Getting away on a budget

Under $500

Holiday packages released last week by Freedom Air mean you can relax on Australia's Gold Coast for a week from $499 with return airfares included. Sales are until January 26 for travel between February 1 and June 25.

A variety of packages range from seven nights at the Miami Pacific from $499 a person to seven nights at the Paradise Isles at Surfers Paradise from $599 a person or the Super Deal of seven nights' accommodation at Santorini Holiday Apartments with transfers plus entry into Sea World or Movie World from $699 a person. Extra nights at special rates are also available.

Contact: House of Travel Takapuna, freephone 0800 825 2786

Under $1200

Catch a flight to Bali on the only airline that travels there direct, and also get six nights' accommodation from $1199. Travel must be started and completed between January 11 and March 31.

Travel is with Garuda Airlines, direct to Bali but with a brief touchdown in Brisbane. There are a variety of accommodation packages to choose from at different prices. This deal must be booked and paid for by January 30.

Contact: Itchyfeet Travel (09) 353 2626

Under $1650

Make 2004 the year of Disney with a five-night package to Anaheim, right on Disneyland's doorstep, priced from $1649 a person. The package is on sale until January 27 and is valid for travel from January 27 until June 24, though various travel periods apply.

It includes return airfares with Air New Zealand, five nights' accommodation, daily continental breakfasts and return airport transfers. Airport taxes, insurance and other charges are additional.

Contact: Flight Centre freephone 0800 354 448

Under $2000

Airfares aboard Emirates to Europe are available from $1999 a person for low season travel between February 1 and March 31.

Based on an early bird special, the package must be booked and paid in full before January 30. There are also packages available for the mid and high seasons. Combine the flight with a short stopover in Dubai priced from NZ$38 a person a night. No visa is required for the UAE for New Zealand passport holders and Dubai is also tax-free.

Contact: Destinations Unlimited (09) 4141 680Victoria Bartle