Latest travel deals

By Staff and wire

What to do Spend an afternoon on the famed black volcanic sand at Mahina Beach, Point Venus Beach or Papenoo Village Beach. On Sunday, head to the bustling Le Marche Papeete, the island's central market overflowing with piles of tropical fruit, flowers and souvenirs. Learn about the history of pearls at the Musee de la Perle Robert Wan, and then shop at the adjoining Tahiti Perles, which sells high-quality pearl jewelry. Don't miss a short ferry or plane trip to the pristine, less-developed coastal islands of Moorea, Bora Bora and Huahine.

What to see Be sure to see original sketches of French Post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin at the Paul Gauguin Museum. Then visit the adjacent Harrison W. Smith Botanical Gardens to appreciate the lush natural landscape that inspired Gauguin. Set on a lagoon with a gorgeous view of Moorea is the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, the perfect place to discover the geological past of the island and the history and culture of its people. Try to catch a traditional Tahitian dance performed by the Grande Danse de Tahiti troupe at the Inter-Continental Resort Tahiti.

Where to eat For lunch, head to Le Royal Tahitien (at Hotel Le Royal Tahitien, PK 4, Pirae, East of Town; 689-504-040), popular with locals for its fresh salads and seafood. Restaurant Dao (Rue des Ecoles, Papeete; 689-820-808) is a trendy spot known for its pan-Asian menu and fashionable clientele. For gourmet French cuisine, try Auberge de Pacifique (PK 11.2, West Coast; 689-439-830), a beautiful lagoonside restaurant. Make a reservation to dine at Le Lotus (at the Inter-Continental Resort Tahiti, PK 7, West Coast; 689-865-110 ext. 5512), another romantic French restaurant promising an outstanding gastronomic experience.

The deal This package includes round-trip airfare, five-night hotel accommodations at the Sofitel Tahiti Resort, all transfers, and daily breakfast and dinner for two people. Book by March 16 for travel now through March 31. For details, call 888-271-1584 or visit www.libertytravel.com.

Samba and tango, from $1,075 Experience the gorgeous beaches of Rio, the spectacular waterfalls of Iguassu and the cosmopolitan vibe of Buenos Aires.

The deal This Brazil-Argentina package includes round-trip airfare and eight-night hotel accommodations (three nights in Rio de Janeiro, two nights at Iguassu Falls and three nights in Buenos Aires). Book now for travel through Feb. 29. For details, call 866-645-2846 or visit www.latindestinations.com.

Last-minute trip to Malta, from $699 Discover the rich history of this Mediterranean island south of Italy, and enjoy its wonderful museums, shopping and restaurants.

The deal This package includes round-trip airfare, six-night hotel accommodations, transfers and daily breakfast. Book by Nov. 15 for travel Jan. 8 through Feb. 23. For details, call 800-227-3235 or visit www.go-today.com -- By Marisa Costa

SKI PACKAGES

Get 30 percent off mid-week accommodations and ski-lift tickets at Mont Tremblant in Quebec if you book the Glide Into Winter package by Nov. 15 and complete travel by Dec. 20. For example, a three-night package with lodging at La Tour des Voyageurs and three-day lift tickets starts at $656 a couple, including taxes. 866-311-2165; lessuitestremblant.com.

From the start of the ski season to April 12, midweek nightly rates at the Village at Squaw Valley, Calif., will start at $179 a person (double occupancy) and will include two adult lift tickets or a $73 spa credit. Added nights will include the tickets or spa credit. For children younger than 12, lift tickets are $5 each. 877-297-2140; thevillageatsquaw.com

Two people can get in a full day of skiing or snowboarding at Jiminy Peak in Massachusetts, and two nights' lodging at nearby Porches Inn, North Adams, for the "ski and stay" package that costs $329 during the week and $459 on weekends. In addition to skiing and accommodations, the price includes breakfasts and afternoon refreshments. Indulge in an après-ski swim in the heated outdoor pool or warming drinks by a bonfire.413-664-0400 porches.com

Resorts at or near Big Sky, Mont., are featuring various packages for the coming ski season, through April 15. The 320 Guest Ranch, with a total of 87 sleeping rooms in 59 modern cabins, log homes and a chalet, is close to downhill and cross-country skiing at Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin. Nightly rates for the Big Sky Great Value Ski & Stay Package are from $165 for single occupancy, $264 double, $363 triple, and $462 quad. The price includes breakfast, a full-day lift ticket to both Big Sky and Moonlight Basin and access to the free shuttle to the ski mountains. Children 10 and younger stay and ski free. 800-243-0320; 320Ranch.com

At River Rock Lodge, the "ski value" package for the season includes lodging, breakfast, all-day pass and transportation to the slopes, for daily per-person rates of $84 (quad occupancy) and "$111 (double). Children 10 and younger stay and ski free.. 866-995-4455; riverrocklodging.com