Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific

If there's one section that we consistently hear is your favorite, it's 40 Best Deals. But while we wanted to do something special with the section for this issue, we couldn't really ask you to find the deals. So instead, the companies that we've featured over the years are offering packages with exclusive perks and discounts. (Just look for the ">" within each deal.) And if you end up taking a trip you discovered in 40 Best Deals, please drop us a line and let us know how it went!

Sign up for more savings Many travel companies let customers know about new destinations and fire sales on last-minute deals through their e-mail newsletters. Some offer subscriber discounts on all bookings. Check out their websites for more options; and tell them Budget Travel sent you!

How was your trip? Have you taken a 40 Best Deals vacation? E-mail us how it went at Letters@BudgetTravel.com.

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

Melbourne & Great Ocean Road from $665
> 26 PERCENT OFF
Four nights in Melbourne at the Crossley Hotel, admission to an Aussie rules football game (with a guide to help you understand the rules), a four-day car rental, two nights along the Great Ocean Road at the Mercure Geelong Hotel, and two nights in Ballarat at the Doherty Ballarat Lodge. Airfare isn't included. When: June 1–Aug. 31. SS $570. Information: Springboard Vacations, 866/447-7746, springboardvacations.com.

Sydney & Melbourne from $1,499
> HARBOR CRUISE OR $50 DISCOUNT
Qantas Airways flights from L.A. to Sydney, four nights at the Hotel Ibis Darling Harbour, either a sightseeing cruise around Sydney Harbour or a $50 discount, an onward flight to Melbourne, and three nights at the Hotel Ibis Melbourne. Sightseeing packages with round-trip airport transfers are extra and start at $215 per person. When: June 1–8, July 26–31, Sept. 1–21 ($1,799); Aug. 1–31 ($1,499); June 9–July 25, Sept. 22–Oct. 31 ($1,999). Other Gateways: Dallas, Houston (add $250); New York (add $300); Miami, Orlando (add $360). SS: $485. Information: ATS Tours, 888/423-9181, atstours.com.

SOUTH PACIFIC

Cook Islands from $1,399
> FREE TRAVEL INSURANCE
Air New Zealand flights from L.A. to Rarotonga; transfers; five nights at the beachfront Edgewater Resort and Spa, on the west coast of the island; travel insurance; and breakfast daily. When: Until Mar. 31. Other Gateways: None. SS: $300. Information: Sunspots International, 800/334-5623, sunspotsintl.com.