Package tours are simply a way to buy the airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (such as car rentals, airport transfers, and sometimes even activities) at the same time and often at discounted prices.
One good source of package deals is the airlines themselves. Most major airlines offer air/land packages, including Qantas Vacations (tel. 800/348-8145 in the U.S., or 800/348-8137 in Canada; www.qantasvacations.com) and United Vacations (tel. 888/854-3899; www.unitedvacations.com). Several big online travel agencies -- Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Site59, and Lastminute.com -- also do a brisk business in packages.
Austravel (tel. 0870/166-2020 in the U.K.; www.austravel.net) offers independent packages Down Under. The following companies offer both independent and escorted tours: ATS Tours (tel. 888/781-5170 in the U.S. and Canada; www.atstours.com); Collette Vacations (tel. 800/340-5158 in the U.S., 800/468-5955 in Canada, or 0800/0921-888 in the U.K.; www.collettevacations.com); Goway (tel. 800/387-8850 in the U.S. and Canada; www.goway.com); Maupintour (tel. 800/255-4266 in the U.S. and Canada; www.maupintour.com); Swain Tours (tel. 800/22-SWAIN in the U.S. and Canada; www.swaintours.com) and Swain's budget-travel division, Downunder Direct (tel. 800/642-6224 in the U.S. and Canada; www.downunderdirect.com). Swain Tours is operated and largely staffed by Aussies, and has an office in Sydney, as does Goway.
Escorted General-Interest Tours
Escorted tours are structured group tours, with a group leader. The price usually includes everything from airfare to hotels, meals, tours, admission costs, and local transportation.
Connections Adventures specialize in escorted tours for 18- to 35-year-olds. Call their partners, Australian Pacific Touring (tel. 800/290-8687 in the U.S.); Goway (tel. 800/387-8850 in Canada, 020/8946 4536 in the United Kingdom, 0800/278 687 in New Zealand, or 1800/077 251 or 02/8252 5300 in Australia; www.connectionsadventures.com); and Contiki (tel. 888/CONTIKI in the U.S. and Canada, 09/300 1601 in New Zealand, or 1300/188 635 or 02/9511 2200 in Australia; www.contiki.com). These trips attract a lot of Australians, too, so they are a good way to meet locals.
For more information on escorted general-interest tours, including questions to ask before booking your trip, see Frommers.com.
