Cheap seats to Africa, Costa Rica

Yes, you've read tons about the rising cost of airfares. But some are still downright bargains. Here are two you might want to know about.

• Africa: Fly on specified dates roundtrip between Nov. 4 and Dec. 3, and a roundtrip ticket between New York or Washington and Johannesburg or New York and Dakar will cost $244 each way on South African Airways as part of the airline's November to Remember promotion. Once you add in pesky taxes and surcharges, that leaves you with a total fare of about $884. You must book by Oct. 17. Limited availability. 800-722-9675.
• Costa Rica: NatureAir, which claims to be the world's first carbon neutral airline, flies routes within Costa Rica at remarkable prices. Some fares: San Jose to Arenal, $44 one way; San Jose to Limon, $53 one way. The catch: Flights book up quickly; we had trouble finding any seats this fall!