (add $50). Details: Extra nights $39. Single supplement $190. Add a half-day winery tour for $55 or a full-day excursion to Viña del Mar and Valparaíso for $90. Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.

Peru for $999

LanPeru flights from Miami to Cuzco (via Lima), transfers, five nights at the Terra Andina Hotel with breakfast daily, one dinner, a half-day city tour, and a full-day guided excursion to Machu Picchu (train and lunch included). When: Daily departures July 1--Aug. 15 ($1,049) and Aug. 16--Dec. 9 ($999). Other Gateways: Atlanta, Denver, Orlando, San Francisco ($1,089/$1,039); L.A. ($1,129/$1,079); Boston, Philadelphia ($1,209/$1,159); New York ($1,229/$1,179). Details: Extra nights from $30. Single supplement $110. Contact: Marnella Tours, 866/993-0033, marnellatours.com.

Europe

A Splurge on Italy's Amalfi Coast for $2,299

With its craggy cliffs, sea-view trattorias, and bougainvillea-covered hotels, the dramatic peninsula south of Naples is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. No wonder it's always been a favorite for honeymooners. With a full week and a car, you can explore at your own pace. Visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii, take a hydrofoil to the island of Ischia and soak in a thermal bath, catch an outdoor concert at Villa Rufolo in Ravello, hop a ferry to Capri and visit the Blue Grotto, and have a sundowner at the famous Il San Pietro hotel in Positano. TourCrafters has partnered with the Italian airline Eurofly to offer a package that'll have you traveling in style. It includes nonstop business-class flights from New York to Naples, a seven-day car rental, seven nights in Sorrento at a four-star hotel (your choice of either the Bellevue Syrene or the Villa Garden), and breakfast daily. When: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday departures until Aug. 31, except Aug. 17. Other Gateways: None. Details: Extra nights from $113. Sorry, no rate for singles. A similar package to Sicily costs $2,590. Contact: TourCrafters, 800/482-5995, tourcrafters.com.

Austria for $899

Austrian Airlines flights from D.C. or New York to Innsbruck (via Vienna), three nights in Neustift (in the Alps; Hotel Bellevue or similar), two nights in your choice of either Innsbruck (Tourotel Breinossl) or Vienna (Atlantis Hotel), and breakfast daily. The package also includes private round-trip transfers from Innsbruck Airport to the Stubai Valley, and an onward flight from Innsbruck to Vienna, if you choose to spend your last two nights there. When: Until Aug. 31 ($1,109), Sept. 1--Oct. 15 ($899). Other Gateways: None. Details: Extra nights from $120. Single supplement $189. Contact: Austrian Airlines Vacation Center, 800/790-4682, austrianair-vacations.com.

England for $779

Air from New York, a seven-day car rental, six nights of vouchers good at your choice of 400 B&Bs throughout the country, and breakfast daily. When: Until Aug. 31 ($979), Sept. 1--Oct. 31 ($779). Other Gateways: Boston ($1,009/$839); Chicago, Miami ($1,129/$959); Houston ($1,169/$979); Seattle ($1,199/$999); L.A. ($1,259/$979). Details: Extra days with car and voucher $70. Single supplement $110. Contact: EuropeASAP, 415/750-5449, europeasap.com.

Istanbul for $679

Air from New York, transfers, and six nights at the Nazar Hotel (in the Laleli district) with breakfast daily. When: Until Aug. 25 ($949), Sept. 1--Oct. 31 ($679). Blacked out Aug. 19--22. Other Gateways: Philadelphia ($979/$709), Baltimore ($1,019/$729), Chicago ($1,099/$769), Miami ($1,129/$759), Denver ($1,189/$909), L.A. ($1,199/$859). Details: Extra nights from $18. Single supplement from $200. Contact: Go-today.com, 800/227-3235, go-today.com.

Malta for $1,040

Virgin Atlantic and Air Malta flights from Boston, D.C., or New York to Malta (via London), transfers, six nights with breakfast daily at the waterfront four-star Kennedy Nova in Sliema. The hotel is near the city center, and has a rooftop pool overlooking Sliema Creek and the harbor. When: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday departures July 4--27 ($1,216), Aug. 1--31 ($1,330), and Sept. 5--28 ($1,040). Other Gateways: Miami, Orlando ($1,287/$1,400/$1,135); L.A., San Francisco ($1,416/$1,530/$1,170). Details: Extra nights from $34. Single supplement $144. Add dinner daily for $120 total. Contact: Amelia International, 800/742-4591, ameliainternational.com.

