The Real Deal: Nine nights' accommodations (six nights on public campgrounds with showers and toilets, two nights' bush camping and one night at a farmstay), all ground transportation in a private bus, most meals, guided sightseeing tours, surf lessons, a treetop canopy walk, a camel safari, whale-watching, a nighttime wildlife tour, a meeting with an Aboriginal elder, the services of a guide, and national park entry fees, from $1,265 per person — including all taxes and fees.
When: Wednesday departures May 12, Sept. 1, 22, Oct. 13, 27, Nov. 10, Nov. 24, 2010–Jan. 26, 2011.
The fine print: No additional taxes and fees. Based on single or double occupancy; solo travelers will be paired with same-sex roommates. Bring an estimated $186 for additional meals. Minimum group size is four; maximum is 15. Read before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability.
Contact: Intrepid Travel, 800/970-7299, .
Why it's a deal: The cost of this breaks down to about $141 per person per night and includes nine nights' accommodations, most meals, ground transportation, sightseeing, and the valuable services of a local guide and driver.
Plus, you get the convenience of having the tour operator arrange the entire 10-day trek across remote Western Australia, an experience that would be difficult to book independently.
More: Hotel accommodations at the can be arranged for an additional $112 per night for a single room or $56 per person per night for a shared room.
