December 1, 2003 -- In October, we wrote about a fantastic offer from Air New Zealand for a 12-night vacation in Australia starting from $1,599 including airfare and hotel ($133.25 per night). That deal expires this December 12. In the meantime, Qantas Airlines has come near that price (about $162 per night) with an offer that has tumbled to a minimum of $1,299, this time for eight nights, but for a more convenient time of year for us -- next spring and summer (their fall and winter).
The deal is for roundtrip economy airfare from Los Angeles, all domestic air in Australia, and four nights each in Sydney and Melbourne. Staying in a three-star hotel, you'll pay just $1,299 per person, with prices rising for high season (their summer, our winter) to $1,929. You can add on breakfasts daily for another $110 and a "sightseeing option" gives you a half-day tour in each city plus roundtrip coach transfers between airports and hotels therein. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. You can add-on for departures from other US cities, one example being New York for $395. US and foreign airport taxes and fees of about $126 are not included.
Other vacations include Sydney & Brisbane from $1,299, The Outback and Sydney from $1,899, and more. To reserve, contact them by phone at 888/505-6252. The website is www.australia.com.
Competitor Pleasant Holidays, which fancies itself a cut above the cheapest budget vacations, has a similar package costing only a dollar more (from $1,299), the deal also for eight nights. This bargain is good for travel between April 28 and June 19, 2004 and July 21 to August 28, 2004. For Sydney and Brisbane, the package is $1,299 per person; for Sydney and Melbourne the same; for Sydney and Cairns, it's $1,499 per person. For Sydney, Adelaide and Kangaroo Island, $1,499 per person. For Alice Springs, Ayers Rock and Sydney $1,899 per person.
All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and include roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles on Qantas, the lodging, and domestic air transportation within Australia. There are nice rates from other departure cities, and for additional room nights and sightseeing options. Certain taxes and restrictions apply.
For more information, contact your local travel agent or phone Pleasant Holidays at 800/448-3333. The company can be found online at www.pleasantholidays.com.