Mediterranean Cruise for $1,155

Ten days aboard Celebrity Cruises' Century on a round-trip sailing from Barcelona. The itinerary includes two full days at sea and stops in Marseille and Villefranche, France; Livorno and Civitavecchia, Italy; and Palma, Ibiza, and Valencia, Spain. When: Sept. 2 ($1,480 inside cabin/$1,790 ocean view) or Sept. 23 ($1,155/$1,525). Details: Prices do not include port charges and taxes ($215) or international airfare. Call for the single price. Contact: CruiseBrothers.com, 800/827-7779, cruisebrothers.com.

Paris & Barcelona for $999

Air France flights from Boston or New York to Paris (the return is from Barcelona), three nights in Paris at the Comfort Hotel Lamarck Caulaincourt in Montmartre, an onward flight to Barcelona, three nights at the Expo Hotel near the Plaça d'Espanya, and breakfast daily. When: July 1--Aug. 31 ($1,199), Sept. 1--6 ($1,289), Sept. 7--Oct. 31 ($999). Other Gateways: Miami ($1,329/$1,419/$1,049), Chicago ($1,339/$1,429/$1,049), Houston ($1,379/$1,469/$1,099), L.A. ($1,449/$1,539/$1,379). Details: Extra nights from $41. Single supplement from $230. Contact: Air France Holidays, 800/237-2623, airfranceholidays.com.

Africa & Middle East

Cape Town & Kenya Safari for $2,005

South African Airways flights from Atlanta or New York to Cape Town (the return is from Nairobi, via Johannesburg); two nights in Cape Town at the City Lodge V&A Waterfront; an onward flight to Nairobi; one night each at the Nairobi Safari Club, the Samburu Game Lodge (Samburu Game Reserve), The Ark (Aberdare National Park), Lake Elementaita Lodge (Lake Nakuru); and two nights at the Mara Simba Lodge (Masai Mara Game Reserve). This 11-day, 8-night package includes all transfers, a half-day tour of Cape Town, breakfast daily in Cape Town and Nairobi, and all meals and activities while on safari. When: Thursday departures until Oct. 31. Other Gateways: Boston, Miami, Philadelphia (add $180); L.A. (add $260). Details: This is a discounted rate for BT readers (regular price is $2,239). Single supplement $250. Contact: South African Airways Holidays, 888/777-1138, saaholidays.net.

Egypt for $999

EgyptAir flights from New York to Cairo; transfers; five nights at the deluxe Sheraton Royal Gardens Hotel in Giza with breakfast daily; and two half-day guided tours of the Pyramids and Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. When: Sunday departures until Aug. 7 ($1,274) and Aug. 14--Dec. 4 ($999). Other Gateways: None. Details: Single supplement $125. Add three nights on the Red Sea in the resort area of Sharm al-Sheikh for $400 (includes flights, transfers, hotel, and breakfast daily), or a three-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor for $450 (includes flights, transfers, accommodations, meals, and shore excursions). Contact: Misr Travel, 800/223-4978, misrtravel.org.

Morocco Tour for $1,099

Air from New York to Casablanca (the return flight is from Marrakech), transfers, local transportation by private bus, six nights' lodging with breakfast daily (one in Casablanca, two in Fez, and three in Marrakech), five dinners, all entrance fees, and guided sightseeing throughout. The itinerary includes visits to Casablanca, Rabat, Moulay Idriss, Fez, Meknès, Beni Mellal, and Marrakech. When: Sept. 3, 24 ($1,099); Oct. 8, 22, and Nov. 19 ($1,199). Other Gateways: D.C. (add $216), Boston (add $238), Chicago (add $260), L.A. (add $378). Details: Extra nights in Marrakech from $56. Single supplement from $251. Contact: Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.

Zambia for $3,399

South African Airways flights from Atlanta or New York to Johannesburg, all transfers and local flights, one night at the Grand Hotel near Johannesburg airport, and seven nights in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park (three nights at Mfuwe Lodge and four at Bushcamps), all game drives/walks and meals while on safari, and park entry fees. When: Until Aug. 20 ($4,199), Aug. 22--31 ($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.

