China 10-night tour, with air, from $959

The Real Deal: Round-trip international airfare to Shanghai with a connecting flight in Beijing on an Air China carrier, ten nights' accommodations, most meals (10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners), transportation by private bus, guided sightseeing tours, and the services of an English-speaking tour guide, from $959 per person — plus taxes starting at $383.

When: Depart on Nov. 5, 12, 27; add $29 for Dec. 3, 10; $300 for March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28, July 23, Aug. 6, 20, Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; $440 for June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 9; $700 for Dec. 24, 2009. (The early-bird discount takes $300 off listed package rates for departures Nov. 1–30 and $200 off rates for departures March 1–Oct. 31.)