Hot deals: Living in the lap of luxury in Shanghai

Shanghai is a city on the fast track to the future.

UNDER $350

Shanghai
Radisson Shanghai New World is no supermarket but it has a super deal - luxury accommodation for two at $350 a night, a saving of $125 a night. The hotel is on Nan Jing Rd in Shanghai, right in the top shopping area.

Contact: Wotif.com, 0800 441-092 or book online wotif.com.

UNDER $1400

Singapore
It's called a Singapore Pak - a travel industry term for "special package deal". This one gives you four nights' accommodation in Singapore and return airfares from New Zealand on Royal Brunei, from $1399 each, twin-share. Must be bought by November 23 and the travel taken by the end of the month. Credit card payments don't get the same discount. The flight has a stopover in Bandar Seri there and back. There is a good selection of hotels to choose from in Singapore. Return airport transfers in Singapore and airport taxes are included in the price.

Contact: Itchyfeet Travel, (09) 353 2626 or online at itchyfeet.

UNDER $250

Dubai
Turn Christmas or the New Year into an overseas shopping spree at the Dubai Shopping Festival any time between December 20 and February 2. The festival features fashion shows, fireworks and laser displays, film festivals, street performances and prizes including Rolls-Royce cars and gold bullion. There's a special deal for two people sharing a standard room at the Karama Hotel in central Dubai for $214.50 a night.

Contact: Octopus Travel, 0800 448 846 or book online at octopus travel.

UNDER $1800

Shanghai
Be one of the first New Zealanders to take advantage of the direct air link from Auckland to Shanghai. Packages from $1799 each, twin-share, include return airfares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch and accommodation for four nights. Must be booked by November 30 but can be used only from March 1 to July 31.

Contact: Flight Centre, freephone 0800 747 474 or online at flight centre.

UNDER $2400

Round-the-world flights
It's not around the world in 80 days, but Air New Zealand's new round-the-world airfares will give you four destinations in four continents. Return flights to London, stopping at Hong Kong on the way there and in Los Angeles and Rarotonga on the way home, start at $2375. Tickets must be bought by the end of this month with travel between February 1 and June 30.

Contact: Flight Centre, 0800 747 474 or online at flight centre.