Asia

Visit Sri Lanka and Make a Real Difference for $2,195

The village of Ahangama, on the southern coast, had always been the final stop on Djoser's Sri Lanka tour. After two weeks of exploring the tea plantations and temples inland, travelers came to snorkel, relax on the beach, and marvel at the locals' unique skill of stilt fishing. But last year's tsunami devastated Ahangama, and Djoser has been forced to take its groups elsewhere--though it hasn't abandoned the town. With an initial donation of $4,000, it joined the "Bring Back to Life" program, a coalition of individuals and companies who have pledged to rebuild homes for 50 families. Participants in Djoser's trips to Sri Lanka can now make an active contribution themselves by extending their stay and helping in the cleanup and construction (Details: are on its website). The regular 18-day tour itinerary includes visits to the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, the cultural center of Kandy, and the western beach town of Negombo. The price covers Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. to Colombo (via Singapore), transfers, transportation by private bus, 14 nights' lodging, and guided sightseeing throughout. When: July 1, Aug. 12 ($2,445); Sept. 2, Oct. 28, Nov. 25 ($2,195); Dec. 23 ($2,545). Other Gateways: New York (add $55). Details: Add roughly $225 per week for expenses. Single supplement $275. For every Sri Lanka trip booked in 2005, Djoser will donate $100 to the relief effort. Whether or not travelers participate in the Ahangama project, they're encouraged to bring items from home to give to local families, such as much-needed cookware, cups, and plates. Contact: Djoser, 877/356-7376, djoserusa.com.

Bali for $829

Cathay Pacific flights from L.A. or San Francisco, transfers, five nights' hotel with breakfast daily, and a half-day temple tour. Spend five nights in one place or in a combination of three: Sanur Beach (Ari Putri Hotel), Kuta (Bakung Beach Cottages), and Ubud (Sri Bungalows). When: Until Aug. 15 ($1,029), Aug. 16--Dec. 9 ($829). Other Gateways: Portland, Seattle (add $50); New York (add $100); Denver, Salt Lake City (add $160); Dallas, New Orleans (add $280). Details: Extra nights $20. Single supplement $120. Add $50 to travel on the weekends. Free stopovers are available in Hong Kong. Contact: Escapes Unlimited, 800/243-7227, escapesltd.com.

China Tour for $1,699

Air China flights from L.A., transfers and all local transportation, 10 nights of four- or five-star lodging (three in Beijing, two each in Xi'an, Suzhou, and Shanghai, and one in Hangzhou), all meals, fully guided sightseeing and entrance fees (including the Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses, the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace), an acrobatic show in Beijing, and a cruise on the Grand Canal. When: Wednesday departures until Aug. 24 ($1,779) and Sept. 7--Nov. 2 ($1,699). Other Gateways: New York (add $100; nonstop Air China flights). Details: Extra nights from $120. Single supplement from $435. Contact: Champion Holidays, 800/868-7658, china-discovery.com.

Hong Kong for $999

Cathay Pacific flights from L.A. or San Francisco, transfers, five nights at the Kowloon Hotel on the "Golden Mile" of Nathan Road, breakfast daily, and a half-day city tour. When: Until Aug. 15 ($1,299), Aug. 16--Sept. 14 ($999), Sept. 15--30 ($1,099). Other Gateways: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Philadelphia (add $250--$300). Details: Extra nights from $100. Single supplement from $250. Add $100 for weekend travel. Add three nights in Beijing starting at $260 (includes air, transfers, hotel, and tours). Contact: Ritz Tours, 800/900-2446, ritztours.com.

