Travel Departures: Globe-girdling

JULY and August are busy months for air travel everywhere, so fares tend to rise. But some good value round-the-world routings are still on offer. For departures between now and 15 July, and from 16 August, Quest Worldwide (081-547 3322) has a route taking in Bangkok, Manila, either Melbourne or Sydney, and one stop on Air New Zealand's Pacific network (such as Tahiti, Rarotonga or Western Samoa) for pounds 848. The return leg must begin between 1 October and 15 November. For pounds 2 more, Bridge the World (071-911 0900) routes you to Auckland via Hong Kong and back from New Zealand via Fiji or Honolulu; this fare is valid outbound between now and the end of September, inbound in October or November.