The Real Deal: Round-trip nonstop airfare on Qantas and four nights' accommodations, from $999 per person — plus about $118 in taxes and fees.
When: Through Sept. 21, 2009.
Gateways: L.A. or San Francisco; add $200 for New York City; additional gateways available.
The fine print: Does not include about $118 per person in taxes and fees. Based on double occupancy; single supplement is $1,195. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: Feb. 27, 2009.
Contact: Qantas Vacations, 888/813-7783, qantasvacations.com.
Why it's a deal: In a recent Kayak search, we found a round-trip fare between San Francisco and Sydney for $811 in early April (United). The four-night hotel stay will cost about $350 per person, including taxes. Booking independently, you could expect to pay about $1,161 per person, including all taxes. By booking this deal, you'll save about $44, and you'll save time by booking in one sitting.
Lodging: You'll stay at the Travelodge Sydney Hotel near Darling Harbour and the Sydney Aquarium. This property is more attractive and modern than you might think from its name; the 406 rooms have blond-wood furnishings and standard amenities. Travelodge operates eight area hotels, as well as hotels in other Australian cities such as Melbourne and Brisbane.
More: There are hotel upgrade options available: Add $100 per person for the Menzies Sydney or the Grace Hotel; add $200 per person for the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay or the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. Add extra nights at the Travelodge from $70 per person.
Before you go: U.S. citizens will need a valid passport and visa for travel. Hotel transfers are not included; Sydney has an Airport Link, with one-way trips starting around $14. Get more info on public transit services in Sydney here. For more ideas on what to do, visit Sydney's official tourism site. Keep in mind that Sydney's warmest month is February, with average highs of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. But the weather remains mild throughout the year — even during Sydney's winter (June and July), there are highs in the low 60s.