They will now accept bookings through Tuesday, March 31 -- that's more than a week from now -- for outbound travel to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, or Auckland for all the way up to October 24, 2009. And that's starting immediately. It's called a "travel stimulus" sale, and it's at prices that represent a 60% discount off flights from Los Angeles or San Francisco and up to 55% off flights from New York (JFK).

The precise charge to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, or Auckland is $598 round-trip from Los Angeles or San Francisco, $798 round-trip from New York, plus taxes and fees that will range from $150 to $200, depending on the routing you select.

You should, of course, realize that these low sale fares are not available on every date or flight. Frequently you will find a one-way fare of $299 or $399 for your outbound flight, but higher one-way fares for your return flight, and it will then be necessary to search for several alternative dates when the return flight is available for $299 or $399. To save time, be sure to select the "flexible with dates" option when starting your search, and that way you'll more quickly learn of the flights on which the bargain can be had.

Keep in mind, too, that the "Aussie Air Pass" is also on sale until March 31. That's the device that enables you to fly not simply to Australia but within Australia for three other trips. It costs only $999 for round-trip flights between May 1 and June 8, and between July 26 and September 21. For other dates, use the "travel stimulus" fares I've described above.

The U.S. dollar currently buys more than $1.40 Australian, and more than $1.80 New Zealand dollars, making everything within those countries quite reasonably priced. If you have ever considered a trip there, now is the time (those air fares will never be cheaper).