I just got back from a very lovely week in South Africa which consisted of 4 nights in Cape Town and 2 nights in Timbavati Game Reserve -- all for just $1999. This price covered all my flights (international and domestic), accommodations, several meals, safari drives and a half-day tour in Cape Town (I chose to go to Robben Island). And this was luxury package to boot. The Royal Legend Safari Lodge I stayed at had a bathroom that was larger than a former apartment I had in New York.

On principle I pay for my own travel, and believe me, this means I look for a deal like the rest of you. Several people I met had managed to add a few days on, or changed their tours, all without a single hassle. And because it's South Africa, you really don't need a host of vaccinations, nor do you have to worry about getting sick since even the tap water is safe to drink. Cape Town is an extremely modern city and with a favorable exchange rate you can enjoy gourmet meals with fabulous wines for under $40.

If the idea of traveling to Africa frightens you a little, or if it always seems to be too expensive, this is the package you should opt for. It gives a great little taste of South Africa and will leave you wanting more. You can book the $1999 deal through South Africa Airways Vacations for September (2008) as well as the first 2 weeks of December (2008). It would just be silly not to.