Japan for $1,250

Singapore Airlines flights from L.A. to Tokyo; arrival transfer; three nights at the Sunshine City Prince Hotel in Tokyo's Ikebukuru neighborhood; breakfast daily; a half-day city tour; and a seven-day Japan Rail Pass (valid on railways, bus lines, and ferries), which allows you to explore the rest of Japan on your own. When: Until Aug. 20 ($1,498), Aug. 21--Dec. 5 ($1,250). Other Gateways: San Francisco (add $75); Denver, Las Vegas, Seattle (add $165); Dallas, Oklahoma City (add $285); Albany, Boston, Chicago, D.C., Minneapolis, New York (add $355); Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans, Richmond (add $400). Details: Extra nights from $180 (per room) in Tokyo. Single supplement from $441. Upgrade to the Century Hyatt Tokyo in Shinjuku for $100 more. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on all Shinkansen (bullet trains) except Nozomi. Add $190 for a 14-day pass; $335 for 21 days. Contact: Globotours, 800/988-4833, globotours.net.

South Pacific

Bora-Bora for $2,495

Air Tahiti Nui flights from New York to Papeete (new nonstop service), transfers and interisland flights, welcome and farewell leis, one night in an ocean-view room at the Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti in Arue, and five nights in a garden bungalow at the Lagoon Resort and Spa on Bora-Bora. When: Monday and Thursday departures July 4--Oct. 31. Add $85 for Saturday departures. Other Gateways: The regular L.A. departures are $200 less. Details: Call for the extra-night price. Single supplement $930. Upgrade to an over-water bungalow for $1,560 more. Contact: Swain Tours, 800/227-9246, swaintours.com/nytahiti.

Moorea for $1,289

Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Papeete, Tahiti; round-trip interisland ferry to Moorea; and seven nights in a bay-view room at the Club Bali Hai, a beachfront resort on Cook's Bay. When: Until Aug. 22 ($1,419), Aug. 23--Sept. 5 ($1,289). Other Gateways: None. Details: Extra nights from $58. Single supplement from $410. Upgrade to a beach bungalow for $235 more, over-water bungalow $500 more. Contact: Tahiti Legends, 800/200-1213, tahitilegends.com.

Australia

Sydney for $999

Air from L.A. or San Francisco and five nights with breakfast daily at the Southern Cross Suites in central Sydney, near Hyde Park and the Australian Museum. When: Until July 31 ($1,449), Aug. 1--Sept. 9 ($999), Sept. 10--15 ($1,249), Sept. 16--Dec. 2 ($1,599). Other Gateways: Seattle (add $146); Denver (add $194); Chicago (add $241); Atlanta, Boston, Miami, New York (add $288). Details: Extra nights from $59. Single supplement from $251. Add a full-day wine-tasting excursion with lunch for $109. Contact: Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.

New Zealand

New Zealand for $1,389

Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Christchurch (the return flight is from Auckland); a 13-day Spirit 2 camper-van rental (with two berths and a kitchenette); and tickets for the ferry crossing between Picton, on the South Island, and Wellington, on the North Island. When: Until Aug. 26 ($1,389), Aug. 27--Sept. 16 ($1,499), Sept. 17--Oct. 17 ($1,699). Other Gateways: San Francisco (add $125); Las Vegas, San Diego (add $135); Seattle (add $275). Details: Extra days with the camper-van start at $53. Single supplement from $260. Upgrade to a Spirit 2 Deluxe camper-van (it also has a toilet and shower) for $91 more. Contact: ATS Tours, 800/423-2880, atstours.com.

Reader report

Traci Powell of Las Vegas reminds us that sometimes the smallest decisions in life bring the biggest rewards. Last April, on a whim, I bought a copy of Budget Travel for the first time. Scanning the 40 Best, I found a Sunspots trip to Fiji for $994 and booked it immediately. I'm a foster care social worker, and with such a high-stress job, I really needed a place to relax by myself for a week. My last day in Nadi, I decided to take a day trip to Malamala Island. On the boat, I met Alex, the cruise supervisor, who was born and raised in Levuka, on Ovalau (coincidentally, one of the "10 Great Islands You've Never Heard Of" in your May 2005 issue). The moment I saw him, I knew it was meant to be. We hung out for most of the trip, and by the end, I knew I wanted to spend more time with him. I skipped my flight home and stayed in Fiji four more days. After I returned to Vegas, Alex and I talked every day, racking up $100 a week in phone bills. I went back to see him in July and again in September. We were married in Nadi on September 3, 2004. I've now been back and forth a total of eight times. Alex is moving to the U.S. this month, and Fiji will be our favorite vacation spot. As for BT, we now have a subscription. Vinaka (thanks) for helping to bring us together!