Hot deals: Escape to Tonga before the year's end

By VICTORIA BARTLE

Under $670

Fly with Air New Zealand from Auckland to Tonga for four nights for $669 a person, twin share - as long as you complete the trip by December 31. This package is priced for accommodation with "shared facilities". For a $999 package, you'll stay at a resort where you get your own bungalow or twin Samoan fale. Airport transfers are included. This must be booked and paid for by November 30 with cash, cheque or Eftpos - not a credit card.

Contact: Itchyfeet Travel, phone (09) 353 2626.

Under $1900

More than 400 years old, Bakken Park in Denmark is the world's oldest amusement park. Entry to the park is free.

The park boasts more then 150 attractions and a range of traditional Danish restaurants.

Get to Bakken Park, just north of Copenhagen, in time for the 2005 season's opening in mid-March with a flight package that includes a stopover and accommodation in Singapore or Bangkok.

Priced from $1899 a person, twin-share, you can fly from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, and enjoy a decent stopover of four nights in either Singapore or Bangkok, and a $400 duty free voucher for each couple.

Accommodation in Denmark is not included and other surcharges and taxes are also not included.

This package is available for sales until December 15 and travel between February 1 and March 31 next year.

Contact: Flight Centre, freephone 0800 354 448.

Under $590

Seven nights on the Gold Coast from $589 a person, share twin. Price includes return airfares from Auckland to Brisbane. This package is valid for travel until December 23 this year. Accommodation is at Broadwater Keys Motel. Airport and departure taxes and surcharges are not included.

Contact: Holiday Shoppe, freephone 0800 808 480.

Under $2900

Chicago's famous State Street Thanksgiving Parade is held on November 25 - a very American celebration that attracts 350,000 people.

Join them by booking a five-night package with return airfares from Auckland to Chicago.

Also included are two nights' accommodation at the Airport Marriott Hotel in Los Angeles, airport transfers, and three nights at the centrally located Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, which is within easy walking distance for the big thanksgiving event.

The attractions include giant helium balloons, floats, award winning marching bands, equestrian displays, local and national celebrities.

Departures from Wellington are an extra $100 an adult.

Contact: House of Travel, freephone 0800 838 747.