Halfway across the world, Air New Zealand is putting their own spin on “grinning and baring it.” Indeed, as other airlines struggle to balance their budgets and shed unnecessary staff, this innovative and daring company is shedding something else altogether, as revealed in the launch of their cheerful and refreshing new ad campaign. Their “Nothing to Hide” ad and “Bare Essentials of Safety” in-flight video, introduced last Monday, feature Air New Zealand employees in immaculate uniforms – that are entirely painted on. The ad invites leery travelers to hop onboard and secure low fares that, like certain Air New Zealand employees, have “nothing to hide” (in short, there are no additional hidden fees). The buzz-generating campaign brings a saucy, lighthearted attitude to an industry that has been mired in dismal revenue losses and cutbacks, asking travelers to choose Air New Zealand for their cheeky simplicity and quirky sense of humor as much as for their transparent pricing.

Experienced budget travelers know that in order to hop around the globe without bankrupting themselves they have to follow the golden rule: go where it’s cheap, when it’s cheap. The industry is always changing, and a traditionally expensive destination can quickly become affordable. Case in point: Australia.

May through August is winter in Australia, so while summer fares to locales in the Northern Hemisphere skyrocket, fares to this far-off nation do just the opposite. Air New Zealand, United, and Qantas Airways are all offering tempting rates from the West Coast starting from as little as $263 each way. Most fares are valid on select dates through December, but these sales end as soon as May 19. Once you touch down in Australia, your dollar will go a lot further – exchange rates are more favorable than they’ve been in years.

Our editors put these advertised fares to the test, and here are some sample fares that turned up on select dates in September.

•    Los Angeles-Melbourne: $642
•    Los Angeles-Sydney: $648
•    Los Angeles-Brisbane: $654
•    San Francisco-Melbourne: $663
•    And more

Fares listed are round-trip and include taxes and fees.

We’ve just come across a standout sale on Air New Zealand that our editors are downright gaga over. Travel to Australia via Los Angeles or San Francisco, and nab unbelievable fares from just $675 round-trip – that’s the lowest rate we’ve seen on this route in as long as we can remember. Travel is valid in May or June, and again from September 23 through October 24. Fly to Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Brisbane, and beyond at these highly reduced rates – plus, take advantage of a layover in Auckland, or in select South Pacific locales, for just $100 more. Be sure to factor in up to $120 on top of base rates in additional taxes and fees, and to book before this deal disappears for good on March 17.