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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

National Parking
We feature a New Zealand camper-van package in just about every issue. That's because these packages are the most affordable and flexible way to explore the country: You can cook meals in the van's kitchenette and pull over to sleep wherever free camping is permitted.

New Zealand from $1,329
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. or San Francisco to Christchurch (returning from Auckland), transfers, a 12-night camper-van rental, and the interisland ferry. The price includes the drop-off fee in Auckland and fuel surcharges. When: Aug. 1–Sept. 15. Other Gateways: None. SS: $357. Information: All About Travel, 800/274-8687, allabouttours.com.

Sydney, Cairns & Melbourne from $2,499
Qantas Airways flights from Honolulu, L.A., or San Francisco to Sydney; transfers; all flights within Australia; and 12 nights' hotel accommodations split between Sydney's Park Regis City Centre hotel, Cairns's Mercure Hotel Harbourside, and Melbourne's Hotel Ibis. When: Until July 31 ($2,699); Aug. 1–31 ($2,499); Sept. 1–Dec. 8 ($2,899). Blacked out Nov. 1–7. Other Gateways: Atlanta (add $210), Seattle (add $220), Houston (add $250), New York (add $300), Miami (add $360). SS: $1,000. Information: Goway Travel, 800/387-8850, goway.com.

SOUTH PACIFIC

Fiji from $2,177
Air Pacific flights from L.A. to Savusavu, on the island of Vanua Levu (via Nandi); all transfers; a lei greeting; seven nights in an ocean-view bure at the beachfront Koro Sun & Rainforest Spa; and all meals. Price includes airport taxes and fuel surcharges. When: Until Dec. 31. Other Gateways: None. SS: $691. Information: All About Travel, 800/274-8687, allabouttours.com.