Six places you never thought you could afford

ByABC News
April 22, 2009, 2:31 PM

— -- Despite the economy, it is still possible to find deals to even the most far-flung destinations. And thanks to new flight routes, the strong U.S. dollar, and unbelievable travel sales, six of these exotic locations have just become a lot more affordable.

The following deals are listed without taxes and fees, unless otherwise noted. While the most affordable departure city has been listed, others are available at varying prices.

Australia

These days you can explore the outback without denting your piggy bank. In fact, with several airlines offering flight sales, it's just as cheap to fly to Australia as it is to Europe. Plus, the exchange rate is even better than the euro once you land. For instance, a pint of beer will cost $7 in the U.K., but only $3 in Australia.

With the launch of Australia's new international airline V Australia, flights between Los Angeles and Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane start at $530 round-trip through December 15; other airlines have started to offer competitive prices as well.

Qantas has two different ways to save. The airline offers flights starting at just $530 round-trip from Los Angeles to Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne for travel between August 2 and September 28 or between October 25 and December 6. You must book by April 21. If you're planning on traipsing about the country, the AirPass may be more your speed. The pass starts at $999, and includes round-trip airfare from the U.S., plus three domestic flights in Australia. Prices are based on seasonality and travel zones. You must book by April 30. Both sales have already been extended, so keep an eye out to see if this trend continues.

Not to be outdone, United has also offered an Australia sale, with flights starting at $778 round-trip traveling from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Sydney or Melbourne before September 21. No booking date has been released.

Qantas Vacations also makes it easy to save once you land by offering one-week walkabouts in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane starting at $699 for six-night's lodging, airport transfers, and some tours.

To help plan your trip after you land, visit Tourism Australia's website.

Tahiti

Some may see Tahiti as an unattainable paradise, only to be visited in one's dreams, but it's time to wake up and smell the savings. The pristine white beaches and crystal clear waters are within your reach, as several new sales have put Tahiti and the surrounding islands back on the budget-savvy map.

Air Tahiti Nui is offering two deals that will appeal to leisure and family travelers. The first is a Tahiti Quick Getaway sale on flights, which lists fares starting at $989 round-trip departing from Los Angeles to Papeete before May 31 or between November 1 and December 10. You must book by May 15. Flights in May typically cost about $1,300, so this is a considerable savings overall.

Next, you can take your little ones to the islands for free. The family vacation package starts at $3,396 per family, and includes round-trip airfare from Los Angeles for two adults and two kids, five nights' stay at a resort, fuel surcharges, airport transfers, daily breakfast, and free meals for kids. The deal is available only on certain dates during the summer. In comparison, a trip for a family of four to Orlando in July, with round-trip tickets from Los Angeles and fivenights' hotel would cost about $2,012 without tickets to theme parks (about $902 extra for the entire family) or meals.