National Geographic Kids magazine's annual "Hands-On Explorer Challenge," will choose 15 kids ages 9-14 and two teachers to win an 11-day expedition to Australia, courtesy of Tourism Australia.

Kid rules: Submit an original essay of no more than 300 words describing how you "actively explore your world," illustrated with your own photo. Subjects might be found in a backyard, park, zoo, pond or on vacation. Each winner will bring a parent or guardian on the expedition.

Teacher rules: Conduct a hands-on activity related to Australia with students, and write an essay, no more than 500 words, to describe it. Ideas are at www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions.

Who can enter: Full-time teachers in grades 3 through 8 during the 2007-08 school year, and who plan to teach during the 2008-09 school year.

Deadline: Entries must be postmarked by Feb. 15 and received by Feb. 22. The Australia expedition will be July 16-28. www.kids.nationalgeographic.com.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SCORE A DEAL ON AIR TRAVEL?

If you're booking airfare online, know that airlines update available seats around 12 a.m. Eastern time every day, said Assen Vassilev, CEO of www.Lessno.com, a Web site that offers international flights. He added that weekend specials are usually released Thursday nights. So, Vassilev said, late Thursday night is a good time to check for the best deals.

TOP 25

TELL US YOUR FAVE SPOT IN HAWAI'I AND WE MAY SEND YOU THERE

Nominate your favorite place to spend relaxing time in the Islands — a scenic spot, a hotel or inn, an attraction, a town or village — and earn a chance to win a pair of Neighbor Island air tickets. Fill out a form or access one online; instructions are on Page E7. Our top 25 list will appear in March.